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Government House Gardens

Government House Gardens in Victoria is a public treasure blending historic charm, diverse landscapes, and community spirit, all surrounding the ceremonial home of B.C.’s Lieutenant Governor.

Location

About

  • Government House gardens is located in the Rockland area of Victoria and contains 14.6 hectares of gardens

  • Opened in 1959, the current Government House serves as the office and residence of the Lieutenant Governor — and stands as the ceremonial home for all British Columbians

  • This is the fourth residence to stand on this historic site

  • The first was built in 1852, but it lasted only three months before being destroyed by fire

  • The second, known as Cary Castle, rose in 1860—only to meet the same fate in 1899

  • The third home was completed in 1903, but it too was lost to fire in 1957

  • Just two years later, in 1959, the current residence was rebuilt—continuing a legacy of resilience.

  • The gardens at Government House have a rich history, beginning in 1911 with the original design by Vancouver landscape architect G.K. Maclean

  • After the fire in 1957, British-trained landscape architect Robert Savery reimagined the gardens, giving them the classic charm of a traditional English style

  • The gardens truly thrived in the 1960s and '70s, cared for by a dedicated team of up to 17 gardeners

  • A superintendent even lived on-site, and many of the plants were grown in the estate’s own greenhouse

  • But by the 1980s, times had changed — and the number of staff gardeners was reduced to just one

  • In 1991, Lieutenant Governor David Lam launched the Garden Volunteer Program — a vision to enhance the existing gardens, create new spaces, and improve the overall upkeep of the Government House grounds for everyone to enjoy

  • He helped establish the Friends of the Government House Gardens Society — a dedicated group of volunteers, now numbering more than 300, who are committed to maintaining the gardens, raising funds, and keeping public interest and support alive for generations to come

  • Over the years, future Lieutenant Governors each left their own mark on the gardens

  • Under the Honourable Garde Gardom, a wheelchair-accessible path was added, making the grounds more inclusive

  • The Honourable Iona Campagnolo opened the terrace gardens and introduced a public access path through the woodlands, inviting more visitors to explore the natural beauty of the grounds

  • During the Honourable Steven Point’s tenure, a band shell was built on the east lawn — creating a space for community gatherings and performances

  • And under the Honourable Judith Guichon, the gardens and surrounding woodlands received national recognition as a NatureCanada NatureHood site, highlighting their ecological importance and public value

  • In 2012, to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, the Lieutenant Governor commissioned a lasting tribute

  • The Government House Foundation selected Victoria-based sculptor Armando Barbon to create a bronze statue of Sir James Douglas — widely regarded as the “Father of British Columbia”

  • Standing nearby on the lawn is Hosaqami, a striking 24-foot totem pole carved by Chief Tony Hunt

  • Also commissioned by the Foundation, Hosaqami is a faithful replica of an original pole created by Chief Mungo Martin — a powerful symbol of Indigenous artistry and tradition

  • The property has two rose gardens, the Sunken rose garden and the Victorian rose garden

  • The Victorian rose garden is based on the plan for the rose garden at Warwick Castle in England

  • Some of the roses in the Sunken rose garden were gifts from British rose breeder David Austin

  • You can also meander along the Woodlands trail, and near the Rock and alpine garden you will find the Woodlands viewpoint looking out over eight hectares of Garry Oak ecosystem

  • Other gardens on the property include the English country garden, Winter garden, Iris and Lily garden and the Rhododendron garden

  • The Rotary Garden of International Friendship was inspired by Rotarian Alan Potter and funded by Rotary clubs around the world

  • Sponsored by Victoria’s Harbourside Rotary Club, the garden features trees and plants representing global regions

  • Located south of the duck pond and containing several rocky areas and paths, Pearkes Peak is named in honour of former Lieutenant Governor George Pearkes, known for pulling on his Wellington boots to clear and plant the area

  • Bruce Pavillion, named after Lieutenant Governor Robert Randolph Bruce (1926-1931), is a nice place to relax on a sunny day (or to get out of the rain)

  • There is also a small orchard on the grounds with apple, plum and quince trees and the fruit is used by the Government House kitchen

  • The property also has a nursery garden which grows flowers for use in Government House and it also grows vegetables for use in the kitchen

  • The Herb garden features a sundial on a carving of an orca, created by Salish carver Aubrey La Fortune

  • Be sure to visit the gardens the next time you’re in Victoria 

Lands

  • The traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples, including the Songhees, Esquimalt and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples 

Amenities

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