Rockland is one of Victoria’s oldest and most prestigious neighbourhoods, with grand homes and tree lined streets. It’s creation comes from the 500 acre Douglas Estate known as Fairfield Farm. In 1882 the area was designated a development area and lots were carved out of the once contiguous track to land.
Today Rockland is a mixture of single family homes and multi dwelling buildings apartments, townhouses, and both retirement and nursing home care facilities. With a strong community leadership Rockland has been able to maintain its original charm of parks, vistas and beautiful gardens. The area is defined by Fort Street to the North, Richardson Street to the South and Richmond Avenue to the East and Linden Avenue to the West. Points of interest include the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria which is home to some notable works from the great Canadian artist – Emily Carr. To the East of the Art Gallery is Craigdarroch Castle which is located on Joan Crescent and is known for its 39 rooms and over 25,000 square feet of living space. The construction began in 1879 and was completed in 1889, built as the family residence for the very successful coal baron Robert Dunsmuir. Over the years it has been used as a military hospital, a college, an administrative building, the Victoria Conservatory of Music and know is a designated heritage site and operates as a museum.