With its imposing stone walls, conical towers, and romantic, fairytale silhouette, Craigdarroch Castle is one of Victoria’s most famous and intriguing landmarks. This “bonanza castle,” built by a wealthy coal baron, offers a fascinating glimpse into the opulent world of the Victorian elite. If you’re planning a visit in 2025 or 2026, here’s what you should know about this National Historic Site of Canada.

What is Craigdarroch Castle?

Craigdarroch Castle is a stunning example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, built between 1887 and 1890 for Robert Dunsmuir, a Scottish immigrant who made his fortune in Vancouver Island coal mining. It was designed to be a grand statement of his wealth and status. Today, it’s a meticulously restored house museum that allows you to step back in time to the 1890s.

The Dunsmuirs: A Legacy of Power and Controversy

The story of the Dunsmuir family is a dramatic one, full of ambition, tragedy, and controversy. Robert Dunsmuir was a powerful and influential figure in British Columbia’s history, but his wealth was built on the backs of miners who worked in dangerous conditions for low pay. The Wellington coal mine explosion on January 24, 1888, killed 60 workers, just one of many tragedies in Dunsmuir’s operations. Database records from the Wellington Colliery #5 document 171 injuries and deaths. When miners attempted to organize in 1876 after a wage reduction, the Dunsmuirs used strike-breaking tactics and police to evict striking miners from their homes.

His son, James, became Premier and then Lieutenant Governor of BC. The family’s railway project, connecting Esquimalt to Nanaimo, led to the loss of approximately 85% of the Hul’qumi’num peoples’ traditional territory. Robert died in 1889, before the castle was completed, leaving his wife, Joan, to oversee its finishing. The castle is not just a beautiful building; it’s a monument to a complex and fascinating period of Canadian history.

What Will I See Inside?

The castle’s interior is a feast for the eyes, with rich woodwork, intricate details, and beautiful artifacts. Highlights include:

• The Stained and Leaded Glass Windows: The castle has one of North America’s finest collections of Victorian residential stained glass. The windows are incredibly detailed, with floral motifs and even a depiction of a “Pre-Raphaelite mystery window” based on Sir Frederic Leighton’s 1862 painting “Odalisque.” The identity of the artist who created this window remains a mystery.
• The Oak Paneling: The beautiful oak paneling throughout the house was fabricated by A.H. Andrews Co. of Chicago and gives the interior a warm and inviting feel.
• The Period Rooms: The castle’s rooms have been restored to look as they would have in the 1890s, with furniture, artifacts, and decorations from the period. The castle’s collection includes over 1,600 documented objects.
• The Grand Staircase: A magnificent, sweeping staircase that is the centerpiece of the house.
• Victorian Technology: Look for the 19th-century intercom system with its speaking tubes, a fascinating example of Victorian-era domestic technology.
• The 21 Treasures: A book by Moira Dann highlights 21 specific artifacts that tell the castle’s story, including a Black Forest clock and a telescope used by James Dunsmuir.

Is the Castle Haunted?

Craigdarroch Castle has a reputation for being one of Victoria’s most haunted places. While the castle doesn’t officially promote itself as haunted, there have been numerous reports of paranormal activity over the years. Staff and visitors have reported seeing the apparition of Joan Dunsmuir on the main staircase, hearing mysterious piano music (even though there is no piano in the castle), sightings of a little girl and a woman in a maid’s uniform, and the scent of burning candles. In 2024, the castle even launched a “Curiosities of Craigdarroch Tour” to address visitor questions about the castle’s “spooky” past, which sold out quickly.

What’s New and Interesting for 2025-2026?

The castle is constantly being restored and updated.

• Restoration Work: After a slowdown during the pandemic, the castle is back to a full schedule of restoration work. In 2023, the kitchen was beautifully restored to its original 19th-century appearance with a $288,000 grant. In 2025, the focus will be on masonry conservation and updating the interpretive panels in the period rooms.
• Recent Discoveries: In the early 1970s, electrical light bulb sockets from around 1889, manufactured by Bergmann & Co. of New York, were found in the attic. These have recently been researched and catalogued, demonstrating the cutting-edge technology the Dunsmuirs incorporated into their home.
• Educational Programs: The castle has a range of innovative educational programs, including virtual tours, workshops, and theatrical performances. The popular “A Christmas Carol” has been performed in the castle for over 10 years, and the Paper Street Theatre Co. has presented sold-out improv mysteries.

Practical Information for Visitors

• Location: In the Rockland neighbourhood, a short drive from downtown Victoria.
• Tours: The castle is explored through a self-guided tour. Plan for about 60-90 minutes.
• Booking: You can pre-book your tickets online.
• Accessibility: Due to its historic nature, the castle has many stairs and is not fully wheelchair accessible. However, they do offer virtual tours for those who cannot climb the stairs.

A visit to Craigdarroch Castle is a journey back in time. It’s a chance to experience the opulence of the Victorian era, learn about a fascinating and controversial chapter of Canadian history, and maybe even have a spooky encounter. For visitors in 2025 and 2026, it remains one of Victoria’s most unique and memorable attractions.