Government House
Government House
4.5
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Government House is the office and official residence of the Lieutenant Governor and the ceremonial home of all British Columbians. The house is located on the traditional territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, in the heart of the Rockland neighbourhood in Victoria, British Columbia. While Government House is not open to the public and currently closed for tours, the expansive grounds are open from dawn to dusk.
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Neighborhood: Rockland
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
715 reviews
Excellent
443
Very good
238
Average
34
Poor
0
Terrible
0
G3nLondon
Silver Spring, MD509 contributions
Aug 2022
The home of HRH Queen Elizabeth II's representative in British Columbia, Government House is not open to tours or visitors. The grounds and gardens are open, however, and worth strolling around. Wandering around the paths and more formal areas there are lots of flora and fauna to experience and nice vistas of Victoria, the sea and the surrounding area.
Written August 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicole154945
Victoria, Canada56 contributions
Aug 2020
not sure why it took me over 30 years to visit govt house. this place is beautiful. take some time to smell the roses and wander past the beautiful flowers.... check out the views of the ocean and mountains on the back side of the house, and enjoy the water ponds, and fountains.... i loved it!
Written August 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bullbarley
Fort Saskatchewan, Canada215 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
So glad we picked a B&B nearby. We walked here almost every day to enjoy the grounds with its sneak preview of springtime. Daffodils grow quite naturally all over Vancouver Island but only this place can frame them so beautifully.
The dedicated volunteer staff are happy to chat about features of the Government House grounds.
Some construction and upgrades were underway so there’s. Something even better around the corner this summer.
The dedicated volunteer staff are happy to chat about features of the Government House grounds.
Some construction and upgrades were underway so there’s. Something even better around the corner this summer.
Written March 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
errolm173
Victoria, Canada12 contributions
Jan 2020
A garden for all seasons! A way to experience what grows in the mediterranean climate of Victoria. Walkable paths meander through lush plantings of many perennial gardens. Ponds, one of a kind beautiful trees, deer and many kinds of birds are everywhere. Truly a gem right in the middle of the city of Victoria . No wonder it is known as the "garden city"
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
June Y
5 contributions
Jun 2020
I had an hour to spare before heading back to the Ferry. I wanted to still enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. This was my first time at Government House. The gardens are so beautiful, so peaceful and free. I found a bench to sit and reflect upon the world. I plan to go back to visit my happy place and to spend more time exploring this unique place.
Written July 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vacation233400
5 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Well worth a visit - we did a self guided tour - no queue, straight in and about 5 minutes to get through security. Free admission. Very interesting information boards and a lovely building with beautiful architectural features. Also sat in the sun outside afterwards overlooking the harbour. Chilled and relaxing.
Written July 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dagcoin
Brush Prairie, WA927 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We walk through the amazing gardens of this place. It’s worth the trip. Many different areas to enjoy that are well maintained and seem to just keep going. It’s a hidden gem that I don’t think many venture to. We didn’t go into the house. It’s absolutely free and worth the adventurer
Written June 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelmum
Canada226 contributions
Apr 2022
I love walking over to Government House. The gardens are lovely to wander around. Always very quiet. It’s in a nice neighbourhood so makes a nice walk along the different streets. Craigdarroch castle is a short walk from there.
Written July 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JulieLovesVictoria
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada5 contributions
Jul 2012
I love the effort of the 400 volunteers, the garden is maintained by volunteers with love and sincerity. They just opened the museum and tea house, totally under-priced for such excellent quality afternoon tea and dessert, the tarts are amazing, and most items are made by the CHEF at the Governor House, you won't be able to pay that price for such quality snack anywhere in the world!!! Opens only on Wed, Fri and Sat in 2012.
Written August 3, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ReluctantReviews
Vancouver, Canada157 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
Grounds are lovely and in the spring would be spectacular with all the roses and rhododendrons, but at the end of the summer not too much color but s lovely lovely retreat in the middle of the city. Grounds are large so you don’t feel crowded, very peaceful oasis with lots of little nooks and benches to sit and enjoy the surroundings.
Deer and fawns roaming around I’m sure do a number on the plants but they are charming to see in the middle of the city.
RUDY’S TEA house had THE BEST SCONE I’ve had since I left Victoria 30 years ago! And all the other food looked great too. They can package up a picnic to eat on the grounds which I thought was a fabulous idea.
COSTUME MUSEUM was full of treasures - not so much costumes but a look at the history of Victoria social life through the ages. A number of pieces donated from previous LG along with the pictures really interesting.
The volunteers are lovely and full of information.
Deer and fawns roaming around I’m sure do a number on the plants but they are charming to see in the middle of the city.
RUDY’S TEA house had THE BEST SCONE I’ve had since I left Victoria 30 years ago! And all the other food looked great too. They can package up a picnic to eat on the grounds which I thought was a fabulous idea.
COSTUME MUSEUM was full of treasures - not so much costumes but a look at the history of Victoria social life through the ages. A number of pieces donated from previous LG along with the pictures really interesting.
The volunteers are lovely and full of information.
Written August 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When does the Tea House open? Is it only seasonal?
Written January 18, 2023
Nope fee - and the grounds are always open (except when member of the Royal family are staying there). Occasionally there are events happening in the house or on the grounds which are also open to the public - my favourite is the New Year's Day Levee.
Written March 14, 2017
The website says they are only open once a month. Are they open more in summer? Can the gardens be visited if the house is closed?
Written December 4, 2016
The the grounds are very rarely closed - the last time was when the Prince and Princess and children stayed there. Other than that, I can't recall a time when the grounds were not open to the public.
Written December 5, 2016
There is a small parking area beside the main house and another near the Mews service buildings. It's visible on Google Earth.
Written October 16, 2016
I understand that Prince William and family will be staying at Government House during their visit to Victoria. As they will be in Victoria on three separate occasions,- Sept. 24th. Sept.29th. and Oct.1st.,I wondered if someone could tell me on which date it is going to be possible for the public to see the Royal family. I will be travelling from Idaho, U.S.A. to be there for their visit, but want to be sure to make bookings for the best time to see them. I am 90 years young, and although I now live in Idaho, I was born in London, England, and as all the Royal family hold a special place in my heart, I am anxious to see the Royal couple, and hopefully their children. Thank you for consideration of my enquiry.
Written September 6, 2016
My recommendation would be to contact the hotel you are planning to stay while in Victoria and inquire about visiting the Royal family. I could truly say that Mr. Dillon the concierge at Oak Beach hotel maybe able to assist you as well.
Written September 11, 2016
how close is the airport to the hotel as we are checking in on Thursday and plane leaves to munich at 6:15 am? Thanks
Written March 2, 2015
Government house is not a hotel check on line service for Hotels in Sidney B.C. Airport is in Sidney about 30 klms from downtown Victoria!
Written March 3, 2015
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