Fisgard Lighthouse
| Fisgard
Lighthouse in Victoria is nationally important as the first lighthouse on the
rocky Pacific west coast of Canada. Built by the British when Vancouver Island
was still a crown colony, Fisgard Lighthouse has stood as a symbol of sovereignty
since its construction in 1860. The lighthouse is still in operation but is now
fully operational.Along
with nearby Race Rocks Lighthouse in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Fisgard still
provides a welcome guide for mariners to Royal Roads anchorage and the Esquimalt
naval base (CFB Esquimalt), and also points the way to Victoria harbour for merchant
ships and recreational vessels. The former keeper's house now contains
exhibits, artifacts, children's games, and hands-on display panels. Panoramic
views from the lighthouse include tall ships at the Canadian Naval Base, Esquimalt
lagoon, and the snow-capped Olympic Mountains across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Access
to Fisgard Lighthouse is through the large grounds of historic Fort
Rodd Hill, a coast artillery fort overlooking the entrance to Esquimalt Harbour,
built in the late 1890s to protect Victoria and the Royal Naval base. There
is a pleasant walk from the Fort Rodd Hill field to the lighthouse, but rather
than following the direct route, you can take the nature path, near the picnic
tables, for a 10-minute stroll through a forest, with many sights and bird sounds
along the way. The gravel walkway to the lighthouse was built over a torpedo net
meant to intercept torpedoes fired at the naval base. As
you walk along the trails, look for some of the year-round residents who call
Fort Rodd Hill home, including Colombian Black-tailed deer, grey squirrels, raccoons
and numerous bird species. The waters around Fisgard Lighthouse are frequented
by harbour seals and the occasional sea lion. Fort
Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse are 14 km from downtown Victoria.
These two adjoining National Historic Sites can be accessed off Highway 1, take
the Colwood exit or off Highway 1A, onto
Ocean Boulevard in Colwood. Please
note that pets and bicycles are not allowed in the sites. Hours
February 15 - October 31: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. November 1 - February
14: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact
Details 603 Fort Rodd Hill Road Colwood Victoria BC V9C 2W8 Tel:
(250) 478-5849 Fax: (250) 478-2816 |