Scenic & Romantic
Secret Garden Afternoon at Government House
Victoria's Lieutenant Governor opens 36 acres of roses, Garry oak meadows and an Olympic Mountains view to the public. Free.
Government House grounds, Rockland
More infoScenic & Romantic
Victoria's Lieutenant Governor opens 36 acres of roses, Garry oak meadows and an Olympic Mountains view to the public. Free.
Government House grounds, Rockland
More infoSomehow, 36 acres of immaculate gardens at Victoria's Lieutenant Governor's residence are open to the public, free, and visited by a fraction of the crowd they deserve. There is a Victorian rose garden, a duck pond, and a Garry oak meadow, but the terrace lookout onto the Olympic Mountains is where you both go quiet in a good way. Locals call it the free Butchart. Finish at Rudi's Tea Room.
These 36 acres at the Lieutenant Governor's residence are free and rarely crowded, so take the slow loop through the rose garden, duck pond and Garry oak meadow at half-volume. Find the terrace lookout over the Olympics, and budget just over an hour. Bring a takeaway coffee for the wander, and save Rudi's Tea Room for a civilised finish.
The grounds alone make for a quiet, pretty wander, but don't promise the house or a cafe visit since access varies and isn't guaranteed. Stick to the paths, let the kids point at flowers they can't name, and check current grounds access before you build the whole afternoon around it.
Outdoor garden visit. Stay on paths; no promise of admission to house or a cafe being open. Check current grounds access.
Official visitor informationFamily details checked 2026-10-05Been here? Share a useful detail from your visit, or ask what you want to know before going. Reader experiences are self-reported.
