B.C. Government House 4.54

Government House is the office and official residence of the Lieutenant Governor, the representative of Her Majesty The Queen in British Columbia. As the ceremonial home of all British Columbians and the Province’s centre of hospitality, the House and grounds welcome visitors to large public events, as well as ceremonies, receptions and dinners by invitation that honour and celebrate individuals and organizations. The Lieutenant Governor also offers accommodation to distinguished visitors including members of the Royal Family, international royalty, heads of state and other honoured guests of British Columbia.

Located in the heart of the Rockland neighbourhood in Victoria, the Government House grounds are a National Historic Site embracing 14.6 hectares (36 acres), including 8.9 hectares (22 acres) of rare Garry Oak ecosystem, and 5.7 hectares (14 acres) of formal gardens. The formal garden areas are wheelchair accessible and many are maintained and funded by volunteers, The Friends of Government House Gardens Society. The site is a popular attraction for Victoria residents, visitors, and tourists alike and a well-utilized, much-treasured greenbelt for the community. With occasional exceptions, the grounds are open daily to the public from dawn to dusk, free of charge.

While this particular House was opened in 1959, the grounds and the history of the property goes back to 1865, when it was first purchased by Governor Kennedy. Our interactive timeline, located here: http://ltgov.bc.ca/gov-house/history/timeline.html may provide some useful dates and information.