Dear Teachers,
A new school year is upon us and we know that many of you are looking for educational excursions that will enhance and enrich your students’ educational experience. We understand and appreciate the connections between educational excursions and the school curriculum in having great value in extending students’ learning. We, at Casa Loma, feel that we have just the thing to bring your students’ learning to life and broaden their learning experience!
Enclosed we have provided information on our most popular enhanced learning tours and workshops. All of our programs provide an educational extension of learning for your students that will link to the curriculum being delivered in school. Casa Loma provides a rich, authentic setting for learning and our programs can add a new dimension to the learning process.
Please click through to see information on the curriculum links and to find the school booking form.
Casa Loma is also available for your school bands, choirs, dance troupes or theatrical groups to perform. We offer school groups a complimentary 1 hour performance time with the payment of Casa Loma entrance fees. More details are enclosed.
Special note to Grade 4 teachers : Casa Loma offers a very engaging Medieval program, including Medieval Studies guided tours, a Medieval Life and Lore costume experience and an Armour and Weapons demonstration. We also offer archery programs for small groups who want a hands on experience. Details are enclosed. Our medieval program was featured on TVOkids.com this summer (
http://www.tvokids.com/shows/drewscastleadventure).
New this December, we have partnered with Opera Atelier for a very exciting holiday program, Mozart's Magical Castle. Complete with Dance, Drama and Singing!
We greatly look forward to hosting your students in our facility and bringing their learning experience to life. It would be our pleasure to be able to work with your school in providing these learning programs that will enhance and enrich the educational experience. We are happy to meet all of your needs.
Please feel free to contact our groups department for more information or to book your student group.
Group Bookings:
tel: 647-725-1822
fax: 416-923-5734
email:
groupbookings@casaloma.org.
Thank you so much. We look forward to seeing you at Casa Loma.
Sincerely,
Lisa Kaplan B.Ed, M.Ed (Curriculum Studies)
Group Sales Manager, Casa Loma
647-725-1828 (direct)
lkaplan@casaloma.org
Welcome to Casa Loma
On the brow of a hill overlooking the city, a 98-room castle dominates the skyline - Casa Loma. This renowned landmark features unique architecture, soaring ceilings, rich wood carvings, sumptuous marble and luminous stained glass. Casa Loma is the unique legacy of Sir Henry Mill Pellatt, a prominent Canadian financier, industrialist and military officer of the earaly twentieth century. You can explore secret passages, view the city from one of two towers, and traverse an 800-foot tunnel to luxurious stables. Five acres of beautiful estate gardens surround the castle and offer sparkling fountains, unique sculptures and dazzling displays of rare annuals and perennials that change with the seasons.
Special Programs
Medieval Life and Lore Program
Perfect for the Grade 4 Social Studies Curriculum
Our Living History program explores different aspects of Medieval history. Three character actors re-enact roles during this historic period - the Lord, the Peasant and the Knight. They demonstrate social and economic themes relevant to their unique position in society, while illuminating important historical aspects of everyday life. After the presentation, join our medieval weapons specialist as he introduces and discusses the history of armor and weaponry from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Additional cost of $6.78 per person in addition to admission costs.
Perform at Casa Loma
Bring Your Performance Groups to Casa Loma
We welcome school bands, choirs, dance and theatrical performance groups to Casa Loma. Complimentary space is offered to Performance Groups with the payment of Casa Loma entrance fees.
1 Hour Performance Time Allotted (including setup and rehearsal)
Baby Grand Piano use offered free of charge
Seating provided in your specified format
Complimentary on site coach parking
Indoor and Outdoor performance space (outdoor space is based on request)
Guided Group Tours
Medieval Studies Tour – The tour highlights elements of Medieval lifestyle and contrasts them with the grandeur of the Edwardian era in turn of the century and modern day Toronto. Join us as we explore Casa Loma’s Medieval inspired architecture from the Great Hall to the soaring battlements.
Architectural Tour – Augment your general tour with a focus on the architectural highlights of Casa Loma. Become familiar with the language of architecture and style.
