Dedicated to preserving history
Craigdarroch Castle is a Canadian National Historic Site owned and operated by the Craigdarroch Castle Historical Society. A non-profit registered charity (#108079310RR0001), the Castle Society is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors and the Castle is kept open nearly every day of the year thanks to a small, dedicated group of conservators and professional staff, along with the unbounded enthusiasm and commitment of dozens of volunteers, some of who have been at the Castle for more than 20 years.
WHAT WE DO
The Castle Society’s charitable mission is to protect, restore, and preserve the Castle, while bringing its stories to life. Visitors who have returned to the Castle over the years will appreciate how far we’ve come in preserving and restoring its rooms as well as the grounds. There is always a long list of important work to be done, and we also have some very exciting projects on the horizon. We invite you to be a part of the Castle’s future.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
We hold National Historic Site status, but we are not affiliated with Parks Canada. As one of the few museums in Canada that receives little or no federal or provincial funding, we are proud to be able to continue the restoration process solely based on the revenue from our admissions, gift shop sales, and through our donors and members.
Membership – We have a variety of memberships, for individuals, families and businesses. In addition to receiving some wonderful benefits, you’ll know that the cost of your membership goes directly to supporting work at the Castle.
Donations – If you live too far away to enjoy the benefits of a membership to the Castle Society, you can make a donation of any size and receive a Canadian tax receipt in return. Donations can be made by cash, cheque or credit card. Planned gifts, including stock, property or insurance and will bequests, can also receive tax receipts. Please let us know if you or your advisor would like to consult with us about the impact a gift could have.
Antiquities and Artifacts – if you have an item you think should be displayed in our collection, we will gladly accept it upon the approval of our Curator. Please contact us curator@thecastle.ca.
Volunteer – If you live in Victoria, you can volunteer as a docent at the Castle, or on the Board of Directors. Please email supervisor@thecastle.ca.
Share the Castle experience with someone – Part of our mission is to share the Castle and its stories. We hope you will bring a friend to share the Castle with you on your next visit. Write us, follow us on facebook – and, if you post on social media, please tag us. We love to hear from our visitors!
Please call 250-592.5323 for more information on how you can help shape the future of our favorite building!
We are grateful to the City of Victoria who support our efforts through a permissive property tax grant which allows us to commit our earned revenue to the important work at Craigdarroch.
Craigdarroch Castle gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. The funds received by Craigdarroch Castle under the Unique Heritage Infrastructure stream of the CERIP program will be used to bring the Kitchen back to the Dunsmuir Era.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada who, through the Department of Canadian Heritage Museums Assistance Program provided a grant to support our collections storage and management practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MEET THE DUNSMUIRS
Robert and Joan Dunsmuir had two sons, eight daughters and plenty of exploits. The Castle weaves a fascinating tale of this intriguing family – their achievements, their relationships and even their quirks.
Learn MoreABOUT THE CASTLE
Built by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir during the reign of Queen Victoria and now a National Historic Site, Craigdarroch Castle has been meticulously restored, giving visitors a glimpse of privileged life in the 1890s.
Learn MorePLAN YOUR VISIT
We are open for tours Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00am – 4:00pm (closed Monday & Tuesday), (Please note that we are closed December 25th, 26th, and January 1st.)
Learn More