Do you dream of a fairytale escape to a castle? Well, it just so turns out that Canada has tons of castles across the country that you can visit. Whether you’re looking for an urban castle, waterfront castle, or a forested castle, we have you covered. Here are 14 of the most magical castles that you can visit in Canada

Ontario

Dundurn Castle

This grand 1830’s castle features 40-rooms in an Italianate style. It was once home to Sir Allan Napier MacNab a  railway magnate, lawyer, and Premier of the United Canadas (1854-1856). Today the castle tells the story of the MacNab family and the dutiful servants who worked there.

Where: 610 York Blvd, Hamilton, Ontario
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 12 pm-4 pm
Cost: $14 adults, $12 for seniors, $12 for students, $8 for children, FREE 5 and under

Casa Loma

 

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Toronto’s stunning castle was once the home of Sir Henry Pellatt. He was incredibly successful and built out his dream home of Casa Loma, filling it with priceless art from around the world. Today you can visit the estate and gardens as well as check out exhibitions.

Where: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, Ontario
Hours: Open daily 9:30 am-5 pm
Cost: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $25 youth, $20 children

Rideau Hall

 

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The castle or villa was built in 1838 by Thomas MacKay and served as his home. as a home for his family. Since his passing, it has been home to every governor general since Confederation. Today you can visit the grounds as well as the staterooms with a guide. It’s a great way to see the past and also a unique look at the governor-generals life and duties.

Where: 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario
Hours: Grounds are open 8 am-1 hour before sunset, all tours are currently online
Cost: Free

Castle Killbride

This beautiful castle was built by the “The Flax and Linseed Oil King of Canada” James Livingstone in 1877. It’s a prime example of Victorian architecture and has been fully restored to its original splendor. Today you can tour the home and see its stunning interior and unique trompe l’oeil paintings throughout the home.

Where: 60 Snyder’s Road West, Baden, Ontario
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Cost: $9 adults, $8 seniors (65+) and students, $5 children

The Willistead Manor

 

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Perhaps more a manor than a castle, Willistead Manor is a grandiose home that was built in 1906. It was the home of Edward Chandler Walker, the second son of Hiram Walker. Today the home is available for rentals for gatherings, weddings, and more. You can also tour it although tours aren’t running during the pandemic.

Where: 1899 Niagara St
Hours: Closed until further notice
Cost: $6.25 adults, $5.25 students and seniors, $2.75 children 12 and under

The Chateau Laurier

If you want to treat yourself to an overnight stay in a luxurious castle you can do that and more at the Chateau Laurier. The imposing 1912 building is hard to miss as it’s smack dab in the middle of downtown Ottawa. That means you can explore the area, pretend to be a royal in one of the hotel’s 429 rooms, and maybe even get the royal treatment at the hotel’s spa.

Where: 1 Rideau St, Ottawa, Ontario
Cost: $288+ a night

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Quebec

Gare Viger

This century-old building has had many lives. Once a railway station and now a hotel in the midst of a reinvention. As the building is currently under development, it’s one that you might just get to see on the outside. That’s alright though because the building’s castle-like design is a sight to see.

Where: 700 Saint-Antoine Street East, Montréal, Quebec

Ravenscrag

 

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Ravenscrag, otherwise known as the Allan Memorial Institute is possibly the most interesting building on this list. Constructed in 1863, it was at one point the grandest mansion in Canada but it was sadly stripped and turned into a hospital in the 1940s. Now what makes it so interesting is that it was the location of the infamous MKUltra experiments of the 1950s and 60s. Today it’s part of McGill’s psychology department but you can still check out the outside.

Where: 1025 Av. des Pins, Montréal, Quebec

Chateau Frontenac

Here’s yet another place where you can experience the royal life, overnight. The Chateau Frontenac overlooks the picturesque Saint Lawrence river and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can stay in one of its 610 guestrooms and suites and pretend that you’re experiencing Europe.

Where: 1 Rue des Carrières, Québec, Quebec
Cost: $559+ a night

Alberta

Banff Springs Hotel

A castle in a forest? Talk about dreamy. The Banff Springs Hotel has been around since the 1880s and is the premier place to stay in Banff. Today you can enjoy updated luxury, the outdoors, and of course, a castle-like stay in one of Canada’s most beautiful places.

Where: 405 Spray Avenue, Banff, Alberta
Cost: $659+ a night

Chateau Lake Louise

Who would have thought that Banff is home to more than one castle? Well, there’s also the Chateau Lake Louise Hotel which exudes luxury and overlooks the bright blue waters of Lake Louise. Today you can visit it and stay in it for an unforgettable water view castle experience.

Where: 111 Lake Louise Drive, Lake Louise, Alberta
Cost: $528+ a night

British Columbia

Hatley Castle

Victoria’s stunning 1908 castle has had many lives as a private residence, a naval training facility, and today as one of the world’s most famous filming locations. Right now you can explore the castles stunning grounds but you won’t be able to go inside unless you rent it out. Either way, the sight of this castle is sure to give you all the magical vibes you could ever need.

Where: 2005 Sooke Rd, Victoria, British Columbia

Craigdarroch Castle

Also in Victoria, Craigdarroch Castle was built by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir and is now a National Historic Site. It’s been fully restored so that visitors can experience the privileged lifestyle of those who frequented it in the 1890s. Best of all, you can tour it or even rent it out.

Where: 1050 Joan Crescent, Victoria, British Columbia
Hours: Friday-Sunday 10:30 am-4 pm
Cost: $18.52 adults, $17.46 seniors, $12.69 students, $7.91 children

Empress Hotel

 

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Clearly, Victoria is the place to be when it comes to visiting castles in BC. Now if you want to stay overnight at one, you can do just that and more at the Fairmont Empress. The hotel was completed in 1908 and faces Victoria’s inner harbor and was restored just a few years ago. If you’re looking for a waterfront chateau in BC, this is your best bet.

Where: 721 Government Street, Victoria, British Columbia
Cost: $384+ a night

There’s truly no shortage of magical castles that you can explore in Canada. So get out there and plan a visit to your nearest castle. Enjoy folks!

Curiocity Staff

With a curated slate of what matters in your city, Curiocity presents you with the most relevant local food, experiences, news, deals, and adventures. We help you get the most out of your city and focus on the easy-to-miss details so that you’re always in the know.
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