Travel Tips

I happened to park my car in Richmond Street in downtown Toronto. Though it is a busy street, it is not one of the main downtown streets. As I stepped out the parking lot, I was greeted by this wonderful sight, these two spritely decorated attached units. I jumped for joy when seeing these properties, especially because I had my stanby VT camera with me! The left unit is a fast-food operation. Not surprisingly, the right unit is a candy store!

Many years ago, I was driving to a meeting and got lost. While navigating the streets, I was stunned to suddenly see a spectacular castle. The reason why I was so stunned was because I had not heard of it at the time. I was caught by total surprise. That was my introduction to Casa Loma, the great castle of Toronto.

Since then, when I drive visitors with a choice of routes, I try driving past the castle without telling them beforehand. They can then also enjoy the surprise! It is indeed a remarkable sight.

This castle was originally the estate Henry Pellatt, built between 1911 and 1914. This splendid castle is decorated with highly ornate suites, secret passages. What I really loved, was the hidden 800-foot tunnel that surfaces by stables in a totally different area. The castle also boasts a splendid 5-acre garden.

The tour of the castle is self-guided i.e. we carry a recorded tape with us. It is apparently avialable in various languages. I know the castle is rented out for various events such as weddings. I know that a chess tournament took place there too. You may wish to investigate having your function at this venue!

The castle is reached by taking Spadina Road, north of Davenport. Using the subway, take the University/Spadina Line to the Dupont station, then walk north under the railroad tracks. The castle is seen at the top of the ridge.

actual address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5R 1X8

Website: http://www.casaloma.org/

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In all honesty, I do not remember taking this picture. If anyone knows anything regarding this property, please tell me!

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Life has surprises. That is one good reason travel with our camera!
I specifically like taking my camera when I go downtown as I am not in that area often. Once I just happened to walk through a side street and spotted an unusual building. I immediately said to myself: This is going into my VT pages.
Out popped my camera and I commenced snapping. This truly unusual building is the Ontario College of Art & Design (OCAD). It is the largest Art and Design university in Canada, established in 1876. There is not much else I can tell you. (The bit of information I gave is from reading their website.)

Please enjoy my pictures. If you want more information, I provide their website. I am not sorry that I walked through this street by chance!

If you wish to reach their website (external to VT), click: here

This 3-cubed house is a curiosity. What makes it even more curious is that I know nothing about it. I have looked on internet to find out more, but to no avail. I would love to be able to give you the details here. If I ever find out more, I will gladly update my VT pages! I have more details in my Toronto Off The Beaten Path Page