has a sad story behind the making of its beautiful majestic walls. The owner, coal baron, Robert Dunsmuir, never had a chance to live here. He passed away just before construction of the Castle was completed (1887-1890).
Craigdarroch Castle
Then, there is the dramatic Dunsmuir family saga that ensued over the years which included one of his sons suing his mother over the distribution of the inheritance.
A view of the garden
This legendary landmark was once the highest place to catch a view of Victoria. It is a fine example of a “bonanza castle” – a massive home built for men who earned their wealth during the industrial transformation of North America.
The Dining Room
This ‘home’ is 25,572 sq. ft. including the basement and has 17 fireplaces and 7 chimneystacks. The castle originally stood on 28 acres of land.
The Drawing Room
After Robert’s wife Joan died in 1908, the children sold the Castle to a real estate developer and he divided the property into over 100 lots. Today, the Castle stands on 1.75 acres and is a National Historic Site.
One of several bedrooms
It served many purposes over the years, including a Military Hospital, Victoria College, Victoria School Board, and the Victoria Conservatory of Music.
Graffiti carved into the panelling has been preserved
One famous student, author and television personality Pierre Burton, contributed to the graffiti on the walls in the billiard room, which served as a classroom when he studied here.
To experience your own personal tour, via video, click HERE.
