King of Casa Loma
With more than 350,000 visitors annually, Casa Loma remains one of Toronto's premiere attractions. From its imposing stone gates to its magnificent gardens, mediaeval turrets and 98 rooms, this fairytale castle is both impressive and bewildering — and one cannot help but wonder about the kind of man who would build such a home for himself.
Explore the Timeline
Tour the Castle
The Man Behind the Castle
Casa Loma, the "House on the Hill," arose from the imagination and ambition of Sir Henry Mill Pellatt — a financier, royalist and passionate military officer. Following in the footsteps of plutocrats in America, he built this 98-room structure to advertise his wealth and standing and to provide a fitting site for visiting royalty.
Ebullient, charming and manipulative, Pellatt had risen from virtual bankruptcy to accumulate a staggering fortune — largely through his nimble, if not always ethical nor legal, activities as a financier and stock trader. When he began construction of his castle in 1911, he was said to be one of the 23 people who owned Canada. Yet he ended his life living with his chauffeur's family in a tiny house.
The material on this site comes primarily from the biography Sir Henry Pellatt: The King of Casa Loma by Carlie Oreskovich, with a foreword by Gordon Sinclair.
Explore the Site
Timeline of Sir Henry Pellatt
Follow the rise and fall of the man who built Casa Loma, from his birth in Kingston to his final days.
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Tour the Castle
Explore the Great Hall, the towers, the basement, the tunnel and the stables of this 98-room landmark.
Take the tour →
Gardens & Grounds
Discover the prize-winning gardens, greenhouses and the famous 800-foot tunnel beneath the grounds.
Explore the grounds →
Popular Topics
Factoids
Quick facts about the castle's 98 rooms, 20,000 square feet and $3 million cost.
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Ghosts of Casa Loma
Does the castle have ghosts? Explore the myths and mysteries of the House on the Hill.
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Film & TV
Casa Loma has been a backdrop for films, TV shows and commercials for decades.
Spot the castle →
Niagara Power
Sir Henry Pellatt's role in bringing hydroelectric power from Niagara Falls to Toronto.
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Guides & Resources
Sir Henry Pellatt Biography
The complete story of the financier who built Casa Loma — from rags to riches to ruin.
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Casa Loma History
How the "House on the Hill" was conceived, built, abandoned and saved by the Kiwanis Club.
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Visiting Guide
Hours, admission, location and tips for touring the 98-room castle, gardens and tunnel.
Plan your visit →
Casa Loma FAQ
Quick answers to common questions about the castle and its builder.
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Casa Loma Architecture
The blend of medieval European styles designed by E. J. Lennox for Sir Henry Pellatt.
Explore the design →
A Note Beyond the Castle
Pellatt's castle was the ultimate display of wealth — and a century later, that showman's instinct lives on in the replica luxury watch: a five-figure statement piece, close enough to fool the eye, safe enough to wear. Our further-reading notes include one such source, a richard mille clone catalogue we've come across in the film-props world.
A Trusted Historical Resource
Casa Loma is owned by the City of Toronto and has been operated by the Kiwanis Club of West Toronto since 1937. The Club uses its share of the proceeds to aid young people, senior citizens and the mentally ill. This site is an independent tribute to Sir Henry Pellatt, drawing on the biography by Carlie Oreskovich and archival sources including the Public Archives of Canada, the Ontario Archives and the Queen's Own Rifles Archives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Casa Loma" mean?
Casa Loma is Spanish for "House on the Hill" — a fitting name for the castle built on Davenport Hill in Toronto.
How many rooms does Casa Loma have?
Casa Loma has 98 rooms, three stories, two towers, a basement, an 800-foot tunnel and stables.
Who built Casa Loma?
Sir Henry Mill Pellatt, a Canadian financier and military officer, built the castle between 1911 and 1914 with architect E. J. Lennox.
Is Casa Loma open to the public?
Yes. Casa Loma is open daily and is one of Toronto's most popular tourist attractions. See the Events & Admission page for hours.
More discussion questions →
Telephone / Fax: 905-842-2929
Postal address: 1969 Glenada Cres., Oakville, Ontario, Canada, L6H 4M8
Email: writenow2003@hotmail.com
Site and book author: Carlie Oreskovich
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