Hatley Park

Hatley Park is Canada's largest National Historic Site. It originated as a 565-acre Edwardian estate built for local coal baron James Dunsmuir. Today the grounds encompass the original mansion, a 1914 Lord and Burnham greenhouse, carefully preserved old-growth forest, miles of trails, a university, and several acres of manicured gardens. Among the latter are spectacular Japanese, Rose and Italian gardens. Access to about 95% of the grounds is free, but guests must pay an admission fee to visit the gardens, museum, mansion and surrounding grounds. (Admission varies seasonally.) Royal Roads University is the tenant and maintains and oversees the daily workings of the estate.