
Castle and 48hr HoHo
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 106 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Castle and 48hr HoHo worth booking?
Castle and 48hr HoHo is a 2.5-hour experience in Vancouver Island, Canada, from $55 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 106 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (106)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $55 per person
See the very best of Victoria on a comprehensive city tour that includes a visit to Craigdarroch Castle. During your sightseeing tour, an experienced guide provides fascinating commentary on Victoria's rich history and scenic beauty. Enjoy numerous stops at points of interest, such as Fisherman's Wharf and Beacon Hill Park, for photo ops. This 3.5-hour tour is a great way to get to know the the charming provincial capital and its famous landmarks, including the Victorian-era elegance of Craigdarroch Castle, the city’s premiere heritage and architectural attraction.
What you get
About this experience
See the very best of Victoria on a comprehensive city tour that includes a visit to Craigdarroch Castle. During your sightseeing tour, an experienced guide provides fascinating commentary on Victoria's rich history and scenic beauty. Enjoy numerous stops at points of interest, such as Fisherman's Wharf and Beacon Hill Park, for photo ops. This 3.5-hour tour is a great way to get to know the the charming provincial capital and its famous landmarks, including the Victorian-era elegance of Craigdarroch Castle, the city’s premiere heritage and architectural attraction.
What's included
Included
- City tour
- Local taxes
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What you'll see and do
Craigdarroch Castle
Built by Robert Dunsmuir in 1898 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 1890.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Vancouver Island
Under the red umbrella on the sidewalk in front of The Empress Hotel.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Under the red umbrella on the sidewalk in front of The Empress Hotel.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Gray Line Sightseeing Victoria
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos




What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 106 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
106 verified traveler reviews for Castle and 48hr HoHo. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fun & Relaxing Way To See The City
We stayed in Victoria for a week and this was a fun way to see the highlights of the city and decide where we wanted to spend more time later on. It was sunny and warm so we opted to sit up top and you can’t beat the view. The bus was on time at each of the stops, the drivers were all very nice, and it was a convenient way to get around town without needing a car.
via Tripadvisor
I Wouldn't Call This a Castle
But the house is simply amazing. Each room was jam-packed with historical items and we were actually able to take photographs - which is highly unusual in old buildings. It IS a very large house, but not what I think of as a castle when I compare it to the castles I saw in England, Scotland and Ireland. Nevertheless, it's well worth the money to see the house. As for the tour of Victoria itself, there really isn't much to see. I though the entire city was 'historical', but it's only a few blocks. To me the city itself was a true disappointment and wasn't worth the visit.
Response from the operator: Hello, We are glad that you enjoyed your tour of Craigdarroch Castle. Yes, it is smaller than castles in Scottland and England by far. The Craigdarroch Castle is considered a "bonanza castle— massive houses built for entrepreneurs who became wealthy during the industrial age." As Craigdarroch Castle states on their website. It is a very interesting place to see and it is very pleasing to tourists that they are able to take photos inside. Victoria does become a quieter town throughout the winter months but during the summer there are an abundance of activities to do. Museums, tea, butchart gardens, whale watching, parks, beaches, shopping, festivals and more! We are sorry to hear you didn't enjoy the city of Victoria. Thank you again for the review!
via Tripadvisor
Tour Guide was very attentive and informative
Unfortunately, apart from the castle, I had seen most of the sights the previous day with another tour. Otherwise, good tour.
Response from the operator: Hello, Thank you for the review, We are glad that you enjoyed the tour of Craigdarroch Castle. Victoria is a small city so there can be some overlap! We hope to see you again one day!
via Tripadvisor
A pleasant tour with detailed explanation
Sightseeing of the famous Craigdarroch Castle and city of Victoria. Tour guide aka the driver took us to visit the castle first and then have a city tour around Victoria. The castle itself is small but beautiful from both outside and inside. You can learn the history of this castle since it was created. City tour takes you to some scenic spots around Victoria such as university of Victoria, Brody bay, etc.
Response from the operator: Hello, Thank you for the review, we are glad that you enjoyed your city and castle tour! The castle is smaller compared to others but carries an abundance of history with it. We hope to see you again one day!
via Tripadvisor
Good guide/ value for money
Enjoyable tour. Guide John had researched his tour and provided good info except for a few stupid jokes. Castle was good.
Response from the operator: Hello, Thank you for the review. we are glad that you enjoyed your tour. We're sorry to hear that you didn;t enjoy John's jokes! We hope to see you again!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $55 to $75
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 37
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Gray Line Sightseeing Victoria, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.2.
See everything Gray Line Sightseeing Victoria runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Castle and 48hr HoHo: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Vancouver Island.
How much does Castle and 48hr HoHo cost?
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Prices start at $55 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Vancouver Island usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Castle and 48hr HoHo take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Vancouver Island is not rushed.
Is Castle and 48hr HoHo worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 106 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Vancouver Island, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Castle and 48hr HoHo?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Castle and 48hr HoHo suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Castle and 48hr HoHo?
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Around 37 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Vancouver Island can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Vancouver Island and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Castle and 48hr HoHo start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Vancouver Island within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Vancouver Island?
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On Outty we rank every Vancouver Island experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Victoria Guided Food and History Tour, Whistler Tour from Vancouver + Sea to Sky Gondola + Shannon Falls, Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Vancouver Island?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Vancouver Island?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Castle and 48hr HoHo?
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Included: City tour; and Local taxes. Not included: Gratuities; and Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Castle and 48hr HoHo?
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Under the red umbrella on the sidewalk in front of The Empress Hotel. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Castle and 48hr HoHo offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Castle and 48hr HoHo?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Castle and 48hr HoHo wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Castle and 48hr HoHo if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Vancouver Island. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Castle and 48hr HoHo?
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Across 106 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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