Hatley Castle a National Historic Site

The Castle

Home to the Royal Roads University. Hatley Castle is an imposing Gothic-style stone mansion set amidst a 260-hectare estate, representing the culmination of an era that witnessed the construction of elaborate castle-like mansions by Victoria, British Columbia’s elite. It was built between 1908 and 1909 for James Dunsmuir, son of Robert Dunsmuir and former premier, lieutenant-governor and, at that time, the wealthiest man in British Columbia. Hatley Castle symbolizes the Dunsmuir family’s affluence and offers a glimpse of the elegant lifestyle that flourished in Victoria, British Columbia. Hatley Castle is also directly connected to the history of naval and military education in Canada because it served as the site of the Royal Roads Military College from 1940 to 1995.

The Grounds

These beautifully landscaped grounds consist of the stunning Hatley Gardens, featuring magnificent Japanese, Italian and Rose Gardens.  The castle is surrounded by old growth forest with miles of walking trails that weave through out federally owned property. Great for walks and photography all year round.  The landscape speaks to the two main phases of its history, eloquently testifying to the carefully planned and balanced Edwardian park of the early 1900s, while bearing the imprint of its years as a military college.

Inside the Castle

Hatley Castle's impressive exterior is matched only by the lavishness of the interior appointments; oak and rosewood paneled rooms, baronial fireplace, teak floors, and specially made lighting fixtures.  Fun Fact: Hatley Castle's interior and exterior grounds have been shown in many Hollywood movies and shows such as MacGyver, Dead Pool, X-Men The Last Stand, X-Men 2, Smallville, Poltergeist: The Legacy,  The Mole, The Boy, The Descendants, UnReal, Witches of Eastend, Arrow, Big Time Movie, The Killing, The Boy Who Cried Werewolf, In the Land of Women,  Fierce People, The Clearing, The Reality of Love, Cypher, Masterminds, Generation X and the Changeling.

Access

• Location: 2005 Sooke Road Victoria, BC V9B 5Y2
• Public Transit will take just under an hour from downtown
• Driving from down town is a 25 minute drive
• Cycling will take an estimated 50 minutes via the Galloping Goose Trail from Downtown Victoria.

Unlike other museums, Hatley Castle is a living building and is occupied by Royal Roads University administration staff, classes and special events. As such viewing the inside of the castle is only by guided tours. Daily guided tours resume May 18 to September 2 (subject to change)

Experience the tranquility of the Hatley Park estate and enjoy a guided walking tour that will take you on a one-hour journey.

Our knowledgeable guides will share the history of the Indigenous lands, Dunsmuir family, Royal Roads Military College and Royal Roads University.

Unlike other museums you may have visited, Hatley Castle is a "living building" and is occupied by Royal Roads University administration offices, classes and events. Our guided tour experience includes access to the first floor of Hatley Castle, the museum in the lower level and the surrounding gardens.

Please note: Access to Hatley Castle is only available with a guided tour.

Daily Guided tours resume May 18 to September 2  

Tour rates (plus tax)

• Adult (18–59) — $24.00
• Senior (60+) — $20.00
• Youth (6–17 years) — $15.00
• Child (5 and under) — Free
• Family (maximum 2 adults and 3 youth) — $72.00

Tour times (subject to change)

Daily at 10:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Please check prior to visiting for cancellation updates.

 Purchasing tickets

To purchase tickets, visit the Garden Booth located on the west side of Hatley Castle. Tickets are not sold in advance and will close 5 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time.

• At the time of this post, tours have concluded for the 2023 season.  Keep an eye on the Hatley Castle website as the 2024 season availability will be provided in the Spring of 2024.
  
• Access to the gardens is free and currently available from 10 a.m. to dusk. To protect the gardens, dogs are not permitted within the gated areas.
• Like all areas of nature, please use designated walkways and respect eco sensitive areas. Pets are not permitted in the gated areas.

For more information visit hatleycastle.com or on Facebook

Sources: Hatley Castle - City of Victoria - Royal Roads University - Historic Places of B.C

Photography by Roy Whitney