Experience the elegance and splendour of the Edwardian era at Toronto's majestic castle estate- Casa Loma !
Explore the former home of Sir Henry Pellatt featuring unique architecture, furnished suites, secret passages, towers, stables and an 800 foot underground tunnel.
Group price for Adults, Seniors and Youth now includes both the self-guided digital audio tour and the Pellatt documentary film.
Self-Guided Multimedia Tours
Available in English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, Korean and Mandarin.Also available in American Sign Language. *
* recommended for 10 years of age and over
Your Curriculum Comes to Life at Casa Loma
JK to Grade 3
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 and celebrations and her role as Canada's first Chief Commissioner of the Girl Guides.
How Does Your Garden Grow? - What do plants need to grow? Learn the basis of photosynthesis and soil nutrients. Identify some of the insects and soil microbes that contribute to soil and plant health. Learn the role of pollinators in the garden. What is compost and how do you make it? This program includes a tour of the potting shed and a take home project.
Enchanted Tales of Lore, Legend, and Magic - Fairy Tales spun from the traditions of long, long ago, as presented by the charming Anastasiya the Innocent. With her story-basket filled with imagination, her playful handpuppets will leave your class spellbound with tales from Aesops to Grimms. Each performance is uniquely different, based on your class selecting their favourite fairy tales.
An Edwardian Childhood at Casa Loma - Children will be engaged by a costumed interpreter who will explore the lifestyles of upper and lower class children in Edwardian Toronto. The children's characters, based on Sir Henry Pellatt's niece Mary and his head Gardener's son, Robert, serve as counterpoints for the discussion.
Lady Pellatt's Missing Jewels - Come to Casa Loma and 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. At the end of the "treasure hunt", children can reach into the treasure chest for a prize of their own. A fun way to see Casa Loma!
Grades 4 & 5
Medieval Life & Lore - Our interactive Living History program for Grade 4’s will explore different aspects of Medieval history. Three character actors will re-enact their roles during this historic period – the Lord, the Peasant and the Knight. They will 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 armour and weaponry from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.
Medieval Studies Tour - A Perennial Favourite - The guided tour highlights elements of Medieval lifestyle and contrasts them with the grandeur of the Edwardian era in turn of the century 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. Your students will become familiar with the language of architecture and style.
Decorative Arts at Casa Loma - What is a celery vase? What is a Woven sconce? Augment your general tour with a focus on decorative arts in this Edwardian household.
Sir Henry Pellatt's Casa Loma - An Historical Tour - Return to a bygone era in this tour that highlights the lifestyle of Sir Henry Pellatt, a pivotal figure in the economic development of Canada at the turn of the 20th century. His home, Casa Loma, stands as one of the finest Edwardian buildings in the country.
Estate Garden Tour - Botany comes to life in this one-hour guided tour as our garden staff introduce students to the unique wonders of Casa Loma’s spectacular gardens. Available May 1st to October 31st.
Armour and Weapon Experience - Have you ever wondered what a mace is? Do you know the differences between a claymore and a broadsword? Casa Loma’s Armour and Weapons Experience will answer these questions and much more. Our medieval weapons specialist Shawn Adams will demonstrate the uses of a variety of swords and other historic weapons from medieval to Renaissance. This interactive program allows children to take part in the discussion, complete with a chain mail armour demonstration.
Ghost Tours - Join our spirited guides as they relate stories of ghostly apparitions and strange encounters in the halls of Casa Loma. Learn more about Sir Henry Pellatt and his mansion with its tunnel, secret passages, hidden panels and unique gothic features.
An Edwardian Childhood at Casa Loma - Children will be engaged by a costumed interpreter who will explore the lifestyles of upper and lower class children in Edwardian Toronto. The children’s characters, based on Sir Henry Pellatt’s niece Mary and his head Gardener’s son, Robert, serve as counterpoints for the discussion.
Grades 6, 7, & 8
Light Up Your Curriculum – Book the Following 3 Experiences as a Package:
A Changing Society - In 1883, the same year that Thomas Edison developed steam-generated electricity, Sir Henry Pellatt founded the Toronto Electric Light Company. By the time he was 30 his firm had a monopoly on the supply of street lighting to the city. Pellatt went on to influence the economic and cultural evolution of Canada by developing the Province’s hyrdro-electric system at Niagara Falls at the dawn of the 20th Century. However, social and political challenges led to the downfall of his empire.
