Craigdarroch Castle, Victoria (must see)
Built between 1887 and 1890 by wealthy coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, Craigdarroch Castle is an impressive Scottish Baronial mansion that is now open to the public as a museum.
The castle's architecture is a prime example of the Victorian architectural style, characterized by its ornate details, intricate woodwork, and elaborate stonework. The exterior is made of local granite, while the interior features a mix of exotic woods, stained glass windows, and intricate plasterwork.
Visitors to Craigdarroch Castle can take a self-guided tour of the mansion's four floors, which are filled with period furniture, artwork, and other artifacts. Some of the tour's highlights include the grand staircase, the drawing room, the billiard room, and the bedrooms, which are decorated in a variety of styles ranging from Gothic Revival to Rococo.
In addition to the castle itself, the property also features stunning gardens that are open to the public, meticulously maintained and including a mix of exotic and native plants, as well as several fountains and statues.
Throughout the year, Craigdarroch Castle hosts a variety of events and activities, including holiday-themed tours, concerts, and educational programs for children. There is also a gift shop on site, where visitors can purchase souvenirs and other items related to the castle and its history.
Why You Should Visit:
Very unique place for western Canada. Apart from the self-guided tour, the young volunteers stationed around the various rooms are very helpful. If you enjoy anything exquisitely Victorian-era or are a fan of wooden craftsmanship, then this is a must.
Tip:
To fully appreciate the castle, you will need to be fit enough to walk up the staircases (no elevator) to the different sections from the restored bedrooms to the upstairs ballroom. Make sure to also walk up the top turret and admire the views!
The castle's architecture is a prime example of the Victorian architectural style, characterized by its ornate details, intricate woodwork, and elaborate stonework. The exterior is made of local granite, while the interior features a mix of exotic woods, stained glass windows, and intricate plasterwork.
Visitors to Craigdarroch Castle can take a self-guided tour of the mansion's four floors, which are filled with period furniture, artwork, and other artifacts. Some of the tour's highlights include the grand staircase, the drawing room, the billiard room, and the bedrooms, which are decorated in a variety of styles ranging from Gothic Revival to Rococo.
In addition to the castle itself, the property also features stunning gardens that are open to the public, meticulously maintained and including a mix of exotic and native plants, as well as several fountains and statues.
Throughout the year, Craigdarroch Castle hosts a variety of events and activities, including holiday-themed tours, concerts, and educational programs for children. There is also a gift shop on site, where visitors can purchase souvenirs and other items related to the castle and its history.
Why You Should Visit:
Very unique place for western Canada. Apart from the self-guided tour, the young volunteers stationed around the various rooms are very helpful. If you enjoy anything exquisitely Victorian-era or are a fan of wooden craftsmanship, then this is a must.
Tip:
To fully appreciate the castle, you will need to be fit enough to walk up the staircases (no elevator) to the different sections from the restored bedrooms to the upstairs ballroom. Make sure to also walk up the top turret and admire the views!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Victoria. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Craigdarroch Castle on Map
Sight Name: Craigdarroch Castle
Sight Location: Victoria, Canada (See walking tours in Victoria)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Victoria, Canada (See walking tours in Victoria)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Victoria, British Columbia
Create Your Own Walk in Victoria
Creating your own self-guided walk in Victoria is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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They say, Victoria is a jewel of a city with its blend of timeless charm and grace, in which historic architecture coexists with a modern and vibrant cultural scene. Indeed, for a relatively young city, Victoria boasts a wealth of incredibly beautiful heritage sites carefully preserved for future generations to enjoy. The moment you cruise into the capital of British Columbia, you can feel a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Victoria Introduction Walking Tour
Perched on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, the capital of the Canadian province of British Columbia, Victoria, is known for its beautiful natural scenery, mild climate, marvelous Victorian-style architecture, and cultural scene. Collectively all these qualities have contributed to this Pacific coastal city's informal title of "Athens of the West".
The region's First... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
The region's First... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles