[2024 Colwood Attraction] Travel Guide for Hatley Castle (Updated Dec)

Hatley Park National Historic Site is located in Colwood, British Columbia, in Greater Victoria. It is the site of Hatley Castle, a Classified Federal Heritage Building. Since 1995, the mansion and estate have been used for the public Royal Roads University. From the 1940s to 1995, it was used for the Royal Roads Military College, a naval training facility. The extensive grounds of the historic site have formal gardens, former farmland, and trails through mature stands of first and second-growth forest, including large Douglas fir and western red cedar. In 1912, the Dunsmuirs engaged the American landscape architects Franklin Brett and George D. Hall of Boston, students of Frederick Law Olmsted, to develop a landscape for the entire site. They prepared a classic design for an Edwardian park that included the overall layout for the entire property. The plan organized the estate into four distinct landscape zones, progressing from a series of nine formal 'garden rooms' near Hatley Castle, to recreational spaces, then to agricultural lands, and finally to the forest surrounding the estate. During the Dunsmuir era, approximately 100 gardeners and groundskeepers tended the estate. During the years when the cadets attended Royal Roads Military College, the Department of National Defence employed approximately 50 gardeners and groundskeepers to maintain the property; a testimony to their commitment to retain the integrity of the estate. The Edwardian estate is located on southern Vancouver Island and has views of the Olympic Mountains in the U.S. The gardens are an 565-acre (2.29 km2) estate, including the house's park, and are also a popular wedding location. Today, Royal Roads University employs five full-time gardeners, one arborist, a garden curator, seven seasonal gardeners and groundskeepers, and one manager. As the university does not receive any federal, provincial or municipal funding to maintain the site, the gardeners must make choices about the areas that can be best presented. They have made the Japanese, Rose and Italian gardens the showcase areas of the property. In June 2006, citing the unfunded costs of heritage preservation, the university started charging admission fees to its main heritage gardens, an area that makes up less than five per cent of the 565-acre (2.29 km2) campus. This prompted some public controversy for the $12 for adults in the summer and $6 during the winter fees, which helped subsidise $550,000 yearly maintenance costs (a fee which since risen), but the garden fee only brought $40,000 a year. It also introduced a $15 four-month summer garden pass for residents of Greater Victoria, in addition to the free pass offered to residents of Colwood. As of 2019 the fee was cancelled and the gardens are free to visit. #HatleyCastle #BritishColumbia

🌞 Want to escape the daily grind of Vancouver and embrace the romance of Victoria? You can explore this elegant little city in depth in just one day! Follow my footsteps and explore this super practical day trip guide! 🌅 At dawn, depart from Tsawwassen Port and take the 9:00 BC Ferries to Victoria. Remember to arrive at the port half an hour in advance, and book your ferry tickets online for peace of mind. A round trip for two people and a car costs only CAD 216. 🚢 Don't miss the view from the top of the ferry during the voyage. The sea breeze is gentle, the sun is shining, and the distant coastline is picturesque, making it a great time to take photos. 🌸 Arrive in Victoria and head straight to Butchart Gardens. This fairyland, known as the "most beautiful garden in the world," is full of surprises. Follow the recommended route and you'll find surprises in every corner. 🌄 Then, challenge the Skywalk. Climb to the top and enjoy the stunning views of Victoria, and the slide down the mountain is even more exciting and fun. 🏰 The European-style Hatley Castle is also a must-see. Take a photo outside the castle, and if you have time, you can go inside and listen to the stories of history. 🌅 In the evening, take a stroll along the waterfront in the city center, enjoy the sunset, and feel the peace and beauty. For dinner, I recommend Red Fish Blue Fish's authentic fish and chips, especially the cod flavor, which is irresistible. 🏛️ The Parliament Building is a symbol of Victoria, so don't forget to check in here. 🌊 If you have time, visit Glass Beach. The colorful little stones are as crystal clear as broken glass, which is amazing. 🌃 At night, take the 9:00 BC Ferries back to Vancouver. If you plan to stay overnight, you can continue to explore more of Victoria's charms the next day. 🌟 This is my Victoria day trip guide for you! I hope you like it! Remember to follow me and explore more of the beauty of Vancouver! 🎉

