Unlike Europe, where castles are scattered around like McDonald’s is here, North America has a sad lack of awesome castles to explore. Craigdarroch castle is about as close as we get. Nonetheless, it’s pretty spectacular. I suppose it may even be more impressive because it was a private residence. Not useful in any way.. no moat for protection, or walls to scale. Just ostentatious and grand for the sake of it. Either way, there was obviously a lot of thought put into it. There are tiny details scattered around that emphasize this isn’t your average keeping-up-with-the-joneses-McMansion. The detail in the stonework in places that no one should care about and the decorative roof drains. Here’s some history:
Built by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir during the reign of Queen Victoria and now a National Historic Site, Craigdarroch Castle has been meticulously restored, giving visitors a glimpse of privileged life in the 1890s. The Castle weaves a fascinating tale of an intriguing family – their achievements, their relationships and even their quirks.
Worth the hike through town up to it! …and it helps that my favorite camera store is located on the way back down to the waterfront. 😉