Self-guided grounds and gardens visit

The grounds and gardens are open to the public 365 days a year and are free to visit, with no booking. During the spring and summer they are open from 5:30 am until 9:00 pm. The site publishes a free downloadable Scavenger Hunt map of the estate with fifteen numbered stops, covering the ceremonial front gates and the coat of arms, the duck pond, the bandshell, the orchard, the Hosaqami totem pole, the sunken Rose Garden statue, the Dawn Redwood, the Woodlands viewpoint and trail, the Cary Castle Mews and the Chauffeur's Cottage, with answers printed on the map. There is ample free parking in the Lower Lot at the Cary Castle Mews and in front of Government House. The estate rules apply, including a warning that highly poisonous death cap mushrooms may be found on the property.

Walk the garden paths and the Woodlands Trail with the printed scavenger hunt, counting the ducks on the pond, the salmon carved on the bandshell, the orchard trees and the flags flying, and hunting for the stone statue in the sunken Rose Garden and the totem pole.

Free, open 365 days a year with free on-site parking, and no booking needed. No washroom, picnic area or shelter is described anywhere on the site, and the only refreshments mentioned are the seasonal tea room, so plan toilets and lunch elsewhere.