Perched on a rocky promontory off the southeast coast of Vancouver Island, the red and white tower of the Fisgard Lighthouse is immediately noticeable from the water and makes a popular photo opportunity for visitors cruising the coast from nearby Victoria. The Lighthouse is more than just a navigational landmark, though – Fisgard has been guiding ships into Victoria harbor since 1860, making it Canada's oldest West Coast lighthouse and now an important national historic site.
Looming behind the lighthouse, Fort Rodd Hill is another significant site, dotted with the remains of the 19th and 20th century coastal defenses that once protected Victoria and the neighboring Esquimalt Naval Base. Visitors can explore three artillery batteries, plus the command posts, guardhouses, underground magazines and barracks, where multi-media displays and interactive exhibitions bring the historic site to life.
Practical Info
The Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites are located along the southeastern coast of Vancouver Island, just west of Victoria. The sites are open daily from 10am-5.30pm (9am-4.30pm in winter) and adult admission is C$4 at the time of writing.
Address: 603 Fort Rodd Hill Rd, Victoria BC, Canada
Hours: Open daily from 10am-5.30pm (9am-4.30pm in winter)
