The Fascinating History of Casa Loma
Set on a hilltop overlooking Toronto, Casa Loma—“House on the Hill”—is one of the few authentic castles in North America. Constructed between 1911 and 1914, it remains a tribute to the ambition and entrepreneurial spirit that shaped early Canada. Influenced by his European travels, lifelong passion for architecture, and service to the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, Sir Henry Pellatt channelled these inspirations into what would become one of Toronto’s most enduring landmarks.
Its construction pushed the boundaries of what was considered architecturally and financially reasonable at the time, drawing on international materials, custom stonework, and highly skilled labour rarely seen in private Canadian homes. While most of the city’s structures followed modest Edwardian lines, Casa Loma soared above with stone battlements, turrets, and vaulted ceilings more common to medieval Europe than to the Canadian frontier.
The Man Behind the Castle: Sir Henry Pellatt
Born to Scottish parents in Kingston, Ontario, on January 6, 1859, Sir Henry Pellatt was a Canadian financier and industrialist, known for bold investments in railways, mining, and hydroelectric power. From a young age, he embodied the spirit of his family motto, Devant Si Je Puis—Foremost If I Can.
He left Upper Canada College at 17 to join the family brokerage, becoming a full partner by 23. That same year, he married Mary Dodgeson, beginning a lifelong partnership shaped by civic engagement and philanthropy. Inspired by his travels through Europe, Pellatt developed a deep appreciation for fine art and architecture. His decades of service with the Queen’s Own Rifles earned him a knighthood in 1905.
As his public influence grew, Pellatt envisioned a home that would reflect his legacy and elevate Toronto’s cultural standing. Casa Loma became the embodiment of that vision—a place where personal ambition met civic pride. Lady Mary Pellatt, widely admired for her grace and community leadership, shared her husband’s civic-minded values and social vision.
Together, the Pellatts supported institutions such as Trinity College, Grace Hospital, The Art Gallery of Ontario, and helped establish the St. John Ambulance Brigade in Canada. Despite chronic illness, Lady Pellatt also played a key role in advancing youth leadership as the first Commissioner of the Girl Guides of Canada, earning the Silver Fish Award. More than a private residence, Casa Loma stood as a meeting ground for philanthropic causes, social prestige, and influential business discussions.
Business Visionary: The Fortune That Built Casa Loma
The riches that fuelled Sir Henry Pellatt’s architectural ambitions stemmed from a lifetime of bold ventures, a strong appetite for risk, and a sharp eye for opportunity. He helped shape early 20th-century Toronto, leaving his mark across industries, from power to property.
In 1883, the same year Thomas Edison introduced steam-generated electricity, Pellatt became President the Toronto Electric Light Company, one of his most profitable ventures and a driving force behind his rise. By the age of 30, his company held the city's street lighting monopoly. In 1892, after his father retired, Pellatt began investing more aggressively.
Despite the warnings of his peers, he bought stock in the Canadian Pacific Railway and the North West Land Company, both of which soared in value as immigration expanded across Western Canada. By 1901, he was chairman of 21 companies with interests in mining, insurance, land, and energy. In 1903, he and his partners secured the rights to build Canada’s first hydroelectric plant at Niagara Falls. Joining forces with a syndicate of Toronto businessmen to bring hydroelectricity to Toronto by 1906, Pellatt created and funded the Electrical Development Company, which lit the streets, homes and transitways of Toronto.
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Building a Castle in Toronto
The construction of Casa Loma began in 1911, backed by Sir Henry Pellatt’s ambition and his accumulated fortune of $17 million. He chose renowned architect E.J. Lennox for the project, whose portfolio at the time included Toronto’s Old City Hall, the original Bank of Toronto Building, and several other iconic buildings. Together, they set out to create a residence unlike anything the city had seen.
Over three and a half years, more than 300 skilled workers brought the dream to life, constructing 98 rooms across 64,700 square feet. The estate featured cutting-edge conveniences for its time, including a castle-wide central vacuuming system, and design elements inspired by the great castles of Europe.
