Craigdarroch Castle Historical Museum Society in Victoria, BC

Some people may well ask just what Craigdarroch Castle is? It is a good question and the answer may surprise most.  This Victorian mansion, built in the 1890s by Robert Dunsmuir, is under the watchful eye of the Craigdarroch Castle Historical Museum Society in Victoria, British Columbia. 

Dunsmuir, who accumulated his wealth in the coal industry, built the home at 1050 Joan Crescent, off Fort Street.  As it happens, this is a great location for just such a museum.  At least, 150,000 visitors say so each year.

The rooms of Craigdarroch Castle are furnished with wonderful period pieces from the last decade of the 1800s.  The house rises more than four stories and covers more than 20,000 square feet. In addition, visitors enjoy the wonderful gardens.  The tour starts in the coach entrance, which is interesting on its own.  With floor map and history information, visitors guide themselves through the magnificent home.  Eighty-seven steps take visitors all the way up to the homes tower, where there is a view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains. 

Most visitors are pleased to see that no ramps or elevators have been added to the historic structure.  Keep in mind that the home is not wheelchair accessible. Tour maps are available in a range of languages, including French, Japanese, Mandarin, German, Spanish and Korean.

Victorian replicas are just one item available in the Museum Gift Shop.  The choices also include work from local artists and items to help you remember the visit to Craigdarroch Castle.  Refreshments are also available.