Craigdarroch was built between 1887-1890 for Robert Dunsmuir, a Scottish immigrant who made his fortune from Vancouver Island coal. This legendary Victorian mansion, built on a hill overlooking the City of Victoria (Craigdarroch means "rocky, oak place" in Gaelic) announced to the world that Robert Dunsmuir was the richest and most important man in Western Canada. He died in 1889, before the Castle was completed, leaving his entire estate to his wife Joan who lived in the Castle until her death in 1908.
Today the Castle is run as a historic house museum, and the building and property are being restored to the lavishness of the Victorian era. For lovers of architecture or history, the Castle is a must-see.
Occasional art, music and performance programming is offered year-round and the venue is available for rent or potential collaboration with other cultural institutions or events.
Venue Specs
Capacity200
Venue FormatMisc / Other
Liquor LicenseNone, All Ages or Provide your own
Capacity Notes/DetailsExterior capacity is 1,000
Has StageNo
Rentable / Hosts Outside EventsYes
Has Sound / LightingYes
Soundsystem DetailsBasic PA, Microphone and receiver with 4 input channels.