Craigdarroch Castle of Victoria, British Columbia

Built from 1887 to 1890, the Craigdarroch Castle located in Victoria, British Columbia, has been designated as one of Canada's National Historic Sites. The castle was built by Robert Dunsmuir as his own private residence. Mr. Dunsmuir, a Scottish immigrant, made his fortune in the coal business. He would hold the distinction of being one of the wealthiest men in western Canada.

Mr. Dunsmuir had his castle built on the rocky cliffs overlooking the city of Victoria. The castle consists of four floors. Each floor will awe guests with its exquisite wood workmanship, various stained glass windows and authentic Victorian furnishings. The castle boasts over 20,000 square feet of living space. All areas of the castle have been authentically restored to depict Mr. Dunsmuir's time period.

Visitors of the castle are welcome to walk up the 87 stairs into the castle's tower. The views from the tower stretch out to the Straight of Juan de Fuca, and onward to the Olympic Mountains.

The castle and its grounds are open to the public to tour. Private group rentals are also available.

Located on 28 acres, the castle was a labor of love by Mr. Dunsmuir. Unfortunately, he died in 1889 before seeing the completion of his dream. His son's would oversee the completion of the castle while their mother and sisters toured Europe. Joan Dunsmuir would live in the castle that her husband had started until her death in 1908. After her death, the castle would be sold off and the 28 acres subdivided.

The castle was raffled off and maintained as a private residence until 1917. It would be sold due to unpaid tax debts. In 1919 it was formed into a military hospital. The entire castle was refurbished to effectively meet its needs as a hospital.

Some of the castle remains the same as during its hospital days but work is underway to restore the entire castle to its former grander as a private residence.

An admission fee is charged. All guests are asked to have their shoes cleaned by an automatic shoe cleaner to maintain the castles pristine condition. Guests are welcome to tour the castle at a leisurely pace. A map and historic information is provided. An audio tour is available. Photography is allowed inside the castle. Throughout the castle guests will be greeted by volunteers who are happy to answer questions and lend assistance. There is a gift store available on the castle grounds.

Unfortunately, the castle is not handicap accessible. Guests will be faced with extensive walking and climbing many stairs to reach each floor.

The castle is open daily but please call for seasonal hours. 250.592.5323 extension 22.

Sources:

http://www.craigdarrochcastle.com/craigdarroch-castle-plan-your-visit.php#admission_info