Step back in time with a visit to a true Victorian-era gem -- the Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria, British Columbia. The castle is a key piece of British Columbia history, and was built for BC's wealthiest man in the early 1900s. Explore the castle at your own pace and admire the Victorian furnishing, a large collection of stained and leaded glass windows and impressive woodwork. Only a short walk from downtown Victoria, this is a highlight that shouldn't be missed!
While in Victoria, make sure to visit the famous Craigdarroch Castle -- the premiere heritage and architectural attraction in Victoria, British Columbia. The castle was built as a lavish Victorian home for the wealthiest man in British Columbia in the early 1900s, Robert Dunsmuir, who owned coal mines, railroads and an entire fleet of ships! The mansion features exquisite woodwork, Victorian furnishings and one of the finest residential collections of stained and leaded glass windows in North America.
Tragically, Mr. Dunsmuir passed away before the home’s completion, and only his wife, Joan, and some of their children and grandchildren ever actually lived in the home. After Joan’s death in 1908, the entire contents of the Castle were sold at an auction and the property was subdivided. The castle subsequently served as a military hospital, a college, school board offices, a music school and finally as a historic museum.
Explore the castle on a self-guided tour that takes approximately one hour.
Absolutely loved our stay. The Mansion has a lot of character, is quiet, in an excellent location for exploring the town. Beds were very comfy! The saff were wonderful and very friendly. The breakfast buffet was a typical hotel breakfast with one exception they were sooo friendly! Will be back!
Review by: Corrina R, September 2016
Loved this, great deal, beautiful castle!
Review by: Timothy C, September 2016
It was an interesting view of the Dunsmuir family, and the uses of the house between the late 1800s and mid 1900s. It and #39;s a beautiful mansion, with intricate woodwork and sparkling stained glass. Our visit was on a very warm day, and that made it a bit uncomfortable in the house. Still, we enjoyed it!
Review by: Alyssa E, August 2016
It was beautiful! Make sure that you plan enough time to see it when you go. We went as our 2nd stop from our 1st excursion and decided to walk back to our cruise ship. It was a little far on a hot day. But was pretty cool to way to see Victoria on the walk back.
Review by: dawn b, August 2016
Beautiful place but not really a castle more of a mansion
Review by: ladybug, July 2016
Very interesting history great sense of life of this family
Review by: Silvia P, July 2016
It's an easy walk up Fort Street to the castle. Then there's 4 floors with stairs no elevator so there's lots of walking. Beautiful castle that has been well maintained. It takes about an hour or so to go through and the docent is very knowledgeable and can answer any questions you have.
Review by: Alaska trip, July 2016
This tour was amazing!
Review by: Louise S, November 2015
A highly recommended self guided tour. Beautifully restored rooms give a real sense of life in turn of the century Victoria's high society. Spectacular stained glass windows in almost every room.
Review by: Richard S, October 2015
The house is beautiful and the docents are the most informative and friendliest we have ever come across. They will spend as little or as much time as you want talking about the house, the history of the family, and their favorite items. Well worth the time and money to see this treasure from Canada's industrial rich!
Review by: JANIS L, October 2015
Friendly, informative and overall enjoyable experience. A must see!
Review by: Christine M, September 2015
This was really cool. We loved the history throughout. We also enjoyed seeing it a little bit in the restoration process as well. We TOTALLY got out money's worth.
Review by: laurie26262121, September 2015
Enjoyed seeing the Castle, would have been nice to have had a walk through talking guide.
Review by: Susan M, August 2015
Beautiful home and well worth seeing. The history about the home is very interesting!
Review by: Macho A, August 2015
The castle was really cool to look at. There was so much history in it and it's amazing to hear all the different ways it was used.
Review by: Linda M, October 2014
Grand old house in process of being restore. Got to take lots of pictures and learned a lot of history about the house
Review by: Brenda, September 2014
Very interesting Victorian castle, beautiful restoration in progress. The stained glass windows were magnificent. Very elegant life style if you were the upper class.
Review by: My list, July 2014
A short walk from central Victoria to this splendid house, well worth the visit.
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