Brianna HarrisonAs a die-hard Disney girlie, I’ve always been obsessed with castles—the grandeur, the poshness, the Downton Abbey of it all. There’s something about tall turrets, grand staircases, and carpeted passageways that make my heart happy.
Be it a full-on mansion that looks like it belongs to a period drama or a huge gothic castle with serious Old World charm, I’m there. So, obviously, I had to track down the best castles in Toronto to live out my Disney princess daydreams!
If you’re looking for a spot that’ll make you feel like royalty (or just get you some fire Insta pics), this guide to the top castles in and around Toronto has you covered.
Casa Loma
Media credit: Casalomatoronto
Website: https://casaloma.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Casalomatoronto/
Address: 1 Austin Terrace
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
Contact: (416) 923-1171
Casa Loma is the most famous castle in Toronto. Originally built in 1914, it’s now a major tourist attraction and one of the city’s most beloved landmarks.
Check out its ornate ceilings, massive chandeliers, and rooms decorated with such opulence that’ll make you feel like a peasant (but in a good way…?). You can also wander through the grand halls, explore hidden tunnels, and even climb the towers.
Fun fact: If you’re a movie buff, you might recognize parts of Casa Loma in popular films like X-Men and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.
Planning a grand event (e.g. wedding, corporate do, themed event, etc.)? You can’t go wrong booking a place that was named the Best Venue in North America by BizBash—it has air conditioning, a state-of-the-art theater, and a killer outdoor space.
Pro Tip:
Make sure to check out Casa Loma’s seasonal events (and book in advance!). From High Tea at the Castle to Casa Loma Sunset Concerts, there’s always something cool happening here, so don’t miss out!
Dundurn Castle
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Website: https://www.hamilton.ca/things-do/dundurn-national-historic-site
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dundurn_castle/
Address: 610 York Blvd, Hamilton
Hours: Tue – Sun: 12 PM – 4 PM
Contact: (905) 546-2424 ext. 3168
Hamilton’s Dundurn Castle is technically a mansion, but it’s giving full-on castle vibes (hence the name). Built in the 1830s, this neoclassical beauty sits on York Boulevard and comes with 40 rooms—because apparently, that was necessary back in the day.
The castle itself is a stunner, with grand columns and sweeping staircases; don’t miss the meticulously designed rooms, lavish dining halls, and functional kitchens. After a guided tour, you even get to sample authentic 19th-century cuisine—yay!
Admission is pretty reasonable, with tickets starting at $16 for adults and discounts for seniors, youth, and kids. If you’re going with the family, grab a $45 family pass—it covers two adults and unlimited dependent children.
And keep an eye out for outdoor events that transform the Cockpit Theatre into a stage for dramas and performances.
Pro Tip:
If you’re into photography, be prepared—while casual shots are fine, professional outdoor shoots (with 10 people or more) require a $218 permit.
Willistead Manor
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Website: https://www.citywindsor.ca/residents/culture/willistead-manor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willistead-manor/
Address: 1899 Niagara St, Windsor
Hours: Tue – Sat: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Contact: (519) 253-2365
Designed by legendary architect Albert Kahn, Willistead Manor is a 36-room beauty built in 1906 in that classic Tudor-Jacobean style. In fact, it looks like it was plucked straight from the English countryside.
Surrounded by 15 acres of parkland, the gorgeous grounds are perfect for wedding photos, quiet strolls, or pretending you live there while admiring the views.
For history buffs, architecture lovers, or curious cats, simply step inside to check out the castle’s stunning interiors. From wood-paneled walls to grand fireplaces, you’ll see Old World elegance wherever you look.
Don’t miss the manor during Christmas, since it gets decked out in over-the-top festive decorations—like something out of a Hallmark movie!
Pro Tip:
If you want to throw a party to remember, have one at Willistead Manor. This dreamy spot is available to rent for weddings, corporate events, and other special gatherings.
