Top Things to do in Canada
What to do and see in Canada, Canada: The Best Castles
World class skiing, decadent European style cuisine, ornamental cathedrals, peaceful island life…Canada is a patchwork of thriving cities and majestic wilderness. Montreal beckons travelers with its French charm and booming cultural landscape. In Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario is a vision of Frank Gehry architecture and national artistic treasures. The gleaming mountain ranges of Banff set a stunning backdrop for an exploration of the Canadian Rockies.
Restaurants in Canada
1. Craigdarroch Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,294 reviews
Completed in 1890, Craigdarroch is a stately home built by the pioneering couple Robert and Joan Dunsmuir, who at the time of its construction were the wealthiest people in British Columbia. Called a 'castle' due to its imposing exterior, the luxurious interior has been restored to look as though the visitor is a guest of Mrs. Dunsmuir during the 1890s. It features beautiful woodwork, unique Victorian artifacts, and an impressive collection of original stained glass, all within a pleasant walk from downtown Victoria.
Reviewed By 970wandak - Kelowna, Canada
The history of this house is fascinating, full of luxury, opulence and wealth. The Dunsmuir family was very wealthy from coal finds in Nanaimo, and James Dunsmuir wanted to flaunt his wealth and importance to Victoria and the world, by building the most luxurious mansion on the highest point of the city. The family was full of relationship drama, Dad died before the house was finished and Mom moved in with her 5 daughters, one of the girls was issued a "Certificate of Lunancy", Alexander died of Alcoholism, son James who became lieutenant governor of BC was sued by Mom for money and left out of her will entirely. The mansion transformed itself into a military hospital, a college, a music conservatory, and school district office before finally being a historical treasure for all to enjoy. It is mostly restored but still a work in progress, Well worth a tour!
2. Casa Loma
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,568 reviews
Canada's majestic castle and Toronto’s premier historic attraction. In 1911, Sir Henry Pellatt engaged noted architect E.J. Lennox to help him realize a lifelong dream,the creation of an Edwardian castle on the top of a hill overlooking Toronto. It took 300 men nearly three years to complete the nearly to 200,000 square foot castle at a cost $3,500,000 (at the time). Situated on 5 acres, Casa Loma was the largest private residence in Canada. Sir Henry Pellatt with his wife Lady Mary enjoyed Casa Loma for less than ten years before financial misfortune forced him to abandon his home. The tour of the castle is self-guided. Visitors can experience the castle at their leisure with the aid of multimedia audio guides.
Reviewed By Amy_K-30229 - Chicago, United States
This was one of my favorite tourist attactions in Toronto. It's in the Annex District, the neighborhood where Margaret Atwood--author of The Handmaid's Tale--lives. The self-guided tour is very well done, you pick up a map and a telephone reciever-like device that can hang around your neck. The map shows you how to walk the property and each room has a number to type in to be able to learn about Sir Henry Pellatt and his fourtune then downfall, as well as the construction of his great castle. The basement has the movie posters of all the films/tv shows that were filmed there, as well as a tv playing the clips of each. It was great to walk through the whole castle, then make it down to the basement to recognize each room as the clips played on screen. My only disapointment was, they were setting up for a wedding in the conservatory, so we could not fully explore the room.
3. Dundurn Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 679 reviews
Experience a guided tour of this 40-room Italianate-style villa built in the 1830's on Burlington Heights; the former site of a fortified military encampment established by the British in 1813.
Reviewed By Kaz5904
Great guided tour of this "castle" - knowledgeable guide and the house was beautifully set up as a museum. We came out with a real understanding of life at the time. Thoroughly recommend!
4. Castle Kilbride
5. Lieu Historique National des Forts-et-Chateaux-Saint-Louis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
Reviewed By lowellb981 - Santa Cruz, United States
Fascinating self-guided tour of the old battlements of Quebec fort which lie underneath the expansive boardwalk in front of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. Check it out.
6. Stone Hall Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 766 reviews
After well over a decade of designing architectural details and importing thousand-year-old reclaimed biblical limestone from Greece, Stone Hall’s castle is ready for its debut. The castle is unlike anything seen on this side of the Atlantic. Several container loads of 16th, 17th and 18th century museum quality furniture, tapestries and original Old Masters oil paintings adorn this castle. Corporate Meetings, Event Rentals, Over Night Stays and Tours Now Available.
Reviewed By adamdM8567VG
Stone Hall Castle was an amazing experience. I didn't know what to expect, and I was afraid it would be corny or tacky. However, the owner is extremely passionate about the place, and has thoughtfully assembled a wonderful collection of artwork, furniture, tapestries and many more artifacts and treasures that make the place feel like an authentic medieval castle, even though it's in Regina. Highly recommended.
7. Hatley Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 253 reviews
And you thought your mother-in-law was bad: a mysterious old woman has been haunting this stately castle for years.
Reviewed By nicoledR3545CY - Woodstock, Canada
From the manicured shrubs and beautiful flowers to the impressive design of the castle itself, Hatley Castle is a must see. I especially like the way they sculptured the X-men logo on the property.
8. Hatley Park National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 126 reviews
An 800-acre park full of gently rolling lawns and lots of trees.
Reviewed By G792HNdonnad - Victoria, Canada
Spend a few hours strolling the Japanese and Italian gardens. Over bridges and bogs. Fall colors were amazing.
9. Chateau Taillefer Lafon
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 21 reviews
Chateau Taillefer Lafon is the first vineyard in Quebec authorized to use the appellation "Chateau", traditionally reserved for distinctive european vineyards, as Chateau Taillefer Lafon has just proudly completed the construction of a sumptuous estate of equivalent stature to its name.
10. Fly Kingston Airways
Explore Unesco sites, shipwrecks and Castles by air! The most memorable sightseeing trip that you will ever take. Beautiful aircraft, knowledgable and skillful pilots will make your mission the highlight of your holidays.
