How do I get to Hatley Park National Historic Site?

We are located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, about 13 km (8 miles) from the downtown area of Victoria, at 2005 Sooke Road, in the community of Colwood.
There are many ways to get here including plane, car, bike, ferry, city transit, or walking! For specific information on how to find us, click getting here.

How much does it cost to visit? 

Please click here to see our Hours of Operation & Fees at Hatley Park National Historic Site. There is a charge for Castle tours, self guided tours of the gardens, and speciality tours. Click here for more information on the kinds of tours available currently.

There are no fees charged to visit the Hatley Castle Museum or Gift Shop. 

Is there somewhere to eat?

Yes, the Habitat Café is open 7-days per week and it's hours of operation complement the times visitors are on site. For special events, food and beverage services are available at other locations.

Can I take photos on the site and in the castle?

Personal photographs are permitted on the site. There is a fee associated with Commercial photography use of the property. Please read our Photography section for more information.

Can we take our wedding photos in the castle or gardens?

Wedding photos are only permitted for wedding parties who rent Hatley Castle or Hatley Gardens for the event. All other requests must be submitted to Visitor Services to avoid a conflict with those who have pre-planned their special day with us. Please read our Photography section for more information. 

Is Hatley Park wheelchair accessible?

Hatley Park and Hatley Castle were built nearly 100 years ago, before considerations were made for wheelchair accessibility. Consequently, there is limited access to the castle. Wheelchairs can enter the museum and gift shop as well as participate in visitor activities on the first floor of the Castle. The gardens, in some places have paths wide enough for wheelchairs, other areas will be restricted. The cafeteria located in the Grant Building has an elevator for accessibility. There is handicapped parking on site.

How easy is it to use a stroller on the property?

Strollers are welcome on site and seem to manage quite well in many places, despite the steep slope of the property in some places. Some of the trails in the Japanese gardens are quite narrow, but otherwise, it is fairly easy going. There are no elevators in Hatley Castle, but strollers can enter the museum and gift shop and participate in visitor activities on the first floor of the Castle with relative ease. The cafeteria located in the Grant Building has an elevator so taking strollers in this facility is fine.

Are weddings allowed?

Absolutely! In fact, Hatley Castle is one of the premier venues on Vancouver Island for weddings. Please read our wedding section or call Roberta Helgason @ (250) 391-2600 ext. 4795, or Toll-Free at 1-866-241-0674.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes in most outdoor areas of the park and on the trails. The exceptions to this include the formal gardens and of course in any building. We ask that you keep your pet on a short leash and under control at all times and bring your ‘doggie bags’ for cleaning up after your pet. 

Are there lockers or storage areas?

No, we unfortunately we do not have any facilities of this type for our guests at this time.

How much funding does Royal Roads University get to operate this site?

None! Hatley Park National Historic site is one of 700+ national historic sites designated in Canada but for which there is no federal, provincial, or municipal funding to protect, restore, maintain the site, and welcome the public. As a result, the university relies on philanthropic gifts and is embarking on tourism activities to generate the much-needed revenues to ensure the heritage assets of the site are preserved.

Can I volunteer at Hatley Park National Historic Site?

Absolutely!  At this time, Hatley Park National Historic Site has the following volunteer opportunties:

• Mother’s Day Paint-in Festival Volunteers

Contact us today by calling 250-391-2666.

What job opportunities exist at Hatley Park National Historic Site?

There is always a need for casual employment in our tourism industry.  if you would like your CV retained on file and to be notified of upcoming opportunities, please forward your resume to:
 
Bonnie Nelson, Director of Visitor Services:

Direct Line:  250.391.2600 ext 2684
Toll-Free:  1.866.241.0674
Fax:  250.391.2620


Is Hatley Park a University?

No, actually, Hatley Park National Historic Site is the home of Royal Roads University; however, the university is responsible for the management and stewardship of the historic site, on behalf of the people of Canada.