B.C. Government House

04/22/2026

It's National Volunteer Week, celebrating acts of service, civic participation and the incredible people who make our province and country a better place.

The Friends of Government House Gardens Society is a volunteer powerhouse, with more than 300 active members donating their knowledge, skills and time to help transform Government House and its grounds into an oasis welcoming visitors from around the world. I share my gratitude to the Friends, in their myriad roles and responsibilities, for the incredible way they represent Government House with love, thoughtfulness and hard work.

Learn more about the Friends and how to volunteer with them: https://fghgs.ca

04/13/2026

Here in Victoria, spring has arrived, and that means the Friends of Government House Gardens Society are back in the gardens twice a week. With nearly 300 active volunteers, the Friends lovingly tend to the grounds and gardens of Government House, serve as greeters to summer visitors, staff the seasonal Rudi's Tea Room, share local history in the Costume Museum, and more. From lush rose gardens to sun-soaked terraces to an abundance of fresh vegetables, the Friends' green touch can be seen all across the 36 acres surrounding Government House.

The grounds and gardens of Government House are free to visit and open to the public 365 days a year. Find the stunning work of the Friends, along with incredible views of the Juan de Fuca Strait and Olympic mountains, in the Rockland neighbourhood in Victoria.

Interested in volunteering for the Friends? Learn more at https://fghgs.ca.

04/10/2026

Government House is open to the public via guided tours. Tours give a look into the residence of the Lieutenant Governor and the ceremonial home of all British Columbians, covering history, points of interest, and art and architecture. Tours are free but space is limited, and visitors must register in advance.

UPCOMING TOURS:
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
SATURDAY, APRIL 25

Pre-registration is required – register and select a date and time here, up to two weeks ahead: https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/government-house-49152051653

04/09/2026

Did you know Government House is open to the public via guided tours? Tours give a look into the residence of the Lieutenant Governor and the ceremonial home of all British Columbians, covering history, points of interest, and art and architecture. Tours take place on select Saturdays and some holidays, and are free with registration. The next tour dates will be this Saturday, April 11, 2026.

Recently, the Royal BC Museum’s Volunteer Association took in a tour, and Julia Saurazas has shared a short article about their experience. Read Julia's article, and learn more about available tour dates and how to register:

Tours give a look into the residence of the Lieutenant Governor and the ceremonial home of all British Columbians, covering history, points of interest, and art and architecture.

04/04/2026

Looking for a FREE activity this holiday Monday? Government House will be open to the public via guided tours!

Tours give a look into the residence of the Lieutenant Governor and the ceremonial home of all British Columbians, covering history, points of interest, and art and architecture. Tours are free but space is limited, and visitors must register in advance.

UPCOMING TOURS:
MONDAY APRIL 6
SATURDAY APRIL 11

Pre-registration is highly recommended– register and select a date and time here, up to two weeks ahead: https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/government-house-49152051653

01/15/2026

Government House is open to the public via guided tours. Tours give a look into the residence of the Lieutenant Governor and the ceremonial home of all British Columbians, covering history, points of interest, and art and architecture. Tours are free but space is limited, and visitors must register in advance.

UPCOMING TOURS:
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Pre-registration is required – register and select a date and time here, up to two weeks ahead: https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/government-house-49152051653

01/01/2026

12/09/2025

An unexpected perk of being Lieutenant Governor? The job comes with hundreds of Friends!

I was so happy to join the Friends of Government House Gardens Society at their annual holiday luncheon, a celebration of their immense contributions to the grounds and gardens of Government House and support for the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. It was my pleasure to share with them my conversation with His Majesty King Charles III, who remembers fondly, from his visits to British Columbia, the Friends and all their incredible work. I share my gratitude for them all and their selfless service in creating the oasis that is Government House.

12/09/2025

Holiday Sing-Along tickets went faster than Santa on his sleigh on Christmas Eve! We have searched every nook and cranny of Government House to find additional seats so a few more carolers can join us on December 17th.

A small batch of additional tickets will be released tomorrow at 9:30 am at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/government-house-holiday-sing-along-tickets-1968822849141?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Please note: In order to create more space for this event, some seating will be located in the Mezzanine in the Ballroom at Government House. Unfortunately, the Mezzanine is ONLY accessible by stairs. If you require accessible seating, please plan to arrive early to find seats on the main floor of the Ballroom.

11/21/2025

*In the spirit of welcoming the community to the ceremonial home of all British Columbians, the Honourable Wendy Cocchia will host a Holiday Sing-Along and Open House at Government House on December 17, 2025.

Bring your festive spirit to the grand Ballroom and enjoy an hour of caroling favourites led by Stephanie Greaves, followed by a tour of Government House’s holiday decorations with insights from our knowledgeable docents.

This event is free, with pre-registration required. Non-perishable food bank donations will be warmly welcomed.

Register for your free tickets here: **This event has sold out**

Government House will also be open on Saturdays for free guided tours, featuring holiday décor. Tours give a look into the residence of the Lieutenant Governor and the ceremonial home of all British Columbians, covering history, points of interest, and art and architecture.

Walk-ins may be available but pre-registration for tours is highly recommended. Sign up for tours on Saturday, December 6, 13 or 20: https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/government-house-49152051653

The New Year’s Day Levée is a long-standing tradition celebrated across Canada by Vice Regal offices and the Canadian Armed Forces. While Government House in Victoria has hosted many Levées, the Lieutenant Governor receives invitations every year to attend Levées and events hosted by organizations throughout British Columbia.

On January 1, 2026, there will be no Levée at Government House in Victoria. On New Years Day, the Lieutenant Governor will attend events hosted by Vancouver-based Canadian Armed Forces, honouring their service and strengthening the Office’s connection with uniformed services in British Columbia.