Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia
The Honourable Janet Austin, OBC

End of summer news and activities at Government House

The sunshine has arrived in Victoria and with it comes the most beautiful time of year to visit Government House. Join us for free concerts, public tours, delicious lunches on the patio and more!

Music on the Lawn returns for the 2024 season, with live music, tasty food and plenty of dancing al fresco

A sunny season full of festivals and community at the ceremonial home of all British Columbians

Join Government House at a free family-friendly garden party on July 28!

The popular free outdoor concert series returns to Government House for three nights in July.

A tribute to the volunteers who help make a visit to Government House an exceptional one.

Government House is looking for high energy local bands and musicians interested in playing the 2023 season of Music on the Lawn.

The work of the Government House Foundation supports the beloved open-to-the-public grounds of Government House, as well as the programmes and projects of the Lieutenant Governor.

On July 7, enjoy a treat from the Tea Room and support the Lodge at Broadmead, in honour of Rudi’s birthday

Music on the Lawn, the outdoor concert series, returns to Government House for three nights in July 2022.

The New Years Day Levee for January 1, 2022, has been cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic.

The Friends of Government House Gardens Society were lucky to have a special guest speaker last month: world renowned gardening expert Brian Minter. In this guest blog, Brian, sharing his thoughts on changes in how we garden and interact with our natural world.

Carolyn Hissen felt the call of volunteering from an early age. This Volunteer Week, meet Government House’s volunteer beekeeper and learn how volunteering makes her life sweeter.

An update on refurbishments taking place at Government House.

Government House is looking for a Volunteer Coordinator, a role that will be a pivotal liaison between our volunteers and the Government House Director of Operations.

Government House is committed to fighting food insecurity, giving back through community initiatives and gardening.

On Wednesday, March 10, 2021, the main gate to Government will be temporarily closed from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.

A notice for visitors to Government House, the Woodlands Trail is closed temporarily due to inclement weather

We are delighted to share the winner of our New Year’s Day Levée photo contest.

With the cancellation of the New Years Day Levée, Government House invites all who have attended a Levée to share their favourite photographs and memories.

The grounds of Government House will reopen at dawn on Tuesday, December 8, 2020. Thank you to all for your patience and understanding over the course of this closure.

With cases of COVID-19 increasing on Vancouver Island, the grounds of Government House will be closed for at least two weeks.

Starting on October 5, 2020, the main gate entrance to the grounds at Government House and connecting driveway will be closed for construction.

Updates on the status of the Government House grounds, House renovations, and thanks to all patrons for another successful season of Rudi’s Tea Room.

Meet Willow Kaukanon, manager of the Government House Victory Over COVID Garden.

Updates on refurbishments at Government House, the Music on the Lawn summer concert series and open hours for the grounds.

Rudi’s Tea Room will be CLOSED for one day on Friday, June 19, due to BC Hydro maintenance requirements.

Government House is delighted to take part in Get Growing, Victoria!, a free food seedlings distribution program created by the City of Victoria.

Government House has lost a great friend with the passing of Rudi Hoenson, a lifelong philanthropist and passionate supporter of Government House.

As of May 20, 2020, Rudi’s Tea Room will be open for business for the summer.

The grounds of Government House will re-open to visitors on May 14, 2020, with new limited hours.

Here at Government House, we want to do our part in the fight against COVID-19, and that’s why we’re working with community partners, including the City of Victoria, to create the Victory Over COVID garden (VOC).

Today is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! I’m recognizing the beautiful natural environments of British Columbia, including some found right in our neighbourhoods.

The grounds of Government House are currently closed to the public. Please read more for details.

Join us at Government House for the annual New Years Day Levee

Starting early in the new year, Government House will be undergoing significant refurbishments, including a series of long-needed upgrades and renovations

To mark the visit of the Governor General, her heraldic shield has been installed at Government House, part of a long tradition of heraldry in the province

Jerymy Brownridge, Private Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and Executive Director of Government House, is pleased to share a report of upgrades and maintenance done to Government House

A highlight of the Government House Foundation’s initiatives and a major fundraiser in support of the Priority Programs of the Lieutenant Governor is the annual black-tie Gala Ball, held at Government House

Government House has 36 acres of manicured gardens, sprawling lawns and native woodlands to explore. Learn more about the unique gardens that make up the Estate of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia

At the Trust for Sustainable Living Schools Essay Competition and Debates, students discuss sustainability, new friendships and big inspiration

The menu at Government House just got even more local, with a line of small batch cheeses made in-house by sous chef Vincent Capitano

You don’t have to be a local to volunteer at Government House! Meet Everett Hyman, a Texan who found himself working the rose gardens on his summer vacation

Join us for three nights of live music throughout July at the Government House band shell

Highlights of the Lieutenant Governor’s calendar and initiatives throughout winter and spring 2019

Highlights of the Lieutenant Governor’s calendar and initiatives throughout October to December 2018

Highlights of the Lieutenant Governor’s calendar and initiatives throughout July to September, 2018

Do you have something you’re looking to let go, that might fit in at Government House? Find out more about the House’s donation policy for artwork, furniture, housewares and more