Now that CBC‘s Murdoch Mysteries (also known as The Artful Detective) S9 has premiered on Alibi in the UK (and on Ovation in the US), I would like to share some photos of the Toronto sites in Murdoch Mysteries from my last trip in July 2014.
Queen’s Park
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Queen’s Park, named after Queen Victoria, encompasses the Ontario Legislative Building, a Richardsonian Romanesque building completed in 1893 (main wing). In S6E7, there was a ghostly bride scare inside the building and in S8E1, the suffragettes gathered outside the steps with their placards before being arrested.
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Old City Hall
I can’t remember if this was a setting or used as a location in MM but here’s part of it anyway. Built from 1889-1899, it was the one of the largest buildings in Toronto at the time and home to the city council until 1966. This Romanesque Revival building is now a court house.
Just one facade pictured here
Casa Loma
Toronto’s castle, Casa Loma, was used as the residence of engineer and inventor, James Pendrick. In reality, this was the residence of Sir Henry Pellatt and was constructed from 1911-14 – almost a decade later! For those interested in visiting Casa Loma, tickets cost $21.24 and include the grounds. Since @Royal_Diary and I had less than an hour or two until closing time, we didn’t get a chance to see the grounds or the cars in the garage! I will be posting more photos of Casa Loma in a separate post, possibly next week.
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Toronto Island
In S1E6, Dr Julia Ogden accompanied Detective William Murdoch on a little walk around the Toronto Island (formerly known as Hiawatha and also Menecing in the Ojibwa tongue).
Not in Murdoch Mysteries But Date Back Around the Same Time
King Edward Hotel (37 King St E) was built in 1903 and is now part of the Omni hotel chain. One article mentions that Mark Twain had stayed at this hotel though another mentions that Mr Twain had only made two visits to Toronto from 1884-85. Would someone be able to confirm if Mr Twain and visited again in the early 20th Century (which would match the S9E2 episode).
King Edward Hotel, named in honour of King Edward VII
St Lawrence Hall (157 King St E), a Grand Renaissance Revival building built in 1850, was once a meeting hall but is now used for conferences, exhibits, and events.
The Hockey Hall of Fame (30 Yonge St) was once a branch of the Bank of Montreal (see photo from the 1890’s).
Dineen Building (140 Yonge Street), a Renaissance Revival building built in 1897.
The St Lawrence Market (92-95 Front Street East) South building was built in 1845 but has been rebuilt twice since.
Osgoode Hall (130 Queen Street W), was built between 1829-32. Around the time of the beginning of Murdoch Mysteries (S1 begins in 1895), the building was expanded to accommodate the law school. My dear friend @sarahjocc granted me access to the building. I hope I’m allowed to share these photos; otherwise I’m in big trouble. :S
The Campbell House (160 Queen St W). Built in 1822, this Georgian museum was once the home of Upper Canada Chief Justice Sir William Campbell and his family.
I took two photos and had to run off to meet another friend
The Gooderham Building (49 Wellington Street E), a flatiron building, was completed in 1892.
One of my favourite buildings in Toronto. Unfortunately, I could never get a good photo so you’ll have to accept this one.
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