History and Castles

In 1778, Captain James Cook became the first known European to set foot on what is now British Columbia. Permanent European settlement was brought about by the gradual movement of the fur trade companies towards the Pacific Coast. Victoria incorporated as a city on August 2, 1862. The military also has a long history in Victoria. We can visit some of those locations for your photography.

Industrialist, Robert Dunsmuir was the richest and most important man in Western Canada. Learn about his life as we photograph key historic landmarks.

Craigdarroch Castle

Built between 1887 and 1890, this is a Victorian-era Scottish Baronial mansion. Designated a National Historic Site of Canada due to its landmark status in Victoria.

Inside the mansion, the rooms are decorated with period furniture. You may photograph both inside and outside of the grounds.

Hatley Castle

With the land purchased in 1907 this National Historic Site is located in the Greater Victoria area.

Hatley Castle is also famous for appearing in many movies including X-Men.

Since 1995, the mansion and estate have been used for Royal Roads University. It sits on a massive 565 acres with dense forests and Japanese gardens.

Here we can also see a variety of birds and wildlife.

Hatley Castle

Craigdarroch Castle

Fort Rodd Hill

Another National Historic Site is a 19th-century coastal artillery Fort. The site is adjacent to Fisgard Lighthouse which is the first lighthouse on the west coast of Canada.