Did you know Government House is open to the public via free 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. Register for a public tour on select Saturdays and some holidays, or, if you’re part of a non-profit, community, or academic organization (such as a school), request a weekday tour. Both are free!
Recently, the Royal BC Museum’s Volunteer Association took part in a small group tour, and Julia Saurazas shared about the experience:
“On March 7, twenty-two volunteers enjoyed a memorable and informative visit to Government House, guided by docents Sharon, Jim, and Donna. The group was treated to a rich overview of the residence’s architecture, artwork, and history— each element reflecting a deep connection to British Columbia’s cultural heritage.
Government House stands on the traditional territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations. Spanning 36 acres, the estate employs around 20 staff and is supported by more than 400 volunteers who maintain its beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens.
The tour began outdoors with two prominent historical landmarks. The first was a totem pole carved by Chief Tony Hunt and raised in 2012 to honour Indigenous veterans; this work is a replica of the original 1960 pole carved by Chief Mungo Martin. Nearby stands a statue of Sir James Douglas, the first Governor of British Columbia, unveiled in 2012.
Inside the entrance, visitors were welcomed by a powerful healing pole carved by Luke Marston. The pole portrays a woman shaman holding a butterfly, flanked by a frog spirit at her feet and an owl spirit above—symbols of transformation, wisdom, and healing.
Further inside, the group admired an array of intricately painted canoe paddles displayed along the hallway wall. These paddles represent recipients of the BC Reconciliation Award, an initiative launched by former Lieutenant Governor the Honourable Steven Point. The paddles symbolize a shared vision of unity expressed through his saying, “If we are all in the same canoe, we must paddle together.” New paddles have been added each year since the program began in 2021.
A particular highlight of the interior was the Bear fireplace mantel, a major artwork by renowned Haida artist Bill Reid. Originally carved in 1956, it was installed in Government House in 2002, just before the visit of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. The intricately carved bear figure captures Reid’s characteristic blend of traditional Haida form and contemporary design—serving as both a focal point of the dining room and a symbol of cultural continuity.
The ballroom offered further visual splendour with its “Millennium Windows,” a series of stained-glass panels illustrating the six climatic regions of British Columbia. Designed by artists Thomas Mercer and Edward Schaefer under the guidance of former Lieutenant Governor the Honourable Iona Campagnolo, these windows combine artistry with geographic storytelling. From this vantage point, the group also admired panoramic views across the Juan de Fuca Strait toward the United States, as well as the estate’s swimming pool generously donated by the Owen family.
The portrait hallway showcased all former Lieutenant Governors of the province, including several notable “firsts”: the Honourable David Lam, first Asian Canadian (1988–1995); the Honourable Iona Campagnolo, first woman (2001–2007); the Honourable Steven Point, first Indigenous Lieutenant Governor (2007–2012); and the Honourable Judith Guichon, first rancher from the Nicola Valley (2012–2018). The current Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Wendy Cocchia, was sworn in in 2025 for a five-year term.
The tour concluded on the second floor with a look at the Rogers Window, installed in 1990. This stained-glass piece celebrates British Columbia’s role as a parliamentary democracy within a constitutional monarchy.
The final stop on our tour was the luxurious staircase to the second floor where we learned about another beautiful stained-glass window – The Rogers Window. The window was installed in 1990 and reflects British Columbia’s heritage as a parliamentary democracy and constitutional Monarchy.
Altogether, the visit was enriching, offering a deeper appreciation of the art, history, and living traditions that define Government House. As time did not permit a visit to the lower level, the group looks forward to returning for another exploration in the future. It sounds like there are intriguing sights to be seen in the lower floor!”
Thanks to Julia and the Royal BC Museum’s Volunteer Association for being such thoughtful and engaged visitors to Government House! If you’re interested in seeing some of the things described by Julia, register for a free public tour and find upcoming tour dates here.
Book small group tours for non-profit, community, or academic organizations during weekdays. Submit a request for group tours here.