A hidden treasure in Greater Victoria

The blend of horticulture and history — plus an iconic castle — have awed visitors for more than 100 years. Experience what's planted in the gardens, including a serene scape of pink cherry blossoms and vibrant rhododendrons, fragrant roses and gently burbling streams. 

Stroll the manicured Italian garden, find tranquility in the Japanese garden and marvel at the scent in the rose garden, either on your own or as part of a guided tour. 

Enjoy free access to the formal gardens

The gardens are open every day from 10 a.m. to dusk. Access to the formal gardens is through the garden booth beside Hatley Castle on College Drive.  

Castle access is permitted only with a guided tour.

Please note: Dogs must be on a leash at all times and are not permitted in the gated garden areas.

Explore the gardens

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Italian garden

The Italian garden is serene, symmetrical and impeccably groomed. Completed in 1914, it's the most formal garden at Hatley Park.

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Japanese garden

The Japanese gardens at Hatley Park date back to the 1910s and remain an oasis of peace and tranquility to this day.

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Rose garden

Step into the Hatley Park rose garden in June and delight in the fragrance and colours of the world’s favourite flower.

Hatley Castle

Guided tours

You can book one-hour guided tours of Hatley Park, with a walk through the first floor of Hatley Castle.

Plan your tour

Photography

Personal, wedding and commercial photography sessions may be requested by emailing eventrequests@royalroads.ca.

If the university can accommodate your request, permission will be granted three weeks prior to the date of the session and no earlier, to accommodate activities on campus. A fee of $400 will need to be paid to secure your booking.

The session provides access to the formal gardens for up to 1.5 hours.Access to Hatley Castle is not permitted.

Filming by drone is not permitted on the property.