Craigdarroch Castle

Rising above the quiet Rockland neighbourhood of Victoria, BC, Craigdarroch Castle looks like it was plucked straight from a European fairy tale and planted on Vancouver Island. But this isn't just any castle—it’s a 25,000-square-foot monument to ambition, wealth, and resilience. Built by the Dunsmuir family, one of British Columbia’s most powerful dynasties, this Victorian-era mansion is a time capsule of stained-glass wonders, ornate oak staircases, and stories that whisper through every carved wooden panel.

 

Whether you're drawn in by history, architecture, or a touch of mystery, Craigdarroch Castle rewards every step you take—all 87 of them—to the top of its tower

 

 

What to Know

Originally constructed as the lavish residence of wealthy coal baron Robert Dunsmuir and his wife Joan, Craigdarroch Castle was meant to be a grand symbol of success. Tragically, Robert passed away in April 1889, before ever seeing the finished masterpiece. His sons completed the project, but the home’s future was far from simple.

 

Over the decades, this iconic landmark has served as everything from a military hospital and Victoria College to a music conservatory. Today, it's carefully preserved by the Craigdarroch Castle Historical Museum Society and welcomes around 150,000 visitors a year. As a National Historic Site, it’s one of the most important cultural landmarks in Victoria—and one of the most photogenic.

 

How to Get There

You’ll find Craigdarroch Castle perched at 1050 Joan Crescent, just a few minutes’ drive or a 25-minute walk from downtown Victoria. Prefer public transit? Hop on bus #11 or #14 via the Victoria Regional Transit System—both stop conveniently close to the castle.

 

Driving? There’s limited street parking in the area, so arrive early if you're visiting during peak times. You can also opt for a bike during summer months.

 

Best Time to Visit

Spring and summer are ideal for exploring Craigdarroch Castle and its grounds. The lush gardens bloom beautifully, and the south lawn offers a quiet place to reflect after your visit. Weekday mornings are your best bet if you're hoping to dodge the crowds.

 

Fall brings a moody charm to the estate, with amber leaves framing the gothic turrets—perfect for photos. Even winter, with its misty Pacific air, lends the castle a haunting elegance.

 

Highlights & Features

 

Stained Glass Windows:

The castle boasts an extraordinary collection of Victorian stained and leaded glass windows, including the recreated “woman with a swan” piece in the Drawing Room.

 

Tower Views:

Climb the iconic 87 steps to the tower and be rewarded with sweeping views of Victoria and the surrounding coastline.

 

Oak Staircases & Woodwork:

The interior showcases jaw-dropping craftsmanship—white oak, Spanish mahogany, and Hawaiian koa wood all make appearances.

 

The Drawing Room:

Once the family’s formal gathering space, this room has also served as a hospital rec room, college classroom, and office. Its restored painted ceiling is a highlight.

 

Historical Artifacts:

Period furnishings and interpretive displays help paint a vivid picture of 19th-century life in one of North America’s most opulent homes.

 

Encaustic Tile Flooring:

Imported from England, these vibrant tiles speak to the Victorian love for color, pattern, and permanence.

 

Highlights / Fun Facts

 

Bonanza Castle:

Craigdarroch is a classic example of a "bonanza castle"—mansions built by ultra-wealthy North Americans during the industrial boom. Think coal, railroads, and power.

 

Raffle to Riches (or Ruin):

After the Dunsmuir family sold the estate, it was raffled off by a land speculator in a dramatic attempt to sell building lots. The winner, Solomon Cameron, ended up bankrupt—and the castle eventually fell into the hands of a bank.

 

Six Lives, One Building:

Over the past century, the castle has been home to:

- The Dunsmuir family

- A military hospital

- Victoria College

- The Victoria School Board Office

- The Victoria Conservatory of Music

- And finally, the Craigdarroch Castle Historical Museum

 

Original Prefab:

Long before IKEA, Craigdarroch used prefabricated components from Chicago and Milwaukee—2,128 wood panels, staircases, doors, and shutters all shipped across the continent to be assembled on-site.

 

Victoria College Roots:

If you studied at the University of Victoria, you’re part of the castle’s story—it was once the very foundation of higher education in the city.

 

Final Thoughts

Craigdarroch Castle is more than just a pretty face—it’s a layered story carved into stone, glass, and wood. From its towering turrets to its hidden stencils, every corner hums with history and heartache, ambition and artistry. For anyone visiting Victoria, BC, this national historic site is a must-see—not just to admire, but to feel.

 

So if you're planning your next trip to Victoria, carve out some time for this grand old mansion. Whether you come for the views, the stained-glass sunlight, or the echo of piano keys from a century ago, Craigdarroch Castle has a way of staying with you long after you’ve left.