Victoria’s Beautiful Side – Castles, Gardens & Afternoon Tea on Vancouver Island

Unforgettable Adventures in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Some days of travel are about hiking trails and mountain views. Others are about slowing down and appreciating beautiful things.

Our visit to Victoria, on Vancouver Island, was one of those days.

We were traveling with good friends, a couple we share adventures with several times a year. This time, our plans included a historic castle, spectacular gardens and a leisurely afternoon tea.

Our overnight stay at Abigail’s Hotel was a fitting introduction. This charming boutique hotel, with its period furnishings, peaceful atmosphere and fresh flowers arranged throughout the public spaces, felt like a retreat from the bustle of the city. Even the lounge, with its coffee and tea bar, invited us to linger.

It was a lovely setting for a visit focused on Victoria’s architecture, gardens and history.

Craigdarroch Castle – A Glimpse into Victoria’s Victorian Past

Perched on a hill overlooking Victoria, Craigdarroch Castle is a magnificent example of the wealth and extravagance of the Victorian era.

Built between 1887 and 1890 for Scottish-born coal baron Robert Dunsmuir and his family, the mansion was intended to showcase the family’s extraordinary success. Sadly, Robert died before construction was completed, leaving his widow, Joan, to enjoy the grand residence.

The four-story mansion contains 39 rooms and approximately 25,000 square feet of living space. Its Romanesque Revival architecture features a dramatic roofline, towers, intricate stonework and elaborate wood detailing.

Inside, the craftsmanship is just as impressive. Rich wood paneling, ornate fireplaces, decorative ceilings and stained-glass windows reflect the tastes and prosperity of the late 19th century.

The grand staircase is particularly striking, connecting rooms that once served as the backdrop for the family’s daily life and formal entertaining.

What makes Craigdarroch intriguing is that it is more than a beautiful building. It tells the story of a wealthy family, a rapidly growing city and an era when architecture was a very public expression of success.

Plan Your Visit – Craigdarroch Castle

• Location: 1050 Joan Crescent, Victoria, BC
• Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Check for holiday closures and current hours.
• Admission: Paid admission for self-guided tours, with discounts for seniors, students and children.
• Parking: Free on-site parking included with admission.
• Time Needed: At least an hour, longer if you enjoy architecture and history.
• Good to Know: The historic mansion has multiple staircases and no elevators.
• Website: Craigdarroche

Butchart Gardens – From Limestone Quarry to Garden Paradise

A short drive north of Victoria brings you to The Butchart Gardens, a 55-acre horticultural wonderland with an unusual beginning.

In 1904, Robert and Jennie Butchart moved to Vancouver Island to establish a cement plant near a rich limestone deposit. As the quarry was depleted, Jennie began imagining something entirely different for the scarred landscape.

Rather than leave an industrial pit behind, she began transforming it into a garden. Topsoil was hauled in by horse and cart, plants were established along the quarry walls and the former industrial site gradually became the spectacular Sunken Garden.

Over the following decades, the property expanded to include Japanese, Italian and Rose gardens. Today, the estate remains in the Butchart family and is recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada.

The transformation is remarkable, particularly when you consider the scale of the original quarry.

The Sunken Garden is the centerpiece, with winding pathways, colorful flower beds, towering trees and a fountain set against the quarry’s steep walls. Elsewhere, the Japanese Garden offers a quieter landscape of ponds and carefully arranged plantings, while the Italian Garden brings a more formal style to the grounds.

It’s a wonderful place to wander without a strict schedule, enjoying the different garden styles and whatever happens to be blooming during your visit.

Afternoon Tea at Butchart Gardens

Our appreciation for afternoon tea has grown considerably since our British son-in-law joined the family. Traveling has given us opportunities to enjoy this tradition in some beautiful settings, and Butchart Gardens was a natural addition.

Afternoon tea is served in The Dining Room, located in the original Butchart family residence. The historic setting, with its refined furnishings and views of the surrounding gardens, makes the experience feel like part of the estate rather than simply a meal.

Afternoon tea begins with English trifle, a nod to the tradition of Mrs. Butchart serving the dessert to guests in her home. From there, the experience continues with a selection of teas, delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with traditional accompaniments and an assortment of beautifully presented sweets. The menu changes seasonally, incorporating fresh, local ingredients.

As a vegan with food allergies, I was especially pleased that my dietary needs were accommodated without sacrificing the traditional afternoon tea experience. Butchart offers vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-sensitive afternoon teas with advance notice.

For our group of four, it was a lovely way to enjoy good food and conversation while surrounded by one of Vancouver Island’s most beautiful destinations.

Plan Your Visit – Butchart Gardens & Afternoon Tea

• Location: 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay, BC, approximately 14 miles (23 km) north of Victoria.
• Hours: Open year-round, with seasonal hours and occasional closures. Check the official calendar.
• Admission: Required for entry to the gardens, with seasonal rates and reduced admission for children.
• Parking: Free on-site parking, including spaces for RVs.
• Time Needed: Approximately 1.5–2 hours to explore the gardens, plus time for afternoon tea.
• Afternoon Tea: Reservations are highly recommended. Garden admission is separate from the cost of tea.
• Dietary Requests: Provide at least 24 hours’ notice for vegan, gluten-free or dairy-sensitive menus.
• Website: Burchart Gardens

Planning a Cultural Day in Victoria

These two attractions make a comfortable pairing, particularly with an overnight stay in Victoria.

Start with Craigdarroch Castle in the morning, then drive to Butchart Gardens for an afternoon of exploring the grounds and enjoying tea.

Allow approximately 30–40 minutes to drive from the castle to the gardens, depending on traffic. If afternoon tea is a priority, book your table first and organize the rest of the day around that reservation.

Learn More

• Craigdarroch Castle – History, restoration and visitor information
• The Butchart Gardens – The story
• Tourism Victoria – Greater Victoria attractions and travel information
• Abigail’s Hotel – Boutique hotel with historic charm and modern comforts

Where We Stayed: Abigail’s Hotel

If you’re planning an overnight visit to Victoria, Abigail’s Hotel is worth considering. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this charming boutique hotel, conveniently located for exploring the city.

A Different Kind of Adventure

Our day in Victoria offered a little something for everyone. Our husbands, who both own commercial landscaping companies, loved exploring Butchart Gardens, appreciating the design, plant selections and incredible work that goes into maintaining them. Meanwhile, my girlfriend and I could have spent hours wandering through Craigdarroch Castle, imagining life within its elaborate Victorian rooms.

And all four of us thoroughly enjoyed afternoon tea overlooking the Italian Garden.

It was a wonderful day spent appreciating beautiful things, made even better by sharing the experience with good friends.

Explore More of British Columbia

Looking for more adventures in British Columbia? From mountain trails and spectacular viewpoints to coastal walks and unforgettable experiences, explore more of our British Columbia adventures and find inspiration for your next journey.