What Should I Know About Visiting Government House in Victoria?

Perched in the historic Rockland neighbourhood, Government House is one of Victoria’s most significant landmarks. It’s the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and the ceremonial home for all British Columbians. But what does that mean for visitors in 2025 and 2026? Here’s what you need to know about this beautiful and historic 36-acre estate.

Can I Tour Government House?

This is the most common question, and the answer is both yes and no. The main residence, Government House itself, is not open to the public for general tours as it is a working residence for the Lieutenant Governor and hosts distinguished guests, including members of the Royal Family and international dignitaries.

However, the magnificent grounds are open to the public, free of charge, 365 days a year from dawn until dusk. These are not just any gardens; they are a National Historic Site of Canada and are meticulously maintained by the Friends of Government House Gardens Society, a non-profit organization that has been caring for the gardens since 1991.

What Can I See on the Grounds?

The grounds of Government House are a destination in themselves. Here’s what you can explore:

• Themed Gardens: There are over 20 specialized garden areas to discover, including a stunning Victorian Rose Garden based on the design for Warwick Castle’s Rose Garden, a Rock and Alpine Garden with plants from mountainous regions worldwide, and the Terrace Gardens featuring drought-tolerant plants from six continents. The gardens benefit from horticultural partnerships with institutions like the UBC Botanical Garden and the Alpine Garden Society of London.
• Garry Oak Woodlands: The estate includes a 22-acre Garry Oak ecosystem, one of Canada’s most endangered habitats. You can wander the trails and see native wildflowers like camas and fawn lilies in the spring.
• Cary Castle Mews: This charming collection of 1870s wooden service buildings (stables, carriage house, gaol, root cellar) has been beautifully restored. Here you’ll find a costume museum (open May to September) and Rudi’s Tea Room.
• Art and Monuments: The grounds feature significant cultural artifacts, including the Hosaqami Totem Pole, raised for Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, a bronze statue of Sir James Douglas, and a carving on the Bandshell by Steven Point and Chief Tony Hunt.

What’s the Story Behind the House? A Tale of Three Houses

The history of Government House is a dramatic tale of fires and rebirth. The current building is actually the third Government House on this site:

1. Cary Castle (1859-1899): Originally a private home, it was purchased in 1865 to be the Governor’s residence. It was destroyed by a devastating fire in May 1899, with all its contents lost.
2. The Rattenbury-Maclure House (1903-1957): Designed by two of Victoria’s most famous architects, Francis Rattenbury and Samuel Maclure, this house was an architectural gem. Tragically, it also burned down on April 15, 1957.
3. The Current House (1959-present): In a remarkable decision, the government chose to rebuild an exact replica of the second house, using the original plans. The stone porte-cochère (the grand entrance) from the second house survived the fire and was incorporated into the new building, creating a tangible link to the past.

What’s Happening at Government House?

Government House is a hub of activity. While you might not be able to go inside, you can enjoy a range of public events throughout the year:

• Music on the Lawn: A free summer concert series at the Government House Bandshell.
• ArtisTree Festival: A popular event that brings local artists to the grounds.
• Annual New Year’s Day Levée: An annual tradition where the public is invited to the House for a New Year’s greeting.

The estate is also a center for important ceremonies, like the Order of British Columbia investitures and the BC Reconciliation Awards.

Royal Connections and Other Notable Visitors

Government House has a long and storied connection with the Royal Family. It has hosted many distinguished visitors over the years, including:

• Queen Elizabeth II (1994): Who visited for the dedication of the gardens.
• King Charles III and Queen Camilla (2009): When they were The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.
• The Prince and Princess of Wales (2016): Who stayed at Government House with their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, during their tour of BC.
• Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan (2009): Who were hosted on a state visit.

A Look Inside: The Rogers Window and a Grand Piano

While the house isn’t open for tours, it has some remarkable features inside. The magnificent Rogers Window, unveiled in 1990, replaced a stained-glass window lost in the 1957 fire. At the time of its installation, it was believed to be Canada’s largest secular stained-glass window portraying heraldic art. In 2010, a Steinway Grand Piano was acquired through fundraising by the BC Government House Foundation, allowing the house to host world-class musicians for royal and diplomatic guests.

Practical Information for Visitors

• Location: In the Rockland neighbourhood, a short drive or a pleasant walk from downtown Victoria.
• Hours: The grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk.
• Admission: Free.
• Accessibility: The gardens have wheelchair-accessible pathways.

While you may not be able to tour the inside of Government House, a visit to the magnificent grounds is a must-do for any visitor to Victoria. It’s a chance to experience a stunning piece of Canadian history, enjoy world-class gardens, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the ceremonial heart of British Columbia in action.