Government House

This is an amazing garden and it is not so over run with people in tourist season. It is a short drive from downtown (10 minutes) into a lovely residential neighbourhood called Rockland. On a clear day, from numerous vantage points, you can see the Olympic Mountains. The gardens are open to the public from sunrise to sunset. THE PRIVATE residence is not open to the public unless for a special occasion. William and Kate, the future King and Queen of England stayed in residence here for a week. There is a modest tea rom open in the summer months. Deer roam freely on the property. IF you bring your dog--and they are welcome--make sure it is ON LEASH due to the deer and other animals (squirrels).