Robert Dunsmuir died in 1889, roughly a year before the castle was completed.
The mansion was constructed using stone imported from Nanaimo and sandstone from Saturna Island.
During World War I, the building functioned as the Craigdarroch Military Hospital for returning soldiers.
The house became Victoria College's first home in 1921, lasting until 1946.
The stained glass features complex floral motifs and geometric patterns rarely seen in domestic settings of that era.
The original design included a massive tower intended to serve as an observation point for the coal baron.
The house was built without any central heating, relying entirely on 17 fireplaces for warmth.
The interior woodwork was crafted from imported mahogany and oak, reflecting the immense wealth of the Dunsmuir family.
Craigdarroch Castle is a late-Victorian mansion commissioned in 1887 by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir for his wife, Joan. The four-story structure features 39 rooms and over 20,000 square feet of living space. It is characterized by its Scottish Baronial architecture, distinct stone masonry, and elaborate stained-glass windows. Following Dunsmuir's death, the house served as a military hospital, college, and conservatory before becoming a museum. The interior retains original woodwork, including intricate oak paneling and ornate fireplaces. It is designated as a National Historic Site of Canada. The mansion sits on a hill overlooking Victoria, offering views of the city and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Visitors explore the residence through a self-guided tour spanning several floors. The property remains an example of 19th-century elite residential design in Western Canada.
The main staircase landing offers the most iconic perspective of the stained glass and woodwork.
Walk the full circuit of the rooms; the upper levels often contain displays not immediately visible from the main foyer.
Wear comfortable, flat shoes to navigate the narrow, multi-level wooden staircases.
Take time to read the placards in each room, as they detail the specific function of the area during the Dunsmuir era.
Do not expect an elevator; the historic status of the building limits accessibility to the upper floors for those with mobility constraints.
Closed on specific holidays; check for seasonal variations in operation if visiting during the winter months.
Photography is permitted without flash; avoid touching the period furniture or historic woodwork.
