Craigdarroch Castle Historical Museum Society

Craigdarroch was built between 1887-1890 for Robert Dunsmuir, a Scottish immigrant who made his fortune from Vancouver Island coal. This legendary Victorian mansion, built on a hill overlooking the City of Victoria (Craigdarroch means rocky, oak place in Gaelic) announced to the world that Robert Dunsmuir was the richest and most important man in Western Canada. He died in 1889 leaving his entire estate to his wife Joan who lived in the Castle until her death in 1908. The immense fortune of the Dunsmuir family is reflected in the four floors of exquisite stained glass windows, intricate woodwork and fabulous Victorian era furnishings. Once you've entered the circular room at the main entrance and paid your admission fee, your self guided tour begins. You will be treated to 39 rooms, most of which are furnished lavishly in the 1890s-1900s period, so enjoy the ambiance as you climb the 87 stairs to the tower. There you'll see fabulous views of Victoria, the Straight of Juan de Fuca, and the Olympic Mountains. With over 20,000 square feet of interior space, the house and gardens are being restored exactly as they were originally built offering a great vacation experience for individuals and families alike. If you have fifteen or more people you can make a group tour reservation and receive a discount on admission. We also offer facility rental to individuals or businesses interested in putting on private functions. Craigdarroch was built for entertaining and when you rent the Castle you rent the whole Castle with space for up to 200 people. Now privately owned and operated by the Craigdarroch Castle Historical Museum Society, Victoria's legendary landmark is almost totally funded by its 140,000 annual visitors. We also receive support from businesses and individuals who generously sponsor some of our special events.