Casa Loma, the Baldwin Steps and Spadina House

Arrive at opening on a weekday to have the Great Hall and towers to yourself before tour groups arrive. Late May to September adds the gardens. Around Halloween and the winter holidays, special events change the atmosphere and the crowds.

The Baldwin Steps route from Dupont station is the best approach: short, scenic and a proper introduction to the escarpment. If stairs are a problem, take the 512 St. Clair streetcar or come from St. Clair West station and walk south on level ground.

General Admission is sold online for a specific date. Special events, such as the Halloween programme, need separate tickets and can sell out. Check the official site before you go for prices, hours and any closures for private events.

The secret passages, the tower stairs and the long tunnel to the stables tend to be the highlights for children. Strollers are awkward in the towers and tunnel stairs, so consider a carrier.

Casa Loma has had a cafe on site and a steakhouse, BlueBlood, in the basement; check what is open. Otherwise, the neighbourhoods along St. Clair Avenue West and Dupont Street have plenty of cafes.

The nearest hotel districts are Yorkville and the Annex, a few subway stops away on Line 1, with everything from luxury hotels to bed and breakfasts in Victorian houses. Downtown hotels are about 20 minutes by subway.

Casa Loma is one of Toronto’s most used filming locations, from X-Men to Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and the Baldwin Steps appear in Scott Pilgrim too. Filming occasionally closes parts of the castle.

Spadina House next door has offered free general admission and makes a fine second half to the visit. Check the official site before you go for tour times.