Point Ellice House and Garden
Gold Rush Magnate and Commissioner Peter O'Reilly acquired Point Ellice House in 1867, and many among Victoria's social elite gathered there. The flowers in the luxuriant heritage gardens surrounding this rambling Italianate home accurately reflect the family's own notes about their Victorian favourites. This property is like a verdant jewel amid the industries and businesses along the Victoria waterfront.
Overlooking the waters of Victoria's scenic Gorge Waterway, Point Ellice House is, again, where the 'locals' go to enjoy Afternoon Tea! And just as British Navy officers and other guests could do over a hundred years ago, you can still be dropped off at the dock! Today you can step aboard the Harbour Ferry in front of the Empress Hotel and take a leisurely tour past Victoria's Old Town on your way to Point Ellice. Of course, you can arrive by land as well!
Where You'll Find Us:
Point Ellice House and Garden is located at 2616 Pleasant Street, near the Bay Street Bridge. Approaching from downtown Victoria along Bay Street, traveling west toward the bridge, turn north onto Pleasant Street where you see the Point Ellice House sign. If you're traveling east across the bridge, a left turn onto Pleasant St. is not permitted, so proceed to one of the next streets to turn left and loop back to Pleasant St. Visitors coming southward into Victoria (e.g., from Mill Bay, Swartz Bay, or Sidney ferry terminals) only need to turn right (west) onto Bay Street.
When We're Open:
Point Ellice House and Garden is open seasonally, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., May to September. Tea is served between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Reservations for tea are recommended.