Craigdarroch Castle
Craigdarroch Castle, Victoria: Hours, Address, Craigdarroch Castle Reviews: 4.5/5
Craigdarroch Castle
Craigdarroch Castle
4.5
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Castles
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Wednesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Completed in 1890, Craigdarroch is a stately home built by the pioneering couple Robert and Joan Dunsmuir, who at the time of its construction were the wealthiest people in British Columbia. Called a 'castle' due to its imposing exterior, the luxurious interior has been restored to look as though the visitor is a guest of Mrs. Dunsmuir during the 1890s. It features beautiful woodwork, unique Victorian artifacts, and an impressive collection of original stained glass, all within a pleasant walk from downtown Victoria.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Rockland
Best nearby
Restaurants
803 within 5 kms
Shine Cafe
143
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
JOIE Grillades
86
0.8 km$$ - $$$ • French • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Tamales Don Carlos
1
0.3 kmPub
Subway
2
0.3 km
Tartan Toque
66
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • Canadian
Cafe Brio
1,007
1 km$$$$ • Italian • International • European
Rudi’s Tea Room
14
0.5 km$
Origin Gluten-Free Bakery
49
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Bakeries • Canadian • Vegan Options
India Tandoori Hut
2
0.5 kmIndian
bin 4 burger lounge
469
1 km$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Canadian
Attractions
155 within 10 kms
Fort Street
129
0.2 kmHistoric Walking Areas
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
199
0.3 kmArt Galleries • Art Museums
Government House
705
0.5 kmGardens • Government Buildings
The Friendship Bell
4
0.4 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Christ Church Cathedral
408
1.1 kmChurches & Cathedrals
Langham Court Theatre
14
0.5 kmTheatres
Royal Theatre
260
1.4 kmTheatres • Mysterious Sites
Costume Museum
3
0.5 kmSpeciality Museums • History Museums
Abkhazi Garden
463
1.5 kmGardens
Inner Harbour
5,336
1.9 kmBodies of Water • Historic Walking Areas
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,310 reviews
Excellent
1,754
Very good
1,185
Average
309
Poor
50
Terrible
12
Maria F
Toronto, Canada24 contributions
We didn't know what to expect but we were so enthralled with this mansion...castle is a stretch. The rooms are beautiful and the wood paneling, stained glass and Limoges tiled floors are spectacular.
Written July 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tony D
Livingston, UK250 contributions
Built in the late 1800s by Robert Dunsmuir the richest man in Western Canada, reputedly at a cost of C$500,000. Sadly he died before it was completed. having been through several owners an uses, it has been preserved as a historical museum since 1979.
It is a fascinating insight into life for the wealthy at the end of 1800s and start of 1900s.
It is a fascinating insight into life for the wealthy at the end of 1800s and start of 1900s.
Written June 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shannon
Airdrie43 contributions
Solo
Beautiful stained glass. Not many of the items in the castle actually belonged to the family that lived there. Don't bring your kids, they don't respect things like this and disrupt the experience for others. Would have been better to have the viewings staged with groups of 6 max, and staggered, rather than a free for all.
Written May 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sco m
Vancouver, Canada6 contributions
Friends
Very informative and "self guided" tour was enjoyable. Very friendly vounteer staff, easy parking (we did go on a weekday).
Written May 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
edwin f
Richmond Hill, Canada660 contributions
This is the place for people interested in old mansion and local history. The most beautiful parts are the hallway and staircase.
There are about 5 rooms decorated. They are fenced, so you cannot get very close. It is also a bit too dark inside to see things clearly. I question how many pieces of furnitures are the original ones, since this house had been sold and repurposed long before.
Other rooms look old and worn. Some empty rooms are used to display the history of the original owner family (quite interesting).
You can also go up the tower and view the surrounding from the balcony.
There are about 5 rooms decorated. They are fenced, so you cannot get very close. It is also a bit too dark inside to see things clearly. I question how many pieces of furnitures are the original ones, since this house had been sold and repurposed long before.
Other rooms look old and worn. Some empty rooms are used to display the history of the original owner family (quite interesting).
You can also go up the tower and view the surrounding from the balcony.
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jim B
Grapeview, WA1,222 contributions
Couples
It was interesting to visit and learn the history of the castle, the surrounding area, and the family that built it. It was fun to see the early pictures of the castle sitting out in the open and compare with the neighborhood surrounding it today. Also interesting to learn about the many uses of it in the years since the original family lived in it. However, a bit sad to learn about the family that built it and the sad stories of many of their lives.
Written April 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
soulefultraveler
Sun City West, AZ1,868 contributions
We had a visit of the castle as part of an excursion from a cruise ship. Definitely worthwhile. I thought an hour would be way too much time to visit the relatively small place, but there were so many interesting write ups about the family that built the place and subsequent landlords, that we used every second of time. Fascinating to see the way of life at the beginning of the last century.
Written April 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Justin C
Alberta, Canada181 contributions
My wife, teenage son and I spent ~90 minutes at this Canadian Heritage Site. We had Lived in the Comox Valley for 5 years previously, so it was interesting to visit the home of the family who made their fortunes on the Island.
