Wait — Victoria Has Castles?
I get it, it sounds like a tourism gimmick. But no — Victoria genuinely has castles, and they're the real deal: stone towers, sprawling grounds, wild origin stories. After a decade living here I still get a little smug when visitors' jaws drop. Let me walk you through both.
Craigdarroch Castle
The Story
Craigdarroch was built in the late 1880s by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir — a Scottish immigrant who became one of the richest men in British Columbia. He commissioned the castle to prove he'd arrived (in every sense of the word). Tragically, he died in 1889 before it was finished. His wife Joan moved in anyway, and the family eventually sold it off.
Over the decades the building did a stint as a military hospital, then a music conservatory, then offices for the local school board — which honestly makes the history even more interesting. Since 1979 it's been a National Historic Site and museum.
What to See Inside
The interior is wonderfully preserved Victorian excess — in the best possible way:
- Intricate stained glass throughout, including some genuinely stunning statement windows
- Four floors of period-furnished rooms: drawing rooms, a billiard room, the family bedrooms
- Original woodwork that will make any carpenter weep quietly with envy
- The tower — climb to the top for a sweeping view over the city and the Olympic Mountains across the water
Self-guided audio tours are available, which I'd actually recommend. You can linger as long as you like in the rooms that grab you.
Getting There from Downtown
Craigdarroch is in the Rockland neighbourhood — about a 20–25 minute walk from Ocean Island, or a very short bus ride on BC Transit. It sits on a gentle hill, and the walk through the James Bay and Rockland streets is genuinely pretty. Check bctransit.com for current routes and fares, or ask at our front desk.
- Check current hours and admission: craigdarrochcastle.com
Hatley Castle
The Story
Hatley Castle was built in 1908 — also by the Dunsmuir family, this time Robert's son James. Apparently one castle wasn't enough. James reportedly told the architect: *"Money doesn't matter, just build what I want."* The architect obliged.
Sit with that for a second.
The result is a massive Edwardian castle set on 565 acres of manicured grounds in Colwood, about 15 km west of downtown Victoria. James and his wife Laura lived here until 1940. After that, the Canadian government took it over as a Royal Roads military college. Today it's the heart of Royal Roads University, and the grounds and castle are open to visitors.
What to See
Hatley is as much about the gardens and grounds as the castle itself:
- The Italian Garden, Japanese Garden, and Rose Garden — each one a separately designed outdoor room, completely different in character
- The castle exterior — it's a striking Gothic Revival pile right out of a period drama (because it literally has been: the grounds have been used in film and TV shoots)
- Interior tours run seasonally — check ahead because availability depends on the university's schedule
- The waterfront trail along the edge of the estate, which winds through old-growth forest to the shoreline
Even if you can't get inside, an afternoon wandering the gardens and trails is completely worth the trip.
Getting There from Downtown
Hatley is further out than Craigdarroch, so plan accordingly:
- By bus: BC Transit runs out to Colwood — it's doable but takes time. Check bctransit.com for the current route options.
- By bike: The Galloping Goose Regional Trail runs all the way out to Colwood — it's a fantastic ride if you're up for roughly 15 km each way. Rental bikes are easy to sort in the city if you didn't bring your own.
- By car or rideshare: The quickest option, about 20 minutes from downtown depending on traffic.
- Check current hours, tours, and garden access: royalroads.ca/about/hatley-park
Two Castles, One Trip?
If you're a dedicated castle enthusiast (no judgement — you're in the right city), you could technically do both in one day. I'd suggest Craigdarroch in the morning since it's closer, then head out to Hatley for the afternoon and the gardens. That said, Hatley alone warrants a half-day trip if you want to breathe it in properly.
A Few Tips Before You Go
- Craigdarroch is accessible year-round; Hatley's interior tours vary by season — always check ahead
- Both spots are genuinely worth the visit even in Victoria's moody grey weather; the stone and gardens look dramatic in the mist
- Wear comfortable shoes — Hatley especially involves a lot of ground to cover
Have questions about getting to either castle, or want the inside track on combining a castle visit with whale watching or a Galloping Goose ride? Swing by the Ocean Island front desk — we're happy to help you put together the perfect Victoria day.
