Casa Loma — Landmark Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Zoom out. What’s this place all about? Early 20th-century military and business legend Sir Henry Pellatt (who at one time was the chairman of 21 diverse companies) spent a then-massive $3.5 million dollars to build this Canadian “Camelot” for himself and his wife, Lady Mary. Constructed between 1911 and 1914, the Gothic-style castle was inspired by the Pellatts' travels around Europe and is filled with treasures and artwork from Canada and beyond. The love for medieval flair didn’t stop with the décor: The castle was built with a series of battlements and hidden tunnels—the latter being one of the star draws for visitors today, along with gardens. Now operated by an entertainment management group, the castle is both an historic site and event venue, and attracts about 350,000 guests a year. Ye shall know them by their permanent collection: How was it? The house was beyond state-of-the-art for its time, so there’s plenty to explore and marvel at from both an architectural and historical perspective. Wander the main house’s four levels to take in areas like the Conservatory (lined with both Italian and Ontario marble, with steam pipes to keep flower beds warm in winter), the Study (with mahogany panels covering a door to a secret passageway), Sir Henry’s bathrooms (with a cool marble surround-spray shower), a wine cellar (that once held 1800 bottles), and a rifle museum filled with pieces from the Queen’s Own regiment. Outside, the grounds include the former stables, which were covered in Spanish tiles; the Carriage Room and Garage, now housing an exhibit of vintage cars; plus five acres of Estate and Secret Gardens, both restored by the Garden Club of Toronto. What did you make of the crowd? The estate attracts all kinds, from history and design buffs to families and school groups; kids in particular love the secret tunnels and escape rooms. Weekday mornings are the quietest. On the practical tip, how were facilities? The main house is wheelchair accessible, and the lower and upper floors (all except the rifle museum) can be accessed via a staff-operated heritage elevator for those who can’t climb stairs. Note that the Scottish and Norman tower areas have spiral staircases, and there are stairs in the 800-foot tunnel that leads from the mansion to the grounds. Any guided tours worth trying? Free, self-guided multi-media tours are available in several languages (including American Sign Language). Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it? Set in what was once a three-lane bowling alley, the gift shop stocks fairly basic souvenirs and knick-knacks, though much of it is exclusive to Casa Loma. As with many of the spaces, the shop can also be rented for private events. Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere? Choose from four re-fueling options: the seasonal, outdoor Gardens at Casa Loma, featuring lovely views of the estate and city skyline; the casual Liberty Caffé, an all-day spot for coffee, pastries, and lunch; Mediterranean restaurant Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto, the first North American location of the original two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Italy; and the elegant BlueBlood Steakhouse (opened in 2017), which serves prime meats from Kansas, Prince Edward Island, and Japan in a stylish, heritage-meets-modern space adorned with works by Warhol, Dali, and Mr. Brainwash. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? Since the tour is self-guided, it's possible to fly through at a clip—providing the place isn't packed, as it can be tricky to rush past the crowds during busier times, especially in some of the smaller spaces, tunnels, and towers. Must-sees include secret passageways, gardens, and an underground pool." - Sandra Ramani