Toronto Car Hire and Casa Loma
From skyscrapers to modern big-box stores, there's no denying the importance of buildings in the major metropolitan cities of today. Buildings and their architecture are symbols of wealth, status and power - the grander your headquarters, the more respected your company. So with that being said, what building do you think is the most prominent structure in Toronto? The CN Tower? The Rogers' Center? As prestigious as these buildings are, there's one that's even more special; the quintessential castle of Toronto. Still can't figure it out? Then you need to plan an impromptu visit to Toronto's Casa Loma during your upcoming Toronto car hire vacation.
The house on the hill
Commissioned by Sir Henry, Casa Loma is Toronto's most regal residence. It was built between 1911 and 1914 and was designed by Canadian architect E.J. Lennox. It features more than 98 rooms and was the largest private residence in North America at the time of its construction. It was also one of the most expensive, costing Sir Henry nearly $3.5 million. Notable amenities that were incorporated into the original design of the home included an elevator, the first indoor swimming pool in Canada (never completed), central vacuum and two secret passages. Sir Henry lived in the Casa Loma for ten years, leaving in 1923. Since then, proposals for the property have ranged from a luxury hotel to a symphony orchestra auditorium. Today, the castle functions primarily as a tourist attraction operated by the Kiwanis Club of Toronto.
As glorious outside as it is in
The grounds of Casa Loma are just as impressive as the interior rooms, so remember to take a walking tour of the gardens during your upcoming Toronto car hire visit. Inside the gardens, travelers will find a wide variety of specialty garden areas, including patches of wildflowers and strategically placed perennials. Toronto car hire travelers will also discover many flowering trees and shrubs throughout the grounds, along with ever-changing annual plantings. The Casa Loma Gardens are proud to be a part of the VIA Rail Garden Route. To learn more about this exciting network of public gardens, visit www.viarail.ca/garden.
A brief layout of the castle
Don't think you'll be able to visit Casa Loma in person during your upcoming Toronto car hire vacation? Then read on for a quick overview of the castle's layout and most discerning features.
The Main Floor
Most of the castle's largest rooms are located on this floor, including the Library, Dining Room and Sir Henry's Study. The Great Hall is also located right off of the entrance to the castle, and including 60 foot ceilings and high pillars adorned with sculpted figures. The Conservatory is one of the most popular rooms in this level, thanks to the marble flooring and panels (made of Italian and Canadian marble respectively) and the resident plants.
The Second Floor
On the second floor of Casa Loma, Toronto car hire travelers will find dozens of beautiful bedrooms, many of which have been converted into gallery and museum space. Elegant rooms like Sir Henry's Suite and Lady Pellatt's Bathroom have been left relatively untouched, providing visitors with an intimate look into the lives of past castle residents. A room dedicated to the Girl Guides of Canada can also be found on this floor.
Third Floor
The top floor of Casa Loma houses the Queen's Own Rifles Museum, the Kiwanis Room and the Garden Room. Each features unique exhibits chronicling the history of the castle.
Lowe Level
While Sir Henry had lofty ideas for the basement of Casa Loma, very few actually came to fruition. Here, Toronto car hire travelers will find the remnants of the indoor pool, and the castle Gift Shop (originally intended to be bowling laneways by Sir Henry). A wine cellar is also located in the basement, along with tunnels to the stables.
The most prestigious building in all of Toronto is, without a doubt, Casa Loma. To learn more about this historic landmark, Toronto car hire travelers can contact the Casa Loma Visitors Services at 416-923-1171.