The exterior stonework and interior woodwork is quite something to behold. The nonprofit is doing some interesting work restoring the original character of the home, as well as provide snapshots of the other roles that the Castle served for Victoria over the 20th century (Hospital, College). I don't think I'll visit again, but it was well worth the visit to see this piece of Canadian history.
The exterior stonework and interior woodwork is quite something to behold. The nonprofit is doing some interesting work restoring the original character of the home, as well as provide snapshots of the other roles that the Castle served for Victoria over the 20th century (Hospital, College). I don't think I'll visit again, but it was well worth the visit to see this piece of Canadian history.
Written February 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LetsGo
32 contributions
Family
Very cool to see. I loved the neighborhood and the drive to get here. We really enjoyed wondering around and we bought a few books at the gift shop. I recommend coming to check it out even if you do not go inside
Written February 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sarah G
Victoria, Canada32 contributions
Very beautiful house with a lot of history. The workers are really nice and the grounds are beautiful.
Written December 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vacationtime2014
Prince George, Canada62 contributions
Are there a lot of stairs.
Bellpine
Phoenix, AZ66 contributions
Yes there are stairs; interspersed throughout the tour.
Are there handrails on the staircases? Also are the steps steep?
Penny Alexander
15 contributions
There are hand rails yes. As for the stairs they were all good. The staircases were also wide so you could go at your own pace.
How far is the castle from downtown can you walk from downtown?
JimmyLee
Olympia, WA61 contributions
Give me more information. How old are you? Are you healthy? A healthy single individual can easily walk to the castle. Families, elderly and and handicapped should take a ten dollar taxi. Like all castles, it sits up on a hill. What castle doesn't? It costs ten dollars to take a taxi to the castle from downtown. Healthy? Walk. Otherwise, take a taxi.
Fransiska
Jakarta, Indonesia
What tine is the movie history ? And how long is it ?
The movie plays every hour on the half hour (9:30, 10:30, 1130, etc) and runs about 35 mins.
Ceceliaj63
Vancouver Island, Canada160 contributions
Was the Christmas Carol Play very good at Craigdarroch Castle?
007Laurie007
Victoria, Canada38 contributions
I never saw these questions before. So sorry. The play was brilliant.
is the site wheelchair accessible?
JimmyLee
Olympia, WA61 contributions
No, no, and, sadly, no. This home has been restored to pre handicapped accessible condition. They did not consider such things in 1898, or the technology was not available in the area, or the old Scotsman who had it built was to thrifty. 19th century Scots considered such things and then spent a fortune on books in a library they did not even read as well as making certain they had a specific spoon for peas then said 'An elevator? jWasteful'. Sorry.
jordanschutz
Grenfell, Canada2 contributions
How long do people typically spend viewing/touring the Craigdarroch Castle?
Kate H
Victoria, Canada
Hi, and thanks for your inquiry! Because the tour is self-guided, you can take as long as you want. We generally recommend a minimum of 1 hour for a visit, though many visitors will take quite a lot more time than that. On average, it's probably about 80-90 minutes, with people who are extra passionate about stained glass, woodwork, or historic house museums taking up to 3 hours.
Elyse Boutin
Laval, Canada92 contributions
Est-ce que les visites sont possibles en français?
Kate H
Victoria, Canada
All visits to the Castle are self-guided (ie/ there is no tour guide, although there are docents stationed throughout the house to answer questions). All our information materials (including a history pamphlet and the map) are available in French.
Randy S
1 contribution
Is photography allowed inside the Castle? I would not be using a tripod or flash.
Kate H
Victoria, Canada
Casual photography, including flash, is indeed permitted inside the Castle, though tripods and selfie sticks are not. This does not include any formal photography- ie/ posed wedding, engagement photos which causes problems for other visitors and must be booked for after hours.
Are pets allowed?
Caren J
Brooklyn, NY1,354 contributions
no pets of any kind are allowed
Frequently Asked Questions about Craigdarroch Castle
- Craigdarroch Castle is open:
- Wed - Sun 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- We recommend booking Craigdarroch Castle tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 22 Craigdarroch Castle tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Craigdarroch Castle:
- Craigdarroch Castle Pedicab Tour (From C$198.10)
- The Ultimate Group Package Tour of Victoria (From C$792.40)
- Victoria Castles and Neighborhoods Bike Tour (From C$60.96)
- Vancouver->Victoria Tour | Visit Craigdarroch Castle and Butchart Garden Private (From C$657.87)
- Two Hour Luxury City Tour of Victoria (From C$284.45)
- Hotels near Craigdarroch Castle:
- (0.06 km) The Craigmyle
- (0.11 km) Carberry Gardens
- (0.41 km) Abbeymoore Manor Bed and Breakfast Inn
- (0.21 km) Victoria Rockland Area 1 Bedroom Suite Close Walk to City Centre and Harbour
- (0.50 km) Fairholme Manor
- Restaurants near Craigdarroch Castle:
- (0.30 km) Subway
- (0.32 km) Tamales Don Carlos
- (0.53 km) Shine Cafe
- (0.77 km) JOIE Grillades
- (1.03 km) Cafe Brio