Canada doesn’t have a history of battle-crazy clans and their individual castle-fortresses and sieges during the middle Ages or the Medieval Times as does Europe. The country was colonized and developed only in the 18th century, so it was only by the 19th century that castle building took on and became a craze among Canada’s newly elite population. The vast, rugged landscapes of Canada were perfect for the construction of grand, stone-built structures in the style of Scottish Baronial or English or French Chateau styles. The breathtaking exteriors and lavish interiors of the castle are truly awe-inspiring and worth obtaining a Canada visitor visa! We have a curated list of Canada’s best castles for you here, and we hope you visit them soon on your travels!
Canada’s Top Castles That Transport You Through Time
1. Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City
This is one of the most photographed castles in Canada and one of the most iconic Quebec tourist attractions. This extravagant castle was built in 1893 by the Canadian Pacific Railroad Company to pull affluent tourists to Canada. The castle was built using a mix of gothic elements with French chateau features. In 1943, the Quebec Conference was held here with Winston Churchill, Mackenzie King and Roosevelt in attendance as they pondered over their French invasion strategy.
2. Casa Loma in Toronto, Ontario
Casa Loma means Hill House in Spanish. This castle was built in the flamboyant Gothic Revival style in 1911 by the wealthy Canadian Henry Pellatt. There are 98 rooms, winding secret passageways, twisting towers, five acres of gardens and an 800-foot tunnel built for horses. The castle was auctioned off soon owing to the Canadian depressions. It served as a lively nightspot during the Prohibition for wealthy Americans and is now a tourist attraction. It’s been used in movies such as Strange Brew, Chicago, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, X-Men and many others. Be sure to visit this famous castle during your Canada holidays.
3. Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria, British Columbia
This castle is today one of the great Canada attractions that was once the home of the Dunsmuir family, built by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir. Robert died before he could complete the construction. His two sons took up the construction and completed the castle. It is of Scottish Baronial style that draws on British Columbia’s Scottish heritage, while incorporating aspects of the Gothic Revival architecture that you can see in other castles of this period. Check out the fabulous stained-glass windows and great woodwork plus Dunsmuir’s lavish furnishings from the 1890s.
4. Hatley Park National Historic Site in Victoria, British Columbia (Hatley Castle)
The son of Robert Dunsmuir of Craigdarroch Castle, James Dunsmuir, later became British Columbia’s Lieutenant Governor. James Dunsmuir constructed a second Scottish Baronial castle called Hatley Park. It’s a 40-room mansion with several intricate gardens. The castle today is a public university and has been featured in several movies including the X-Mansion in the X-Men series; be sure to visit it during your Canada travel.
5. Dundurn Castle in Hamilton, Ontario
Dundurn Castle was built as far back as 1835, in the neoclassical style with a sprawling portico and geometric outlines. It was built by Sir Allan MacNab, the wealthy Premier of the Province of Canada. MacNab hosted great parties that became famous over the years, and was even attended by the King of England at one point. Today this castle is a tourist attraction, with its rooms restored to their original magnificence. When you visit this castle, costumed guides will lead you through the 40 rooms, showing you the daily life of a wealthy family in 1850s Canada.
6. Boldt Castle, Thousand Islands
Wealthy hotel magnate George Boldt built this castle in 1900 in tribute to his late wife Louise. Originally, Boldt Castle was to be the couple’s summer dream home on the St. Lawrence River on Heart Island in the 1830s. However, Mrs. Boldt died, and the construction was put aside for seventy years. This fantastic castle is located on the US side of the Lawrence River, but you can visit via boat from either side of the border.
7. Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta
Chateau Lake Louise was built over 100 years ago, overlooking the Emerald Lake as an outdoor alpinist base. Today the chateau serves as a luxury mountain resort enlisting among the top luxury hotels in Canada. The castle is magnificent with multiple luxury rooms, recently renovated with modern toilets now for tourists. The Chateau has been visited by many prominent people, including dozens of royals such as Prince Rainier of Monaco, and Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip.
8. Empress Hotel – Victoria, British Columbia
The Empress Hotel was opened in 1908 to serve wealthy railway tourists. This Edwardian chateau-style hotel has, over time, hosted movie stars, kings and queens. Prince Edward of Wales waltzed in the Crystal Ballroom at dawn in 1919, an event of such importance in those times that the obituaries of old ladies, almost 50 years later, singled them out as ones who received special attention from the prince on that morning. The Empress Hotel is one of the top places to visit in Canada, if it is only to enjoy the classy English tea! This is one of the most famous attractions in Victoria City in British Columbia.
