This ‘haunted’ BC castle is home to historic gardens with eye-catching fall colours

Whether it’s the fascinating history, spooky yet grandiose Edwardian architecture, or its historic gardens, there are many reasons to visit Hatley Park in British Columbia. Home to the iconic Hatley Castle, this Greater Victoria gem doubles as a National Historic Site, and we’re here to dive into its past and present.

A ‘haunted’ castle

Built on the Esquimalt Lagoon, the castle now operates as a museum dedicated to the Dunsmuirs, and is said to be ‘haunted,’ according to Tourism Victoria.

Completed in 1908 with the help of a Victorian architect, the massive oceanfront castle was constructed by James Dunsmuir, who would come to reside in the estate with his wife and their twelve children.

According to Hatley Park’s website, Dunsmuir spared no expense in building the estate of his dreams, spending tens of thousands of dollars on lavish details that visitors can still appreciate today.

So it’s easy to see why the estate has appeared in over 30 films and counting!

Its time on the big screen is memorialized in films such as The Changeling, Deadpool, and The Descendants, to name a few.

The gardens

For over 100 years, the historic Hatley Park gardens have been delighting visitors with their vibrant array of plants and blooms, from pink cherry blossoms to fragrant roses, to this stunning Japanese Maple tree.

Visitors can stroll the manicured Italian garden, Japanese garden, and dedicated rose garden.

Hours & info

The gardens are open every day from 10 am to dusk, and are free to access.

Guided tours of the castle will commence again in the spring, so stay tuned for more info on tour availability!

Hatley Castle & Gardens

How to get there: Drive from Vancouver to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal and head to Swartz Bay, Victoria. Drive 18 minutes from downtown Victoria to Hatley Park via Craigflower Road and Island Highway.