Government House — Attraction in Victoria

You can book tours of Government House online for free. Great place, the tour guide was excellent. Tours take one hour. The gardens are spectacular as well, probably the best gardens in Victoria.

Located on the traditional territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, Government House is the office and official residence of the Lieutenant Governor and the ceremonial home of all British Columbians.

The Lieutenant Governor offers accommodation to distinguished visitors including members of the Royal Family, international royalty, heads of state and other honoured guests of British Columbia. Since 1865, there have been three Government Houses on this site. The first official residence, known as Cary Castle, was built in 1859. Six years later it was purchased as the residence of the Governor of Vancouver Island.

Located on the traditional territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, Government House is the office and official residence of the Lieutenant Governor and the ceremonial home of all British Columbians.

The Lieutenant Governor offers accommodation to distinguished visitors including members of the Royal Family, international royalty, heads of state and other honoured guests of British Columbia. Since 1865, there have been three Government Houses on this site. The first official residence, known as Cary Castle, was built in 1859. Six years later it was purchased as the residence of the Governor of Vancouver Island.

When British Columbia entered Confederation in 1871 Cary Castle became Government House, the official office and residence of the Lieutenant Governor of the Province of British Columbia. In May 1899, Cary Castle was destroyed by fire. Renowned architects Francis Rattenbury and Samuel Maclure were hired to design a new house on the same site.

The Rattenbury/Maclure-designed Government House officially opened in 1903. The House served British Columbia for 54 years until April 15, 1957, when it succumbed to fire. The only thing left standing was the porte cochère. Construction on the new Government House began in December 1957 and closely matched the design of the previous building. The current Government House officially opened on...

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...

It’s appalling that the garden washrooms are not open on the weekends when the grounds/gardens are to the public.

I asked if I could use the facilities at the house, since it was open, but the elderly and unkind commissionaire refused me entry stating it is clearly publicized that the house isn’t open to the public on weekends. He made no effort to contact anyone to open the garden facilities. I would have gladly given my government issued i.d. and vaccination status if required. As a BC resident, taxpayer and essential worker, it was a real kick in the teeth. If the gardens and grounds are open, then open...