With formal gardens, expansive stables, hidden corridors, and an unfinished indoor swimming pool, Casa Loma was both ambitious and extravagant. Constructed at a cost of $3.5 million and filled with a $1.5 million collection of art, it became one of Toronto’s most iconic private homes and a lasting emblem of entrepreneurial ambition.
Casa Loma: Abandoned and Reimagined
Originally built to stand as a lasting symbol of achievement, Casa Loma began to decline just a few years after construction halted in 1914. War efforts were concentrated to homefront production and all civic construction ceased. Following the end of World War One in 1918, Sir Henry Pellatt’s financial empire unravelled under extraneous circumstances. His property taxes increased tenfold and Pellatt fell into mounting debt. The loss of his Electrical Development Company after public power utilities took hold made matters worse.
Sir Henry Pellatt could no longer rely on land speculation, convinced that affluent Torontonians would flock to build around Casa Loma. His instincts failed to anticipate the impact of the First World War, as Canadians chose to invest in war bonds rather than new homes.
After the armistice, the economy weakened, and interest in his real estate projects faded. The firm of Pellatt and Pellatt slipped toward bankruptcy, eventually owing $1.7 million to the Home Bank of Canada, equivalent to over $20 million today. Overwhelmed by debt, falling stock value, and an extraordinary tax bill, Pellatt was forced to sell his possessions for a fraction of their worth.
In 1924, he and Lady Pellatt left Casa Loma and moved to their farm, Mary Lake, in King Township. That same year, Lady Pellatt died at the age of sixty-seven. Although he lost his fortune, Sir Henry never lost his commitment to civic life. His 50 years of service with the Queen’s Own Rifles was honoured in 1926 with a full regimental tribute that included a ceremonial flyover. When he passed away in 1939, thousands gathered along Toronto’s streets to pay their respects; he was buried with full military honours.
The Later Years
Following Sir Henry Pellatt’s exit in 1924, Casa Loma briefly transitioned into a luxury hotel. In 1926, architect William Sparling leased the property and completed several of its unfinished areas. He also proposed plans for two expansive wings that would have added over 150 guest rooms, though the project was never realized.
During its short-lived hotel phase, Casa Loma became a popular cultural venue, hosting performances by The Orange Blossoms, later known as Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra. Despite its popularity, the hotel closed in 1929 amid the economic downturn. By 1933, the City of Toronto claimed the property for $27,303.45 in unpaid taxes.
From 1933 to 1937, Casa Loma remained empty, suspended between its storied past and an uncertain future. In 1937, the Kiwanis Club of West Toronto began managing the property as a public attraction and museum, reviving interest in the castle. Their stewardship helped preserve the estate through decades of change and public use. In 2014, Liberty Entertainment Group took over, bringing major improvements, such as modern climate control, event infrastructure, and an onsite theatre. The City of Toronto continues to own Casa Loma.
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The Cinematic History of Casa Loma
Casa Loma’s old-world charm and dramatic interiors have made it a favourite backdrop for major film and television productions. Its cinematic presence can be seen in X-Men, RoboCop, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Spy Academy, and many more.
With settings that span from historic elegance to imaginative fantasy, the estate has also been used in music videos, period dramas, and fashion editorials. These appearances continue to draw renewed interest, attracting fans eager to explore the castle’s iconic sets in real life.
Today, visitors can explore the castle’s on-screen legacy through the Hollywood Film Gallery, located on the basement level, or visit our complete list of productions that have been filmed at Casa Loma.
Enjoy an exclusive audio tour guiding you through a selection of blockbusters filmed within the rooms of Casa Loma, complimentary with general admission.
Explore the Legacy of Casa Loma
Today, Casa Loma serves as a dynamic cultural destination, hosting seasonal programmes, exhibitions, and live events. With over 650,000 visitors each year, it remains one of Toronto’s most visited landmarks. Guests can explore furnished rooms, original stables, and restored gardens while gaining insight into early 20th-century life in the city. The estate continues to evolve, hosting everything from holiday displays to theatrical performances.
A visit to Casa Loma is more than sightseeing; it’s a journey into the values, tastes, and ambitions that shaped Toronto’s past. Whether you're a local exploring your city's roots or a visitor seeking something beyond the usual attractions, Casa Loma offers a striking window into Toronto’s rich and storied past.