Taking advantage of the long weekend to lead a self-driving two-day tour of Vancouver Island with four major and five small groups City choice this time: Victoria Nanaimo Departure: Tsawassen-Swartzbay Return trip: Nanaimo-Horseshoe Bay Day1️⃣ 1. Small town Sydney: Glass Beach, children’s favorite! 2. Beacon Hill Park: You really want to go. It’s huge, comparable to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, Australia. In addition to various flowers and plants, ancient trees, ponds, and fountains, wild ducks, geese, and peacocks roam freely on the lawn. It is recommended to set aside more time. 3. Hatley Castle. The castle was completed in 1908, 116 years ago. It is beautiful in any photo! 4. BC Parliament Building-Inner Harbor Area-Fisherman's Wharf, located in the center of Victoria, is suitable for a city walk in the evening sunset. 5. Oak Bay-Willow Beach-Uplands, watch the sunset and visit the Victoria mansion area by car. Day2️⃣ 1. Victoria Chinatown: The first Chinatown in Canada and the second Chinatown in North America. You can visit the Chinese Museum when you have time. The old lady inside introduces it enthusiastically, allowing children to understand the sad and struggling history of the Chinese in North America. 2. Malahat SkyWalk: It is a 10-story spiral tower located deep in the forest, offering a 360-degree view of the Pacific Ocean estuary. Take the children to challenge themselves on the suspended net, and then go down the rotating slide at high speed. Recommended! 3. Duncan-Chemainus: On the way north from Victoria to Nanaimo, we stopped by the small town of Chemainus to rest. The town is famous for its wall murals. It still retains more than 50 murals that reflect the real life scenes and stories of local residents in the past. You can Park the car at the town’s public market, visit the town’s art galleries and handicraft shops, find a cafe to drink a cup of coffee, bask in the sun, and continue on your journey. 4. Nanaimo DT city walk At the end of the trip, we took the boat back and enjoyed the beautiful sunset on the boat, perfect!

Hartley Castle, located in Canada, is a dreamy ancient castle that exudes noble luxury and rich history. The unique architectural style and picturesque gardens make it feel like stepping into a movie scene. You can visit various exhibitions inside the castle, explore its historical stories, and take a peaceful stroll in the tranquil gardens. When taking photos, don't forget to strike a noble pose to make your friends envious! Come to Hartley Castle and get ready to wander in the world of 'Noble Dreams'!

Nestled within the serene grounds of Royal Roads University lies the breathtaking Hatley Castle, a timeless masterpiece that whispers tales of history and grandeur. This majestic castle, more than just a backdrop, stands as a witness to countless stories and dreams, making it a coveted spot for weddings and a muse for filmmakers. Stepping onto the grounds of Hatley Castle is akin to stepping into a fairytale. Its old-world charm and intricate architecture provide a romantic setting for any occasion, especially for capturing moments that last a lifetime. The castle's presence overlooking the Esquimalt Lagoon adds a touch of ethereal beauty to every frame, making it a photographer's paradise. While Hatley Castle has graced the silver screen in films like X-Men and the Disney Descendant series, its true magic lies in its ability to transport visitors to a world of elegance and grace. As a functioning office building for the university, it stands as a symbol of academic excellence and historical significance, blending education with enchantment. Visiting this hidden gem in Victoria is not just a journey through time but a celebration of beauty, artistry, and the enduring spirit of a place that weaves together the past and present in a seamless tapestry of wonder. #historicallandmarks #localguides #mytravelhacks #familytrip #castle #wedding #photography

Harry Castle is the Dansmer family's industry, and the Dansmer family has left too many traces in British Columbia's history, not only the estates, castles, or even downtown Vancouver's downtown Downtown. The street, Dunsmuir Street, is named after this family. Members of this family can be found in the history of BC, in the roster of BC parliamentarians, prime ministers, or governors. The castle is built on the hillside facing the waterfront. It is exceptionally quiet at any time, and you can see the snow-capped mountains in the distance. The white clouds wrap around the mountains like a belt. Between 1940 and 1995, Harry Castle was once home to the Royal Military Academy. The room on the first floor of the castle displays military uniforms, military supplies and student photos. It has now been transformed into the Royal School of Management, which is occupied by the executive office.