Government House and Gardens
Explore 36 acres of stunning gardens and a historic residence, the official home of BC's Lieutenant Governor.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free tours available
Government House and Gardens
Best Time
Free tours available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 36 acres of stunning gardens and a historic residence, the official home of BC's Lieutenant Governor.
"The beautiful gardens are perfectly maintained and offer a peaceful, scenic retreat that everyone enjoys."
🎯 Book Sunday Tours Early
Free Sunday tours are popular! Register online in advance to guarantee your spot. :ticket:
🌸 Check Rose Bloom Status
For the best rose viewing, check local forums or ask about peak blooming times. :flower:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Victorian Rose Garden
Southwest Gardens
A breathtaking display of roses in full bloom, offering vibrant colors and enchanting fragrances.
Sunken Garden
Central Gardens
Discover serene pathways, water features, and diverse flora in this beautifully designed sunken oasis.
Government House Tour
Inside Government House
Explore the history and ceremonial significance of the Lieutenant Governor's official residence.
Totem Pole
Gardens
Admire the intricate carvings of this significant cultural landmark set amidst the lush gardens.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Best Time for Blooms
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Are the roses at Government House blooming yet?
🎯 Book Sunday Tours Early
Free Sunday tours are popular! Register online in advance to guarantee your spot. :ticket:
🌸 Check Rose Bloom Status
For the best rose viewing, check local forums or ask about peak blooming times. :flower:
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Wander through the diverse gardens, enjoying statues, ponds, and scenic views. :walking:
☕ Enjoy Rudi's Tea Room
Savor delicious lunch or tea with fantastic food and nice service on the grounds. :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Sunday Tours Early
Free Sunday tours are popular! Register online in advance to guarantee your spot. :ticket:
🌸 Check Rose Bloom Status
For the best rose viewing, check local forums or ask about peak blooming times. :flower:
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Wander through the diverse gardens, enjoying statues, ponds, and scenic views. :walking:
☕ Enjoy Rudi's Tea Room
Savor delicious lunch or tea with fantastic food and nice service on the grounds. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning, well-maintained gardens, calling them some of the best in Victoria. The free Sunday tours offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Lieutenant Governor's residence. While the house tours are popular, the gardens themselves are a significant draw for many.
"Today we went over to have a little bit of tea and also a little lunch at Rudi’s Tea Room. I had a brown sugar BBQ chicken sandwich while my wife had a piece of carrot cake. The service was nice. The tea and food was fantastic. The grounds were amazing."
JEFFERY COMER
"I’ve visited Government House in Victoria many times, especially whenever guests come over, and it never fails to impress. The beautiful gardens are perfectly maintained and offer a peaceful, scenic retreat that everyone enjoys. The free one-hour tours on Sundays are a great way to learn about the history and significance of the place, though you need to register in advance to secure a spot."
Vinh Ly
"You can book tours of Government House online for free. Great place, the tour guide was excellent. Tours take one hour. The gardens are spectacular as well, probably the best gardens in Victoria.
Located on the traditional territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, Government House is the office and official residence of the Lieutenant Governor and the ceremonial home of all British Columbians.
The Lieutenant Governor offers accommodation to distinguished visitors including members of the Royal Family, international royalty, heads of state and other honoured guests of British Columbia. Since 1865, there have been three Government Houses on this site. The first official residence, known as Cary Castle, was built in 1859. Six years later it was purchased as the residence of the Governor of Vancouver Island.
Located on the traditional territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, Government House is the office and official residence of the Lieutenant Governor and the ceremonial home of all British Columbians.
The Lieutenant Governor offers accommodation to distinguished visitors including members of the Royal Family, international royalty, heads of state and other honoured guests of British Columbia. Since 1865, there have been three Government Houses on this site. The first official residence, known as Cary Castle, was built in 1859. Six years later it was purchased as the residence of the Governor of Vancouver Island.
When British Columbia entered Confederation in 1871 Cary Castle became Government House, the official office and residence of the Lieutenant Governor of the Province of British Columbia. In May 1899, Cary Castle was destroyed by fire. Renowned architects Francis Rattenbury and Samuel Maclure were hired to design a new house on the same site.
The Rattenbury/Maclure-designed Government House officially opened in 1903. The House served British Columbia for 54 years until April 15, 1957, when it succumbed to fire. The only thing left standing was the porte cochère. Construction on the new Government House began in December 1957 and closely matched the design of the previous building. The current Government House officially opened on May 19, 1959."
Ben Haines
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Government House is located in a residential neighborhood. Public transport options are available, or you can drive and find parking nearby. A pleasant walk through the neighborhood leads to the gardens.
While specific parking details can vary, street parking is often available in the surrounding residential areas. Arriving early can help secure a spot.
It's a bit of a walk from downtown, but doable if you enjoy a longer stroll. Alternatively, consider a short taxi or bus ride to get closer to the estate.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the gardens at Government House are free to visit and explore.
Free one-hour tours of Government House are offered on Sundays. You must register online in advance to secure a spot.
The gardens are generally accessible for exploration, while tours of the house have specific Sunday timings. It's best to check the official website for the most current hours.
Currently, tours of Government House are primarily offered on Sundays. Weekday access is typically limited to the gardens.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the stunning gardens, admire the totem pole, enjoy views of the Olympic Mountains, and take a guided tour of the historic house on Sundays. +1
Yes, visitors consistently praise the beautiful and perfectly maintained gardens, noting them as some of the best in Victoria. +1
Government House has been the official residence and ceremonial home of British Columbians since 1865, with a rich history involving multiple structures on the site.
Yes, photography is generally permitted in the gardens. Be mindful of any restrictions if touring the interior of the house.
Government House occasionally hosts distinguished visitors and ceremonial events. The gardens are also sometimes used for volunteer work days.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Rudi's Tea Room is located on the grounds, offering lunch and tea with fantastic food and service.
Rudi's Tea Room serves items like BBQ chicken sandwiches and carrot cake, alongside tea and coffee.
While not explicitly stated, picnicking is often allowed in public gardens. However, enjoying the offerings at Rudi's Tea Room is a popular choice.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant rose gardens, serene sunken garden, and the historic architecture of the house itself offer excellent photo opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted in sensitive areas like official residences and gardens. It's best to check local regulations and the Government House website for specific rules.
Yes, on clear days, you can capture views of the Olympic Mountains in Washington State from the gardens.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
🌸 Garden Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Gardens
Beyond the formal gardens, the estate offers panoramic views, including glimpses of the Olympic Mountains across the water on clear days. The presence of a totem pole adds a significant cultural element to the landscape. The entire area is designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and a peaceful retreat, reflecting the ceremonial importance of Government House itself.
Many visitors find the gardens to be the primary draw, even if they don't tour the house. The free access to these extensive grounds makes it an accessible and highly recommended attraction for anyone visiting Victoria. The sheer variety and upkeep of the flora ensure there's always something beautiful to discover.
The History of Government House
A new Government House was designed by renowned architects Francis Rattenbury and Samuel Maclure, opening in 1903. This second iteration also met a fiery end in April 1957, leaving only the porte-cochère standing. The current Government House, built to closely resemble the previous one, began construction in December 1957 and officially opened in May 1959.
Today, Government House serves as the office and official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and is considered the ceremonial home of all British Columbians. It also hosts distinguished visitors, including members of the Royal Family and heads of state, continuing its legacy as a significant provincial landmark.
Rudi's Tea Room Experience
Menu items have included sandwiches like the brown sugar BBQ chicken and sweet treats such as carrot cake. It's a convenient option for refueling while enjoying the beautiful surroundings, adding another layer of enjoyment to the visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit