The Valhalla Inn featured mermaids who swam and entertained guests. There was also a herd of deer. Courtesy photos.
By DAVE KOSONIC
The historic Valhalla Inn was a South Etobicoke hub of activity from its grand opening in 1963 to the nostalgic closing party attended by hundreds of regulars in 2009 after 46 years in business.
The popular Inn, which featured wild deer and mermaid, was once described as “the most eccentric airport hotel,” and was located near The East Mall and Bloor St. W. It was also dubbed “a city hotel in a country setting,” as the hotel would sell itself.
Many patrons remember sitting in the Mermaid Lounge and peeking through the portholes into the nearby pool at the modern-day mermaids, who were staff in mermaid costumes. Others recall sitting in a dining room while watching wild deer frisking around in an enclosed courtyard.
Developer Edmund Peachy was inspired by Scandinavian architecture and culture during his travels to Europe and deviated from the standard motor inns of the early 1960s.
Peachey realized that the Valhalla Inn would be ideally located to provide easy access to Toronto International Airport and downtown Toronto for business people staying there. It was a success for many years.
The Nordic Dining Lounge had three peaked roofs that were inspired by the Viking longhouses of past centuries. The exterior featured weathered cedar planks, brown brick and rough cut stone.
Inside the Nordic and Scandinavian influence was enhanced by wood, brick and stone highlighted by bronze and copper. The outside Valhalla Inn signs were in honor of the mythical resting place for Viking warriors who died in battle. There was also a large covering over the front entrance that extended to the free parking lot that protected customers from the weather.
The original Valhalla Inn structure was square-shaped with two tiers of rooms around three sides with the exception of the front of the inn. During later years a multi-floor tower was re-constructed to increase the number of guest rooms and conference facilities.
After the Valhalla Inn closed in 2009 and was subsequently demolished the property was taken over by other developers. Part of the deal required that some remnants of the original Valhalla Inn should be retained in the new structure. The most recent property owners are Michael and George Kalmar who also own the Old Mill in Toronto.
Now several condos tower over the site along with various other residences but the memories and spirit of the original Valhalla Inn likely remain in the minds of thousands from both near and far.
Those memories may include the many parties, events and a bartender who mixed drinks there for 40-years before retiring.
A local heritage group has promised to preserve key elements of the building, including the carved dragon ship’s prow bar in the dining lounge, the massive handles of the front door, and key pieces of signage, including those from the entrance to the basement Mermaid Bar.
