Craigdarroch Castle

Highlights / General details

Located in the heart of Victoria, Craigdarroch Castle was completed in 1890 for the honorable Robert Dunsmuir and his wife Joan, the wealthiest family in British Columbia. The Dunsmuirs were pioneers who left Scotland for Vancouver Island and amassed an incredible fortune through coal mining.

The building is a unique example of a "bonanza castle" built in the Chateauesque Victorian style. After being occupied as a family home for just 18 years, the castle subsequently was used as a military hospital, college campus, the offices for the Victoria School Board, and a music conservatory. Today Craigdarroch Castle has been recognized as a National Historic Site and is run by a nonprofit organization as a historic house museum.

Lavish Victorian-era furnishings and decor, exquisite stained glass, and detailed woodwork carved by artisans of days gone by – these all combine to create a warm and expansive cultural experience.

Points of interest: See exquisite woodwork, stained glass, and lavish Victorian-era furnishings and costumes. Climb up to the tower to admire sweeping views of Victoria and the Olympic Mountains. See the Victorian-era architecture and furnishings of this historic house museum. Discover the history of the Dunsmuirs and Craigdarroch Castle. Enjoy a 36-minute documentary film.

Inclusion

1 day admission and admission to all galleries.

Exclusion

Transportation.

Hours of operation

Open 7 days per week. 10:00 am - 4:30 pm from September 7th to June 14th. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm from June 15th - September 6th.

Duration

Self-Guided, 1 - 2 hours. Visitors are recommended to allow 1 hour to tour the castle without watching the documentary, and 1.5 hours for visits including the documentary.

Location

Located just off Fort Street at 1050 Joan Crescent in Victoria, British Columbia.

All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation