Victoria BC Points of Interest – Craigdarroch Castle

Visitors can get a glimpse of privileged life in 1890s Victoria with a visit to the statuesque Craigdarroch Castle.

Now a National Historic Site, the castle has been fully restored so visitors will feel like they are stepping back in time.

Craigdarroch Castle is a fantastic example of a Victorian era ‘Bonanza castle’, a huge home built for wealthy entrepreneur and industrialist Robert Dunsmuir. Dunsmuir, a Scottish immigrant, made his fortune in Vancouver Island coal mining and built the mansion to reflect and advertise his great wealth in the community.

Architecture buffs will enjoy this example of Romanesque Revival design including cylindrical towers with conical caps, rounded arches and rustication. Craigdarroch Castle has a noteworthy collection of stained and leaded glass windows, thought to be one of North America’s finest collections, featuring mostly floral images including the Scottish Thistle as a nod to Dunsmuir’s heritage.

The castle is packed with interesting historical artifacts and all visitors will enjoy learning about the Dunsmuir family and seeing how they lived and spent their time. 

Self-guided tours of the castle take around 60 minutes and can be pre-booked online. Castle staff are situated throughout the castle to answer questions and give you extra insight into the history of the home.

Visitors are welcome to spend time on the castle grounds. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the south lawn, which can also be rented out for special events. 

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