Castle Kilbride
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Website: http://www.castlekilbride.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/castlekilbride/
Address: 60 Snyder’s Rd W, Baden
Hours: Wed – Sun: 10 AM – 3 PM
Contact: (519) 634-8444
Former Canadian MP James Livingston built Castle Kilbride in 1877. Named after his birthplace in Scotland, it’s definitely an awesome place with lots of character.
Outside, it looks like a huge Italianate villa, but it gets even better inside. The walls and ceilings are covered in murals painted in the Italian Renaissance style, and it even creates awesome 3D illusions.
Today, the castle serves as both a museum and an event space. We recommend going on one of their guided tours, where you’ll learn many fun facts about the castle’s history.
Don’t miss the Prime Minister’s Path, right next to the castle. It highlights a series of bronze statues honoring Canada’s Prime Ministers since Confederation.
Pro Tip:
Do you love spooky things (please say yes!)?
Then, join one of Castle Kilbride’s ghost walks and learn more about haunted stories and sightings in the castle.
Midlothian Castle
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Website: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/midlothian-castle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/screaming-heads-midlothian-castle/
Address: 981 Midlothian Rd, Burk’s Falls
Hours: Mon – Sun: 8 AM – 5 PM
Contact: [email protected]
Midlothian Castle is definitely not your cookie-cutter Disney castle—this huge 310-acre property looks like something out of a dark fantasy novel. It belongs to Peter Camani, a retired art teacher, who decided to turn his backyard into a gothic landscape.
What this place is really known for is the Screaming Heads—over 100 giant concrete sculptures, each one around 20 feet tall and weighing around 30 tons! It’s not surprising that this spot has been on a bunch of TV shows like MTV Cribs and Weird Homes.
Right next to the castle is a lovely local farmer’s market, where you can grab organic fruits, veggies, honey, and other local goodies.
Before you leave, make sure to drop by the Screaming Heads Merchandise Stand in the parking lot. Run by Camani’s neighbor, it’s the only place where you can buy official Screaming Heads merch (e.g. T-shirts, hats, etc.).
Pro Tip:
Visit Midlothian Castle during the Harvest Music Festival, which is typically held in September. Once a year, the castle and grounds transform into a hip (and eerie) event—imagine live performances with the Screaming Heads as a backdrop.
White Otter Castle
Media credit: heartofthecontinent
Website: https://www.ignace.ca/visitors/visiting/things-to-do/white-otter-castle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/white-otter-castle/
Address: Kenora
Hours: Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Contact: 807-597-2884
Don’t expect a stone fortress when you visit White Otter Castle—this place is actually a log castle, built entirely by one man in the early 1900s. Local legend Jimmy McOuat spent years crafting this three-story home deep in the Ontario wilderness.
Sadly, he never got to enjoy his masterpiece since he passed away in 1918. You can pay your respects on his grave right next to the castle.
Just a heads up—going here is an adventure in itself. This place is so remote that there are no easy roads leading up to it—you can only take a float plane or canoe in the summer or a snowmobile in the winter.
If you’re big on canoeing, then you can paddle your way there. The canoe route from Ignace is about 40 km, with 15 portages to get through. Don’t forget to grab a free canoe route map from the Ignace Tourist Information Centre.
Pro Tip:
An easier (but more expensive) way to visit White Otter Castle is by booking a seaplane tour. For $600 (for 4 passengers), it flies you in, lets you explore for 30 minutes, and then whisks you back.
Gooderham Building
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Website: https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=8311
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gooderham-building/
Address: 49 Wellington St E
Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: (416) 392-1975
The Gooderham Building, also known as the Flatiron Building, is one of the city’s most photogenic landmarks. While it’s not a castle in the traditional sense, it’s actually inspired by details from Gothic and Romanesque Revival castles.
Check out the rounded turret at the front, giving it a medieval fortress vibe. You’ll also see Romanesque Revival architectural features like arched windows, intricate brickwork, and bold detailing—reminiscent of European castles and churches.
