The Casa Loma Museum, a historic beauty, needs some reno...fast! When their website says to "Step back in time as you explore the former estate of Sir Henry Pellatt, a prominent Toronto financier, industrialist and military man." They really meant for you to step back and forget that there are cracks on the wall, there are haggard looking workers, if you don't look where you're walking you will break your high heels, you have to ignore the smelly washrooms, the Gift shop is dated and the cashier is equally dated as well in personality. When we were there, an event meant to close off the conservatory. We heard they have "good" (we'll see about that) brunches but you have to reserve in advance because of limited seating.
The way to the stable is a boring and a waste of our time - where are the adverts along the way? no closed circuit tv? may add some form of attraction while you're walking through the bare walled tunnel to what appears to be nothing in the end. The smell of horses maybe? Where are the horses? Did they also leave because of boredom? Maybe they joined Cirque de Soleil instead? [btw, the http://www.casaloma.org/Tour/MainFloor/official website is not fully functional]
What's good? The garden has beauty that is reminiscent of the Cloisters in New York City. The museum pieces are a rare form that is a must see. The views from the top floor were magnificent especially if you're there on a clear day. The mementos of the Girl Guides [Canadian version of the US Girl Scouts] as well as the Pellat Film are quite educational (although the viewing area had folding chairs which was not really reflective of grandeur that Casa Loma is supposed to stand for).
So a shout out to the Kiwanis Club of Toronto - maybe you need to take another check of your investment at Casa Loma. It has a rich history that needs to be updated for tourists to start revisiting. Having a pretty flyer (pictured) is not enough.
Overall rating? Not World Class. Need to Upgrade Something... fast!
