Craigdarroch Castle Insider Tour

Step inside the grandeur of Craigdarroch Castle with a rare behind-the-scenes tour, then explore the highlights of Victoria’s historic core.

Take in Victoria's famous Beacon Hill Park and heritage homes en route to the castle, where you’ll explore 39 restored rooms and private spaces that are normally off-limits to the public. Learn about the Dunsmuir family's legacy, then cap off your tour with views of the Inner Harbour and Victoria’s iconic architecture on the drive back to port.

Elevated

Popular getaway favorites leveled up to Virgin (elevated) standards. Think premium inclusions or something extra special that makes the experience feel distinctly Virgin.

Shore Thing Highlights

Tour private rooms in Victoria's Craigdarroch Castle, built by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir during the reign of Queen Victoria
Visit Beacon Hill Park, named for the beacons on the hill used to guide sailors safely in and out of Victoria
Pass city icons like the Empress Hotel and Canada's oldest Chinatown

Need to know

Sailors in wheelchairs or with limited mobility should not select this Shore Thing
Accessing upper floors of historic homes requires several flights of stairs. No elevators are available
Weather can vary throughout the day; layers and a rain jacket are recommended
If Sailors remain in the city center, they will need to make their own way back to the ship
There is an approximately 1/4 mile uphill walk to reach the Castle

Experience shores the Virgin way

Local & Immersive Tours
Authentic experiences curated with local operators
A Sustainable Cause
Select tour bookings to help social charities
Peace of Mind
Modify/cancel up to 48hrs before where applicable
Priority Debark in Port
Be first ashore in all our ports of call
Safe and Insured
Our partners are licensed and insured
Transparent Pricing
No hidden costs, all-inclusive Shore Thing prices
Expert Travel Support
Pre-voyage to onboard assistance, always there
Stress-Free Returns
Ship will wait for you in the event of a delay
Convenient Collection
Convenience of one location to shop for your calls

Victoria, British Columbia

After-Hours at The Empress

Experience Victoria’s elegant side with exclusive evening tea, Empress Hotel cocktails, and a glowing stroll around the Inner Harbour.

Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria, British Columbia

Bites & Sights of Victoria

Explore Victoria's historic streets and vibrant beer scene with a guided walk, a waterfront ferry ride, and a few delicious local bites.

Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria, British Columbia

Butchart Gardens & Wine Tasting

A dazzling blend of floral wonder and local flavor, this tour pairs Butchart Gardens with a winery tasting on the Saanich Peninsula.

Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria, British Columbia

Canadian Ale Trail

Discover Victoria’s craft beer scene on this walking tour of local breweries, Old Town streets, and lively Chinatown corners.

Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria, British Columbia

Covered Vessel Whale Watching

Cruise through BC’s coastal waters on a cozy covered vessel, and search for the whales, sea lions, and bald eagles that call the region home.

Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria, British Columbia

Cowichan Wine & Cider Trail

Discover why the Cowichan Valley is called "Canada’s Provence" on this wine-and-cider tasting adventure through Vancouver Island’s lush farmland.

Victoria, British Columbia

Browse All Shore Things

Shore Things are fully refundable to the original form of payment. However, please note that Shore Things are only fully refundable if they are canceled within 48 hours prior to the booked Shore Thing taking place, unless stated otherwise in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section. If you fail to either (a) cancel within 48 hours of the booked Shore Thing (or alternative time period as may be stated in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section), or (b) show up for a booked Shore Thing, you will be charged for 100% of the Shore Thing price.

If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and within 48 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.

If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.

If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.

Shore Things departure times and/or meeting locations are subject to change. We will make every effort to notify Sailors in advance via the Sailor App of any tour departure and/or meeting changes.

Craigdarroch Castle Insider Tour

Step inside the grandeur of Craigdarroch Castle with a rare behind-the-scenes tour, then explore the highlights of Victoria’s historic core.

Shore Thing Highlights

Need to know