10+ Historic Mansions in Toronto You Can Actually Visit
Toronto is a city full of stories, and some of its best tales are hidden within the walls of its historic mansions. These grand homes, once owned by the city’s most influential figures, offer a direct window into the past. For anyone interested in history, architecture, or just a different kind of day out, these sites are a great way to connect with the city’s roots.
Each location has been carefully preserved, allowing visitors to see period furniture, detailed woodwork, and beautiful gardens. Here is a look at some of the most interesting historic mansions you can visit across Toronto and the GTA.
A Guide to the City’s Must-See Historic Mansions
Casa Loma
It’s hard to miss this Gothic Revival castle overlooking midtown. Built by financier Sir Henry Pellatt, Casa Loma is one of Toronto’s most famous landmarks. You can explore its decorated suites, secret passages, and expansive gardens. The estate is also a popular filming location and hosts various events throughout the year.
- Location: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
- Contact: (416) 923-1171
- Admission: Adult : $40 | Youth : 35$ | Seniors: $35 | Children (4-13): $25
- Website: https://casaloma.ca
Spadina Museum
Located right next to Casa Loma, the Spadina Museum offers a look at Toronto life during the 1920s and 30s. The restored home of the Austin family features original furnishings and art. Guided tours provide context about the family’s life and the city’s evolution during that era.
- Location: 285 Spadina Rd, Toronto
- Contact: (416) 392-6910
- Admission: General admission is free. Visiting the historic house is by guided tour only.
- Website: www.toronto.ca
Campbell House Museum
This Georgian-style home once belonged to Chief Justice William Campbell. Now located in the heart of downtown near the courts, it stands as a testament to early 19th-century life and Toronto’s legal history. The museum hosts art exhibits and historical programs.
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- Location: 160 Queen St W, Toronto
- Contact: (416) 597-0227
- Admission: Adult: $10 |Senior: $6 |Youth (13-18 years): $6 | Children (12 years and under): Free
- Website: www.campbellhousemuseum.ca
Colborne Lodge
Built in 1837, Colborne Lodge was the home of John Howard, an architect who gifted High Park to the city. The house is a fine example of Regency architecture and contains many of Howard’s original artworks and belongings. Its location within the park makes it a peaceful escape.
- Location: 11 Colborne Lodge Dr, Toronto
- Contact: 416-392-6916
- Admission: General admission is free. Visiting the historic house is by guided tour only
- Website: www.toronto.ca
Gibson House Museum – 19th Century Toronto
Step back to the 1850s at the Gibson House Museum in North York. This home shows the life of a Scottish immigrant family. With costumed interpreters and hands-on activities like historical cooking, it provides an interactive look at 19th-century rural life.
- Location: 5172 Yonge St., Toronto
- Contact: 416-395-7432
- Admission: General admission is free. Some exhibitions and events may carry a separate charge were noted
- Website: www.toronto.ca
Euclid Hall (Keg Mansion)
This historic building on Jarvis Street now houses a popular steakhouse, but its past is full of stories. Once the private home of the McMaster family, the Keg Mansion retains much of its 19th-century character. It’s a place where you can enjoy a meal surrounded by local history.
- Location: 515 Jarvis St, Toronto
- Contact: 416 964 6609
- Hours: Daily 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Website: www.thekeg.com
Black Creek
This is not just one house but an entire village of restored 19th-century buildings. Black Creek brings the 1860s to life with costumed staff, heritage farm animals, and hands-on demonstrations. It’s an immersive way for families to experience what life was like in early Ontario.
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- Location: 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto
- Contact: 416.736.1733
- Admission: $37.28
- Website: https://blackcreek.ca
George Brown House
This Second Empire-style mansion was home to George Brown, a Father of Confederation and the founder of The Globe newspaper. Maintained by the Ontario Heritage Trust, the house is now used for events but showcases stunning architectural details from the Victorian era.
- Location: 186 Beverley Street
- Contact: 416-455-4812
- Admission: This site is only partially accessible | for bookings please contact the number above
- Website: www.heritagetrust.on.ca
Osgoode Hall
While it functions as a courthouse and the headquarters for the Law Society of Ontario, Osgoode Hall is a landmark of Canadian architecture. Visitors can enter parts of the building to see its grand halls and the impressive Great Library.
- Location: 130 Queen Street West, Toronto
- Admission: No reservation required | Enter the building through the centre doors, facing Queen Street West
- Website: https://lso.ca/
- Notice: Please note that as Osgoode Hall is a busy office building and a courthouse, tour locations may be subject to change without notice.
Loring-Wyle Parkette
This hidden gem was the former home and studio of sculptors Frances Loring and Florence Wyle. While not a traditional mansion, it holds immense historical and artistic significance, showcasing early 20th-century Canadian sculpture and creativity.
- Location: 110 Glenrose Avenue
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://acotoronto.ca
- Notice: While you can visit the Loring-Wyle Parkette to appreciate their public sculptures, access to their historic studio is not available.
Adamson Estate
Located on the Mississauga waterfront, the Adamson Estate features a main house with Flemish-inspired design elements. The property, which dates back to the early 1800s, is now a public park with beautiful grounds and views of Lake Ontario.
- Location: 850 Enola Avenue, Mississauga
- Contact: 905-615-4100
- Website: https://historicplacesdays.ca
These historic homes offer more than just a history lesson; they provide a connection to the people and events that shaped our city. Which one will you visit first? Let us know in the comments below!
More….
- https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attractions-g155019-Activities-c47-t17-Toronto_Ontario.html
- https://historicplacesdays.ca/visitlists/historic-houses-of-the-gta/
- https://www.toronto-travel-guide.com/unique-castles-toronto/
- https://www.torontojourney416.com/houses-mansions/
- https://whichmuseum.com/place/toronto-3913/t-historic-house
- https://www.overheretoronto.com/15-million-toronto-mansion-hits-the-market-for-the-first-time/
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