9. Chateau Laurier – Ottawa, Ontario
This French Renaissance-style hotel was built to serve as a luxury railway hotel in 1912. However, just a few days before opening day, railway magnate Charles Melville Hays, the castle’s builder died on the ill-fated Titanic. The hotel was officially opened by Canada’s seventh Prime Minister, Sir Wilfrid Laurier. The castle is an iconic landmark in downtown Ottawa. Its 69 rooms and suites are updated every now and then to accommodate the influx of tourists each year to Canada’s capital. You can either accommodate or explore this wonderful castle which is one of the favourite things to do in Ottawa.
10. Banff Springs Hotel – Banff, Alberta
The Banff National Park is one of the largest parks in Canada, lined with icy glaciers, dotted with pristine blue lakes and ski trails. The Banff Springs Hotel opened in 1888 to welcome luxury railway tourists. This castle brought tourism to the Rockies. The credit for this goes to the General Manager of Canadian Pacific Railway, William Cornelius Van Horne.
11. Citadelle Quebec, Quebec
Citadelle Quebec sits on the soaring hills of Cape Diamond and is the oldest military fortification of the country. Inspired by the fortification of Vauban, the founders of Quebec, the French Colonists constructed the initial foundation in the early 17th century. During the 19th century, it served as the ruling seat of sovereigns and Governor General of Canada. Later, the fortress was renovated by the British showing the current facade and English decorative style on the interior. Known as the largest fortified citadel of North America, few temporary and permanent exhibitions honour the memory of Canadian infantry and showcase the significance of military events.
12. Willistead Manor, Ontario
Located in the historic quarters of the city of Windsor, Willistead Manor is one of the monumental treasures of the township. Similar to most castles in Canada, the beautiful structure of Willistead is complimented by ceremonial gardens that recreate the essence of ancient royal courtyards. Today, grand events, private ceremonies, and special occasion celebrations such as weddings are prominent topics at Willistead Manor. Each room of the castle features a different outlook and facility to host all types of events ranging from chic dining halls and cocktail rooms to formal speech chambers to colourful party rooms for children.
13. Rideau Hall, Ottawa
Sheltering the sovereignty seat of Canada, Rideau Hall is titled Canada’s House. Since the independence of Canada, the hall has served as the official cabin of the general government. This makes it a true symbol of the crown and Canada and stands as the pinnacle of the political authority of Canada. Rideau Hall is open to the public and free guided tours provide you with a better insight into its history and significance making it one of the free things to do in Ottawa. You will go through the journey of Rideau Hall at various state chambers, ballrooms, tent rooms, or the indigenous artefacts and current functions. Exhibitions range from family-friendly teddy bear festival to the Ceremonial Guards displays of the red-uniformed soldiers, and story-telling events, Independence Day celebration is a prominent feature of Canada’s ruling centre.
14. Castle Kilbride, Ontario
Castle Kilbride is an excellent example of a late 19th century Victorian House in the Italianate style. Built by a successful linseed oil businessman James Livington in 1877-78, it is considered a masterwork of architecture. The castle features an elaborate mural wall created with linseed oil based paint decorating all the major rooms in the house. The paintings are stunning and describe 19th century, domestic, painted mural decoration because of their skilled decorative quality, the level of execution, and the architecture of the house.
15. Ravenscarg, Montreal
Located atop Mount Royal urban summit of Montreal, Ravenscarg is enlisted among the historic landmarks of Canada. The castle showcases opulence and eminence that was built to accommodate the wealthiest man in Canada in the mid-19th century. During that time, the castle stood as the largest and most expensive residential structure in the country. The entire interior was once covered in lavish Victorian-style fittings, French art, and Italian frescos and crafts. Today, the parts of the cellar, the library and its mural artworks, and the Victorian-styled architecture of the frame mark as a few remaining elements.
Conclusion
Canada’s castles were mostly built as residences or as luxury hotels to draw tourists in. Very few of them were used to engage in long sieges or battles with enemies. Still, the history is evident and the beauty is mind-blowing. The castles near Lake Louise and in Banff National Park are like little sugar castles nestled in the most incredibly beautiful fairyland landscape you can imagine and definitely worth a visit to Canada.
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