This was part of a city tour that included the Craigdarroch castle. The couldn't access Hatley Castle or part of the grounds due to a private function so you may want to check before you go. The walk around the castle and grounds right up to the beach is worth the walk and the pictures. We did pay ($20) for two people to walk the Japanese gardens and the rose gardens which really were nothing too special. Late in the season and really not vibrant. Given this is Victoria, you will see much more engaging and colourful gardens (Government House as an example) or if you have seen some of the Japanese gardens in other cities (San Fran, Monaco etc ) then you will be disappointed with this one. The gardens are older. The pond was full of algae and not worth taking a picture of. In the Castle itself there is a gift shop and a walk around museum with some interesting pictures and artifacts to give you a sense of the history.