Take a look inside the official residence of the lieutenant-governor, as Government House opens for a limited series of public tours, Saturday and Monday.
Take in the art and the rooms of the National Historic Site and learn about its history and architecture, the ceremonial and constitutional functions of the lieutenant-governor — and the role they have played in the history of Victoria and the province.
The public tour lasts one hour. Tours are set for 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Saturday or Monday. While admission is free, pre-registration is required and space is limited.
For more information, or to book your tickets, go to ltgov.bc.ca.
If you can’t make the tour, the grounds of Government House are open to the public every day of the year, from dawn to dusk. The 36-acre property includes a rare Garry oak ecosystem and more than 20 gardens maintained by members of the Friends of Government House Gardens Society.
The society offers guided walking tours upon request for those looking for a more in-depth visit. There is no fixed tour schedule.
In the tours, which can last from 45 to 90 minutes, visitors can learn about the landscape, trees, unique plants, history and how the gardens are cared for by more than 200 volunteers. The garden guided tours cost $15 per person, with a minimum fee of $75 for five or fewer people.
For more information, go to fghgs.ca/garden-tours. To schedule a tour, contact Arthur Timms at [email protected] or 250-370-5154.
