Casa Loma, Toronto Neighbourhood Guide: A Grand and Luxurious Castle

Casa Loma is an upscale neighbourhood surrounding the iconic Casa Loma castle, from which this neighbourhood takes its name. Nestled between Bathurst Street and Spadina Road and north of Dupont Street, this picture-perfect neighbourhood features posh homes set within a wealthy neighbourhood that is the epitome of living well.

The Casa Loma neighbourhood is an elite enclave nestled in the heart of the city. The well-appointed homes here have tried to replicate Casa Loma castle’s grandeur and elegance but on a smaller scale. These architectural masterpieces were constructed in the early 1900s in Edwardian, Tudor, and Georgian styles. This neighbourhood, on the crest of Avenue Road hill with its beautiful views and scenery, prompted wealthy citizens to build grand estates.

For those looking for more modest accommodations, you’ll also find some low-rise apartment buildings, townhouses, and lofts, providing a foothold into this exclusive community.

Without a doubt, the most defining architecture in this neighbourhood is the 98-room Casa Loma castle. This castle was constructed in the Gothic Revival style and was designated a heritage property in 1987. The property features a 10,000-book library and a conservatory filled with plants and adorned with a marble floor and a stained glass ceiling. An 18-metre-tall Great Hall features wooden chandeliers and pillars displaying sculpted figures.

Other luxurious rooms in this mansion that are frozen in time include the billiards room, the dining room, and Sir Henry’s study, among others. Sir Henry’s and Lady Pellatt’s suites are on the second floor.

A historic castle isn’t the only cultural feature in this exclusive neighbourhood. The Spadina Museum takes a trip back in time and is a testament to Toronto life from 1900 to the 1930s.

Theatre comes alive at the Tarragon Theatre on Bridgman Avenue. Enjoy a night out and take in Canadian and international performances. If you’re an art lover, browse the small gallery of original artworks. 

What better site for a haunted tour than a magnificent and momentous castle! From October 1 to 31 annually, Casa Loma celebrates the Legends of Horror. This theatrical experience takes place after dark on its grounds. You’re invited to slowly stroll the two-kilometre trail surrounding the castle, starting in the lower gardens and winding through its tunnels and secret passageways for an unforgettable haunted experience.

Bathurst Street and St. Clair Avenue are within walking distance of this neighbourhood and offer convenient spots for essential shopping or browsing for unique decor and gifts. Avenue Road is also an upscale shopping district where the mainly wealthy inhabitants of this neighbourhood shop for designer goods.

Unique, hard-to-find foodstuff and designer items can be found in the gourmet food shops and high-end boutiques in the heart of Forest Hill Village on Spadina Road, north of St. Clair.

For a quick grocery run, the popular Loblaws on St. Clair Avenue West just east of Bathurst is a ready destination for essential shopping.

If you’re looking for award-winning Mediterranean cuisine, Don Alfonso 1890, inside Casa Loma, is a celebrated Italian restaurant that won an award for the best Italian restaurant in the world outside of Italy in 2022. A modern Mediterranean restaurant, this eatery features renowned cuisine, cocktails, and wine. Also in the castle are The Garden at Casa Loma, a popular bistro surrounded by colourful gardens, and BlueBlood Steakhouse, which offers high-end dining.  

The nearby Dupont Road corridor is home to many up-and-coming restaurants, including Big Crow BBQ and Rose and Sons. St. Clair, west of Bathurst, is also a notable area for browsing an assortment of cafés and culturally diverse eateries.

For a romantic dinner, Grill Flor de Sal restaurant on Davenport Road features candlelight for an intimate Mediterranean-inspired dinner.

Sir Winston Churchill Park is a huge green space that competes with Casa Loma castle for attention. Located at the southeast corner of Spadina Road and St. Clair Avenue, this park is home to the Sir Winston Churchill Park Tennis Club. You’ll find eight outdoor tennis courts with night lighting here that are available for public use. You’ll also find a running track, a dog park, a playground, and open fields for playing sports.

Running through the heart of Sir Winston Churchill Park is the Nordheimer Ravine. A serene and relaxing diversion from city life, this oasis features rolling hills and pathways and a tranquil creek. The 1.5-kilometre trail can be accessed just steps from the St. Clair West subway station.

Other smaller parks offering space to relax are Wells Hill Park, with a playground and wading pool, and Casa Loma Park, offering a scenic viewing point of Casa Loma.

For swimming and working out, nearby Hillcrest Community Centre in Hillcrest Community School on Bathurst Street features an indoor pool and a gym. Learn to Swim classes, summer camp programs, sports, arts, and general interest programs run out of this centre.

Casa Loma is easy to access via the nearby St. Clair West and Dupont subway stations. The Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway are also a short 10-minute drive away.

Casa Loma is one of Toronto’s most elite neighbourhoods. This exclusive enclave is in demand due to the scenic landscape consisting of trees and rolling hills, close proximity to the financial and entertainment districts and distinctive real estate.  

If you’re a renter, you’ll find few accommodations but they do exist, providing an entry point into this affluent district. For the most part, this neighbourhood offers homes to the wealthiest Torontonians.