When you think about Canada, maple syrup, ice hockey and freezing cold winters often come to mind. This stunningly beautiful country has so much more to offer in the way of tourist attractions and we will be advising you of five of its must-see castles.
Rideau Hall, Ottawa, Ontario
Since Confederation in 1867, Rideau Hall has been the residence and workplace of every Governor-General. It is located just a few minutes outside of the centre of Ottaway and is well worth a visit. Set within 79 acres of immaculately landscaped grounds, impressive Rideau Hall has something to offer every type of visitor all year round.
Concierge.2C [CC BY-SA 3.0]
Casa Loma, Toronto, Ontario
Self-professed ‘Majestic Castle of Toronto’, Casa Loma was built in 1914 and attracts over 350,000 visitors each year. With the attention-to-detail architecture and stunning estate gardens, there is plenty about which to get excited. Don’t miss the great hall, which is certainly a focal point. Its ceilings are 18 metres high and the pillars intricately decorated. Additionally, Casa Loma regularly plays host to ‘after dark’ events such as music, film and comedy. Once you have visited, it’s clear to see why it’s used as the location for movies, television and photo shoots. It’s a little bit out of the way but if you pick up a rental car in Toronto it should be an easy journey!
Dundurn Castle, Hamilton, Ontario
Built on a former British military site in the 1830s, Dundurn Castle is a large, 40 room neoclassical mansion. Owned in the mid-1800s by Sir Allan MacNab, his great great great-granddaughter, the Duchess of Cornwall, is now one of the museum’s Patrons. Gone are the days of extravagant entertainment and well-attended functions, but this impressive building still has much to offer. With stunning French windows and two unique square towers, this castle is certainly worth paying close attention to. In 1984, it was designated a National Historic Site and is currently owned by Hamilton city.
Hatley Castle, Colwood, British Columbia
Located in the Hatley Park National Historic Site, Hatley Castle was once the dormitory and mess for cadets and staff of the Royal Roads Military College. Currently, the building is used as the administrative centre of Royal Roads University. Both the exterior and interior of this castle are equally stunning. With lavish panelling and attention to detail throughout, the museum will amaze visitors of all ages and interests. Additionally, the gardens, comprising the Rose Garden, the Italian Garden, the Japanese Garden and more, are suitably impressive. Hundreds of heritage trees, including some that are 250 years old, attract attention from all over the world and are some of the largest in the local area.
Craigdarroch Castle, Victoria, British Columbia
Built between 1887 and 1890 by Scottish immigrant, Robert Dunsmuir, who made his fortune after moving to Canada, Craigdarroch Castle boasts how the other half lived during the Victorian era. In fact, the beautiful building is now a National Historic Site and has been carefully restored to show what life in the 1890s would have been like. Overlooking the city of Victoria, the stunning architecture is bound to impress and is well worth a visit.
Hugh Lee from Edmonton Alberta, Canada [CC BY-SA 2.0]