Electricity at Spadina Museum: Historical House & Gardens – Spadina Museum is next door to Casa Loma and offers a variety of programs for grades 5 through 12, including “Sparks: Electricity and Science at the Dawn of the 20th Century” and “Buying In: Media in the Age of Radio”. Students explore the movement from gas to electricity in a family home as well as the radio and print advertising that tempted people totry this exciting new technology. For more information on programs call 416-392-6910 or visit www.toronto.ca/museums-teachers and enter ‘Spadina Museum’ in the ‘Site’ field and click ‘Find matching programs’.
Turning on Toronto: A History of Toronto Hydro – A City of Toronto Archives Exhibit. Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Toronto Hydro by viewing an exhibition of photographs and documents from the Archives’ collection. Opens April 26, 2011 Monday – Friday 9am – 4:30pm. www.toronto.ca/archives. General Info - 416-397-5000. Research Hall – 416-397-0778.
Architectural Tour - Augment your general tour with a focus on the architectural highlights of Casa Loma. Your students will become familiar with the language of architecture and style.
Decorative Arts at Casa Loma - What is a celery vase? What is a Woven sconce? Augment your general tour with a focus on decorative arts in this Edwardian household.
Sir Henry Pellatt's Casa Loma - An Historical Tour - Return to a bygone era in this tour that highlights the lifestyle of Sir Henry Pellatt, a pivotal figure in the economic development of Canada at the turn of the 20th century. His home, Casa Loma, stands as one of the finest Edwardian buildings in the country.
Estate Garden Tour - Botany comes to life in this one-hour guided tour as our garden staff introduce students to the unique wonders of Casa Loma’s spectacular gardens. Available May 1st to October 31st.
Ghost Hunting 101 - An introductory session by renowned Ghost Tracker Michelle Desrochers that includes spirit sightings and an overview of research equipment, followed by an investigative ghost tour of the castle. Participants are asked to bring their digital or disposable cameras.
Archery Workshop - Join archery coach Shawn Adams for an opportunity to learn the history and techniques involved in the ancient sport of archery. This program is suited to beginners and will afford all children the opportunity to develop their archery skills.
Hollywood Tour - Follow in the footsteps of Richard Gere, Jackie Chan, Patrick Stewart, Hilary Duff, Christopher Plummer, Mike Myers, Halle Berry, Michael Cera, Hugh Jackman, and a host of famous stars in Casa Loma’s Hollywood Tour. From the Oscar winning film Chicago to the futuristic scenes of X-Men and the graphic novel Scott Pilgrim, Toronto’s famous castle has played host to Hollywood’s best. 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Complimentary Policy: One Chaperone per 4 students for gr. JK to 3; One Chaperone per 6 students for gr. 4 to 6; One Chaperone per 8 students for gr. 7 to 8.
Pricing: Guided tours are an additional $2.15 per person. Medieval Life & Lore is an additional $6.78 per person. Interactive workshops are an additional $163.85 for a group (sizes vary).
Lunch: We have a restaurant on site. Meals may be purchases individually or as a pre-ordered group lunch. Alternatively for bagged lunches we have a lunchroom with seating available for 70 in our Stables complex.
Payment: Payment is due in full at the time of your visit,* and is payable in cash, debit, company cheque, and all major credit cards. To expedite your entry, you can prepay at time of booking.
* Payment for Interactive Workshops is due in full 14 days prior to your visit.
If you have further questions please call Group Bookings at 647-725-1822 or email
Now Playing
Pellatt Newsreel: The Story of a Lifetime
Narrated by Colin Mochrie (This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Whose Line is it Anyway), this Gemini Award nominated 22-minute docudrama is styled as a 1939 newsreel tracing the arc of Sir Henry Pellatt's life. From his roots as an enterprising stockbroker to his ascent to the heights of the Canadian establishment, Pellatt Newsreel is a story of unbridled optimism and entrepreneurial high stakes. The film is produced by Lush Art & Entertainment and directed by Barbra Cooper. Presented daily in the beautifully restored Billiard/ Smoking Room.
May through October enjoy our magnificent 5-acre estate gardens.
Casa Loma is pleased to offer group rates for 10 or more.
Special Group Packages Include:
- New this spring!! Ask for a general history tour with Sir Henry Pellatt himself.
- Guided Tour of Casa Loma Gardens
- Make Magical Music at Casa Loma
- Casa Loma Guided Tours
- Designed for the Adult/Senior Market
- Designed for Schools, Primary and Secondary
- Casa Loma/ Medieval Times Castles & Kingdoms
Pellatt Newsreel: The Story of a Lifetime
Narrated by Colin M
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