Guide to Top Castles in Canada
Some of the oldest castles in Canada date as far back as the 1700s, which create a joyful experience to revisit the times and the ways of living from the industrial era with restored artworks and costumes interpreters ready to welcome its visitors.
You might be familiar with Canada's tallest buildings and skyscrapers, but do you know much about the country’s royal heritage? Just as good as Canada’s modern architecture and natural landscapes, the centuries-old castle-like structures in the country become a reminder of the roots of the colonial era in North America.
Not like the typical castles of Europe, these historic mansions in Canada today represent state properties, luxury hotels and heritage museums open for tours to the general public. While some renowned castles with their equally amazing architecture can be found in many states around the country, here is a list of some of the most visited and popular castle-like structures in Canada.
Banff Springs Hotel
Located in Banff, Alberta, this historic hotel has a location like no other ordinary hotel in Canada. Settled amidst the Canadian Rockies, the structure of the building makes it stand apart from the natural surroundings of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. In the heart of Banff National Park, the hotel is the town's main landmark.
Chateau Frontenac
Built by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the hotel is one iconic example of grand hotel structures built by Canada Railway ownerships all across the country. The hotel is also one of the country's National Historic Sites and was one of the first among the chain of Chateau-style hotels built around Canada. Overlooking the St Lawrence River, Chateau Frontenac is one of the most photographed hotels in the world.
Casa Loma
Situated in Canada’s most iconic city Toronto, Casa Loma is a Gothic-style mansion turned city landmark and a museum which is a must-see attraction on a tour of the city. Designed by an architect renowned for building many other city landmarks, the seven-floor Gothic mansion amazes its spectators with enchanting interior decor and exterior gardens. The 18th-century garden is worth a visit for its restaurants and a great view of the city of Toronto.
Craigdarroch Castle
Based in Victoria,Canada, the castle is another Victorian-era mansion designated as a National Historic Site. A true Victorian experience, the legendary mansion was built in the 1880s overlooking the city of Victoria. Mainly renowned for its landmark status in the city, the castle has been a subject of famous cinematic appearance in the 1994 movie Little Women. Open for tours on fixed days of the week, this is one eye-catching attraction of the city of Victoria. The castle relives the tales of its owners from the 19th century and is a great way to explore the historic past of the city.
Delta Bessborough
On the banks of the Saskatchewan River, the ten storey chateau style building was also designed under the Canadian Railways in the year 1935. Located in Saskatoon, the largest city in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, the castle hotel is surrounded by many other attractions in the city. The luxury hotel features a waterfront garden along with more than 200 guest rooms and suites.
Empress Hotel
One of the truly royal National Historic Sites of Victoria, British Columbia, the chateau style hotel is renowned for its waterfront location. Commonly referred to as The Empress, the hotel is also one of the oldest in Victoria, British Columbia. Considered as one of the best staycation options on Vancouver Island and one of Victoria’s must-see highlights, the Empress Hotel is also one of the most photographed attractions of Vancouver Island.
Quebec City Armoury
Located in Quebec city, Canada, a one-of-a-kind structure in Canada, the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury is the only building in the country with the status of a National Historic Site. With Gothic revival architecture, the armoury dates back to the late 19th century and was reopened in 2018 after having been partially destroyed in a fire in the year 2008.
The armory housed various artifacts from the regiments before the damage caused by the fire but with its amazing exterior and a peep into the history, the place offers plenty of things to explore around.
Dundurn Castle
Built in 1835 this 18,000 sq ft house took three years to build
A neo-classical mansion in Hamilton Ontario, the house was completed in the year 1835. The mansion from the 1850s is open to the public for guided tours showcasing daily life in the late 1800s. Housing forty rooms inside, the castle features many products of convenience from its time in the 19th century.
The site is listed among Canada’s National Historic Sites representing the country's picturesque architecture. A tour of the castle is a way to relive the experience of the 19th-century lifestyle with interactive costumed interpreters greeting the visitors. The castle is currently owned by the city of Hamilton.
Hatley Park Castle
The Hatley Park Castle is situated in Colwood, British Columbia. Lieutenant James Dunsmuir crafted this castle. The Hatley Park Castle is the home to approximately 40 massive rooms. The construction of this castle was done according to the Baronial style of Scotland as James Dunsmuir was of Scottish descent. Until the great depression hit, the owner of this castle was the Dunsmuir family for a very long time. Currently, the Hatley Park Castle remains in Canada as a ‘National Historic Site’.
Rideau Hall
Did you know that Rideau Hall is generally referred to as Canada's House? This divine castle is the residence of the Governor General of Canada. The Rideau Hall is situated in the Ottawa province of Canada. The Rideau Hall is a huge castle with 175 rooms and 27 outbuildings. Just like the previous castles in this list, this castle is also included in the list of ‘National Historic Sites’ of Canada. The Rideau Hall gained the massive attention of international travellers especially artists as this castle comprises a vast array of art and cabinetry. The designing of this castle has been done by keeping in mind the imperial history of Canada comprising various historical elements and characteristics in the build-up of the Rideau Hall rooms. The objects placed in this castle are an excellent representation of the culture and tradition of Canada.
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The Land of the Maple Leaf has many delightful attractions but with these attractions come thousands of tourists. If you are searching for less-frequented quiet but serene locations to visit in Canada, look no further. Read about them in Top 10 Hidden Gemstones of Canada.
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