Inside Toronto’s Hidden Gem: A Glimpse Into Spadina House Museum
Have you ever wondered what life was like for Toronto’s elite a century ago? Just steps from Casa Loma, Spadina House offers a quieter, more personal journey into the city’s past — and it’s totally free to visit.
Perched atop Davenport Hill, Spadina House invites visitors into the elegance of early 20th-century Toronto. Built in 1866 by financier James Austin, founder of The Dominion Bank, the mansion was home to three generations of the Austin family until 1982.
The name “Spadina” comes from the Anishnaabemowin word ishpadina, meaning “highland” or “ridge” — a perfect fit for its location overlooking the city.
Today, the Spadina Museum has been lovingly restored to reflect life from the 1900s to the 1930s. Each room is a visual treat, blending Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Colonial Revival design. The six-acre gardens are just as impressive, restored to their 1905 glory — and a perfect photo spot in spring and summer.
While Casa Loma gets all the attention, Spadina House offers something its glamorous neighbour can’t: peace, charm, and authenticity. Many original furnishings remain, each telling its own story of Toronto’s upper class.
We visited on a sunny afternoon and were treated to a guided tour by the friendly onsite staff. And the best part? Admission was free!
If you're planning a trip to Casa Loma, I highly recommend walking just a few minutes further to Spadina House. It’s like discovering a secret — and it’s well worth the detour.
Have you been to Spadina House? What caught your eye — the décor, the garden, the view? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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