Don’t miss the huge l’oeil mural outside (on the west facade), created by Canadian artist Derek Besant. This optical illusion-style artwork makes the wall appear as though it’s peeling away to reveal another hidden world underneath—cool, right?
Inside, the original elevator is still in place—it’s actually Toronto’s oldest electric elevator!
Pro Tip:
After checking out the Gooderham Building, take a short stroll to St. Lawrence Market for amazing eats or swing by St. James Cathedral to admire its gothic architecture.
De La Salle Victorian Castle
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Website: https://www.delasalle.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delasallecollege/
Address: 131 Farnham Avenue
Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: (416) 969-8771
Also known as Oaklands, De La Salle Victorian Castle sits on top of a hill, offering killer views of downtown Toronto. This Gothic beauty is only a short walk from Yorkville, as well as Casa Loma, Queen’s Park, and the CN Tower.
Originally built in 1860, it’s a prime example of Gothic domestic architecture—expect to see stained-glass windows, a sweeping staircase, and formal dining and sitting areas. Fun fact: It actually made a cameo in Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel.
Today, it belongs to a private catholic school, De La Salle College Oaklands, but it also moonlights as a film set and a unique AirBnB stay. Yep, you can actually rent out all 11 bedrooms and seven bathrooms for a family reunion or a wedding party.
Some details you shouldn’t miss are its intricate woodwork and moldings, as well as the red barber chair in one of the bathrooms.
Pro Tip:
Since Casa Loma is just a short walk away, plan for a double-castle day trip—you can go solo or bring your family or friends along, ending the day with a fabulous meal at BlueBlood Steakhouse (located in Casa Loma).
The Westin Harbour Castle
Media credit: westinharbourcastle
Website: https://www.marriott.com/the-westin-harbour-castle-toronto/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westinharbourcastle/
Address: 1 Harbour Square
Hours: Check-in: 3 PM
Check-out: 12 PM
Contact: (416) 869-1600
While not medieval in nature, The Westin Harbour Castle is still a castle in its own right. This hotel offers waterfront views, luxurious suites, and top-tier amenities—I mean, who wouldn’t feel like royalty here?
If you’re planning to explore the city, this spot is perfect since it’s near the CN Tower, Scotiabank Arena, and the Rogers Centre.
As for the accommodations itself, it’s known for its Heavenly Beds—true to its name, their beds are plush and cloud-like. Now, imagine waking up to floor-to-ceiling views of Lake Ontario—not too shabby!
Hosting a big event? Book their 25,000-square-foot Metropolitan Ballroom, which looks straight-up regal—ideal for weddings, conferences, and other grand celebrations.
Pro Tip:
If you really want to treat yourself, you can pre-book delicious gourmet snacks, champagne, or a bottle of wine to be waiting in your room upon arrival.
The Keg Mansion
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Website: http://www.thekeg.com/en/locations/mansion
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the-keg-mansion/
Address: 515 Jarvis St
Hours: Mon – Sun: 4 PM – 12 AM
Contact: (416) 964-6609
Originally called Euclid Hall, the Keg Mansion has been through it all—a regal residence, women’s college, veteran’s hospital, and now, a bar and restaurant.
This amazing place is fancy and gothic, complete with a turret, verandah, and a greenhouse. Inside, you’ll find 26 rooms, 17 fireplaces, and a grand staircase that’s giving serious Princess Diaries vibes.
As for its history, well, this spot has plenty of spooky tales. You can join scary ghost walks and learn more about a maid who allegedly hanged herself and a little boy who fell down the stairs.
But if you’re more of a foodie, check out the Keg Bar and Restaurant. Grab a juicy steak or a buttery lobster and pair it with one of their signature cocktails or craft beers.
Pro Tip:
This famous dining spot is popular during weekends. So, if you want to snag a seat, definitely book a reservation in advance online.