Decorative Arts at Casa Loma – Augment your general tour with a focus on decorative arts in this Edwardian household.
Estate Garden Tour – Botany comes to life in this tour as our garden staff introduce guests to the unique wonders of Casa Loma’s spectacular gardens. Available May 1 st.
Sir Henry Pellatt’s Casa Loma – Return to a bygone era in this historical tour that highlights the lifestyle of Sir Henry Pellatt, a pivotal figure in the economic development of Canada at the turn of the 20 th century.
Lady Pellatt’s Lost Jewels - Help find the lost jewels of Lady Pellatt, mistress of Casa Loma. A guide will tour your class through the secret passages, halls and rooms in search of the misplaced items.
Ghost Tours – Join our spirited guides as they relate stories of ghostly apparitions and strange encounters in the halls of Casa Loma.
Hollywood Tour – This exciting tour highlights castle locations used in over 20 major motion pictures and reveals behind the scenes glimpses of how the magic of the movies is brought to life.
Group Programs
Armour and Weapon Experience – Our medieval weapons specialist will demonstrate the uses of a variety of swords and other historic weapons from the medieval to Renaissance periods.
Archery Workshop – Join archery coach for an opportunity to learn the history and techniques involved in the ancient sport of archery.
Traditions & Celebrations - Come and explore the lives of Sir Henry Pellatt, his family and staff at his turn-of-the century home, Casa Loma. Lady mary Pellatt, portrayed by an actress will greet you and lead you on a tour highlighting family stories.
An Edwardian Childhood at Casa Loma - Guests will be engaged by a costumed interpreter who will explore the lifestyles of upper and lower class children in Edwardian Toronto.
Enchanted Tales of Lore, Legend and Magic - Fairy Tales as presented by the charming Anastasiya the Innocent. Each performance is uniquely different.
Changing Society - in 1883 Sir Henry Pellatt founded the Toronto Eletric Light Company. However, social and political challenges led to the downfall of his empire.
Ghost Hunting 101 –
An introductory session by renowned Ghost Tracker that includes spirit sightings and an overview of research equipment, followed by an investigative ghost tour of the castle.
The Mystery of the Lost Templar TreasureExplore Casa Loma Indiana Jones-style, as you become the heros of your own mystery program. What begins as an ordinary tour of Casa Loma unexpectedly turns to adventure, as clues steeped in Greek, Jewish and Arthurian mythology lead, step by step, to a secret lost for centries. This one hour tour may work in tandem with either Casa Loma's Ghost Tour or Medieval Life and Lore programs.
Note: Due to it's interactive nature, running times may vary. A 90 minunte windor is advised.
How Does Your Garden Grow? - Learn the basis of photosynthesis and soil nutrients, and identify the inserts and soil microbes that contribute to plant health. Includes a tour of the potting shed and a a take home project.
Program Contact Information
Tel: 647-725-1822
Fax: 416-923-5734
Guided Group Tours
Cost is $2.15 per student in addition to the price of admission
Minimum of 10 per group
Tours run from 45 minutes to 1 hour
Guided tours must be booked 7 days in advance
Group ProgramsAll programs are a flat rate fee of $163.85
See reservation form for group sizes and details
Programs run 45 minutes to 1 hour
Must be booked, and paid in full, 14 days prior to arrival
Admission Fee Includes
Admission to the Castle and Gardends. (gardens open May 1 - Oct 31)
Self-Guided Audio Tour - offered in eight languages. (English, french, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Korean, Italian and Spanish) and ASL.
20 Minute Historic Documentary, Pellatt Newsreel: The Story of a Lifetime.
Schools may bring bag lunches and eat on site or order lunch from our Cafe. Contact us for details.
Special Events
March Break Programming: March 11 - 15, 2013
Holiday Programming: Dec. 1 - 30, 2012
* Events subject to change without notice.
Sir Henry's Cafe and Casa Loma Gift Shop are available on-site. Please ask about the group discounts.
Hours of OperationOpen daily from:
9:30a.m. - 5p.m. Last admission is 3:45 p.m. for groups
(Early closure December 24, at 1 p.m. Closed December 25)