Gardiner MuseumvsCasa Loma
Both Gardiner Museum and Casa Loma are endorsed by reviewers writing for major publications. Overall, Casa Loma is preferred by most professionals compared to Gardiner Museum. Casa Loma comes in at #4 in Toronto with approval from 6 publications like Time Out, Atlas Obscura and Michelin Guide.
Gardiner Museum
Travel + Leisure
Time Out
Michelin Guide
Condé Nast Traveler
New York Times
Frommer's
111 Queen's Park, At Bloor St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 2C7, Canada
From $0/night
Travel + Leisure "The Gardiner showcases a collection of more than 3,000 pieces, ranging from ancient Mayan figurines to 17th-century English Delftware and dynamic contemporary pieces." Full review
Time Out "The first specialist museum of ceramic art in North America." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"This museum, the project of collectors George and Helen Gardiner, features pottery and porcelain from a variety of countries and cultures." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Dedicated solely to the ceramic arts, the space was first opened to house the private collection of George and Helen Gardiner. Later turned into an award -winning building by KPMB Architects." Full review
i
The topics of the tours vary, though, so check with the front desk upon arrival to make sure the day's theme is of interest.
New York Times "The fabulous Gardiner Museum, one of North America’s only museums dedicated to ceramics, is featuring “Sharif Bey: Colonial Ruptures,” with African-inspired icons by the Syracuse-based artist (through Aug"
Toronto Steps Into Summer
July 14, 2022
Frommer's "The only museum in Canada dedicated to ceramic art... does its job impressively." Full review
Casa Loma Frommer's Time Out
Fodor's Michelin Guide
Atlas Obscura
Afar Magazine Condé Nast Traveler Travel + Leisure Frommer's Travel + Leisure
1 Austin Terrace, at Spadina Ave, Toronto, Ontario M5R 1X8, Canada
From $0/night
Frommer's "A kitschy glitch in the city's skyline to locals, this castle on a hill offers an inspiring view of the sweep of the city." Full review
Time Out "Some love it, others dismiss it as a kitsch folly. Either way, Casa Loma is a sight to behold, with its corbelled towers and battlements." Full review
Fodor's "A European-style castle... grand display of extravagance." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"The Medieval mansion is a popular tourist attraction." Full review
i
Especially well appointed are the Round Room with its exquisite Louis XV tapestry furnishings, the Windsor Room and Lady Pellatt's suite.
Atlas Obscura "A 98-room castle in the middle of Toronto that bankrupted a 19th century electricity multimillionaire. " Full review
Afar Magazine "A castle smack in the center of the big city? This may not be Europe, but Toronto’s got some architectural jewels to show." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "The estate attracts history and design buffs, families, and school groups; kids love the secret tunnels and escape rooms." Full review
i
Choose from three re-fueling options: the seasonal, outdoor Terrace Grill, featuring lovely views of the estate and city skyline; the casual Liberty Caffé, an all-day spot for coffee, pastries, and lunch; and the elegant BlueBlood Steakhouse (opened in 2017), which serves prime meats from Kansas, Prince Edward Island, and Japan in a stylish, heritage-meets-modern space adorned with works by Warhol, Dali, and Mr. Brainwash.
Travel + Leisure "Casa Loma (Spanish for "Hill House") was a mansion built in 1914 by financier Sir Henry Pellatt to serve as his dream home, a castle-like structure in the heart of the city"
Toronto City Guide
August 5, 2021
Frommer's "A kitschy glitch in the city’s skyline to locals, this castle on a hill offers an inspiring view of the sweep of the city" Full review
Travel + Leisure "Built by Sir Henry Pellatt in 1914, Toronto's historic hilltop castle, Casa Loma, showcases Gothic Revival architecture, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views of the city"
20 Best Things to Do in Toronto, According to Local Experts
November 2, 2023
