Craigdarroch Castle
A Victorian mansion built in 1890 for coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, with 39 rooms filled with stained glass and carved woodwork.
The castle was commissioned by Robert Dunsmuir, a coal baron from Vancouver Island, who died before its completion in 1890. His wife and family moved in. The four-storey sandstone building has 39 rooms that preserve Victorian furniture, stained-glass leaded windows and an elegant oak staircase, showing how wealthy British Columbian families lived in the late 19th century. Climb the tower for views over the city and the Olympic Mountains. A self-guided visit takes about an hour, and admission is about C$20–25. The castle is about 2.5 km from the Inner Harbour, reachable by bus or on foot.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–16:30 (extended in summer)
Nearby sights
- Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
- Government House Gardens
- Abkhazi Garden
- Beacon Hill Park & Mile 0
- Market Square & Lower Johnson
- Inner Harbour & Fairmont Empress
- Royal BC Museum
- Victoria Chinatown & Fan Tan Alley