Victoria Things To Do

Craigdarroch Castle

For a glimpse into the decadent life of an Edwardian-era coal baron, visit Craigdarroch Castle. Built by mega-rich Robert Dunsmuir in the 1890s, the mansion has 39 rooms lavishly decorated in the Belle Époque style. The house and gardens are currently being carefully restored to their original splendour. You'll encounter artisans working on the restoration most days.

Carr House

Carr House is the birthplace of Emily Carr, one of Canada's most important artists. Built in the 1860s, the house has been partially restored to reflect its appearance in the 1890s. It contains a number of the Carr family's possessions, including Emily's pottery and sculpture.

Emily Carr is best known for her paintings of Vancouver Island's rainforests and totemic Aboriginal sculptures.

Emily Carr House is a 10-minute walk south of Victoria's Inner Harbour via Government Street.

Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site

If you're interested in military history, set some time aside to visit Fort Rodd Hill. This coast artillery fort was built in the 1890s to defend Victoria and the Esquimault Naval Base, and has been restored to reflect its appearance at that time. Fisgard Lighthouse was the first permanent lighthouse erected on Canada's west coast. The former keeper's house contains exhibits and a video station that help bring its fascinating history to life. Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse are a 25-minute drive west from downtown Victoria via Highway 1A.

Helmcken House

The oldest house in BC, Helmcken House still sits on its original site. Built by Dr. Sebastian Helmcken in 1852, it provides a wonderful snapshot of what life was like in the city 150 years ago. The furnishings are original and there is a fine collection of antique surgical instruments on display. Helmcken House is located close to the Inner Harbour, beside the Royal British Columbia Museum.

Point Ellice House

Point Ellice House is a picture-perfect Victorian home fully restored to its original glory. Gold Rush Magistrate Peter O'Reilly acquired it in 1867, and it still houses over 10,000 O'Reilly artifacts.

The garden is a must-see: it's as authentically Victorian as the house itself and features heritage varieties of plants not often found in modern gardens.

Point Ellice House is approximately a five-minute drive north of downtown Victoria. The seasonal Harbour Ferry leaves from the front of the Fairmont Empress Hotel and docks at the foot of the property.

Craigflower Manor and Schoolhouse

Craigflower Manor is part of what was once a farming community established by the Puget Sound Agricultural Company. The schoolhouse is the oldest surviving school building in Western Canada. Archaeologists have found direct evidence of First Nations habitation near the schoolhouse, dating back 2,000 years. This site is referred to as "Kosapsum Village." Craigflower Manor and Schoolhouse is a 10-minute drive from downtown Victoria via Highway 1A.