Historic house / Castle

Craigdarroch Castle

Victoria, BC

Stained glass and wood-paneled interiorsPeriod furnishings and original detailsHilltop views over Victoria

About Craigdarroch Castle

Craigdarroch Castle is a finely preserved example of Victorian Gothic revival architecture built for coal baron Robert Dunsmuir in the 1890s. The guided and self-guided tours move through multiple floors of richly furnished rooms, stained glass windows and detailed craftsmanship that transport visitors to an earlier era of British Columbia’s industrial boom. Interpretation often covers the family’s history and the site’s later institutional uses, and the castle’s hilltop location provides pleasant views over the city. It’s a short walk or bus ride from downtown and a favorite for history buffs and architecture fans.

Things to Do

Self-guided or guided interior tours

Self-guided or guided interior tours

Photography of architecture and stained glass

Photography of architecture and stained glass

Learn about the Dunsmuir family and local history

Learn about the Dunsmuir family and local history

Visit the gift shop

Visit the gift shop

Self-guided audio or guided interior tours

Self-guided audio or guided interior tours

Photography of period rooms

Photography of period rooms

Learn about Dunsmuir family history

Learn about Dunsmuir family history

Visit the gift shop and nearby walking routes

Visit the gift shop and nearby walking routes

Food & Dining

Blue Fox Caferestaurant

Blue Fox Cafe

Vibrant, colourful cafe known for all-day breakfast & imaginative takes on Canadian comfort food.

Tim Hortonscoffee_shop

Tim Hortons

Canadian chain for signature premium-blend coffee, plus light fare, pastries & breakfast sandwiches.

OEB Breakfast Co.brunch_restaurant

OEB Breakfast Co.

Habit Coffeecoffee_shop

Habit Coffee

Moka House Coffeecafe

Moka House Coffee

McDonald'sfast_food_restaurant

McDonald's

Classic, long-running fast-food chain known for its burgers & fries.

Loveleens Indian Sweets and Snacksconfectionery

Loveleens Indian Sweets and Snacks

The Fernwood Innrestaurant

The Fernwood Inn

Pub fare & local microbrews served in a relaxed pub with an outdoor patio & art-filled walls.