The Guild Inn, Toronto's Exotic Locale
Recently, I was watching "Relic Hunter", the sexy new show staring Tia Carrere as a brainy, buxom archaeologist who travels the world uncovering historic treasures (and herself). It's like Indiana Jones meets Bay Watch.
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Relic Hunter - in action!
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Anyway, Tia, aka Sydney, was in Greece at an ancient temple searching for the Labyrinth of the legendary minotaur. Climbing a Corinthian column, she inserted an amulet into the altar and opened a secret passage. Then she and her entourage descended into the Labyrinth for further thrills 'n' spills.
The strangest thing is that when I was getting married at that same site 6 months earlier I had no idea 1) I was in Greece or 2) that there was a secret passage to the labyrinth. Great treasure could have been mine if only I'd known!
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Our Wedding Party.
Tia climbed the pillar to left, secret passage is on the right!
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Although it passes for Greece, this location is actually Guildwood Park, a Toronto landmark. It's amazing how many Toronto locales are used for an impressive array of exotic locations in movies and TV shows. Hence Toronto's nickname of Hollywood North (though I don't know anyone other than media types who ever say that).
Formerly an artists' colony called the "Guild of All Arts", the park is now run by the City of Toronto as a hotel, conference centre and public park. A pseudo-Georgian mansion, a coachhouse built in 1914 and sadly, a heinous 50's hotel addition too, now operate as the Guild Inn.
Guildwood Park is well worth visiting, if only to say you've tread where Tia Carrere has. The Greek temple that was such a vivid backdrop for titillating action is, in fact, the "Greek Theatre". It was never a temple or a theatre, but rather it was a façade to an old downtown Toronto Dominion Bank building (presumably Greek Revival style).
The previous owners of the Guild Inn, Spencer and Rosa Clark, were art patrons. After World War II, Toronto started demolishing its neoclassical buildings to build the glass and cement boxes that now plague the city. The Spencers salvaged some of the architectural features of these buildings, such as Gothic arches, relief sculptures, facades and columns. These treasures plus an eclectic sculpture collection were intermingled skillfully amid floral gardens and forest. The Spencer Clark Collection of Historic Architecture is Canada's first architectural garden.
The site is beautifully married to its natural surroundings. Overlooking the Scarborough Bluffs, a dramatic range of cliffs along Lake Ontario, the Guild Inn is one of many parks that follow the Bluffs. Many kilometres of trails run on top and on the bottom of the cliffs. For those that may never have seen Lake Ontario, it is more of a freshwater inland sea that a lake per se (but don't drink it!).
Guildwood Park is also historically significant. A log cabin, estimated to be over 200 years old, is on the grounds. It is one of the oldest structures in the city.
In its heyday as the Guild of All Arts, the arts programs attracted famous artists such as Group of Seven members A.Y. Jackson, A.J. Casson and Lawren Harris. Even today it houses several artist studios and shows.
The hotel rooms are surprisingly affordable at about $100 a night, which by Toronto standards is insanely cheap. It is about a half hour from downtown Toronto attractions by car, but an hour by public transit. The restaurant is quite good, though a little pricey. My wife and I enjoyed having tea and dessert on the garden terrace overlooking the Lake. Please note that this summer, the hotel is being renovated so there may be some construction, though the gardens will be unaffected.
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Tia tearing off her gown to climb the altar. My wife just marched to the altar.
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When my wife and I first saw the Guild Inn, we loved the beautiful surroundings and its artistic connection. It is unique and eclectic, much like us. We got married in October so the autumn colours were stunning. Because it is such a beautiful, exotic locale many couples get married or have their pictures taken there. So don't be surprised if you see a few women in formal wear - one of them may even be Tia Carrere, if you're lucky!
Find out more about the collection, the site's history and see even more great shots at the website, Our Guild Inn.
Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our North America Insiders page.
