Visiting Hatley Castle and Gardens

About Hatley Castle and Gardens

James Dunsmuir, son of Craigdarroch's builder, completed this Edwardian castle in 1908 on a large estate that is now Royal Roads University. Its Italian, Japanese and rose gardens are open to visitors, and the castle has appeared in many films, including the X-Men series as Professor Xavier's school.

Tip: Walk the old-growth forest trails on the estate after the gardens.

Plan your visit

• Time needed: 1.5–2 hours.
• Cost: Low cost.
• Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
• Where: Colwood.

Best time to visit Hatley Castle and Gardens

Hatley Castle and Gardens is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:

• July: 22°C (72°F) highs, about 4 rainy days, very busy crowds.
• August: 22°C (72°F) highs, about 4 rainy days, very busy crowds.
• September: 19°C (66°F) highs, about 6 rainy days, busy crowds.

When to visit Victoria has the full month-by-month picture.

Fit it into your trip

Hatley Castle and Gardens is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen BC Parliament Buildings and Fairmont Empress and afternoon tea.

• No. 13 of the 18 sights in our Victoria things-to-do list.
• One of the picks in outdoors in Victoria.
• One of the picks in historic sites in Victoria.

Near Hatley Castle and Gardens

Also in Colwood, so you can walk between them:

• Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse — 2 hours, low cost

If you like Hatley Castle and Gardens

• BC Parliament Buildings — Inner Harbour and James Bay, 1 hour
• Fairmont Empress and afternoon tea — Inner Harbour and James Bay, 2 hours for tea
• Butchart Gardens — Brentwood Bay, 2–4 hours
• Craigdarroch Castle — Rockland, 1–1.5 hours

Staying near Hatley Castle and Gardens

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