West of the city in what is now Royal Roads University, this park is beautifully landscaped with lakes and Japanese, Italian and English gardens. The magnificent 40-room castle overlooks the Esquimalt Lagoon, a bird and wildlife sanctuary. You can see the Strait of Juan de Fuca from many parts of the park, with Washington's Olympic Mountains in the background. There's also a military museum in the castle basement. Can$9 to access gardens; Can$15 for 30-minute tour of the castle; access to grounds is free. 2005 Sooke Road, Victoria. Phone 250-391-2600. http://www.hatleypark.ca.
