Fisgard Lighthouse was the first lighthouse built on the Pacific coast of Canada.
The lighthouse tower is constructed of red brick and was fueled by whale oil for its first few years of operation.
The fort's three batteries were designed to fire at invading naval vessels, though they never saw combat.
The original 1860 lighthouse keeper's house still stands attached to the tower base.
The site hosts an oTENTik camping area, combining a tent with a cabin structure.
The heavy coastal guns at the site are 6-inch breech-loading guns, once standard for British colonial defense.
The site remains home to a resident population of black-tailed deer.
The underground command center was built with thick concrete walls to survive potential direct hits during the turn-of-the-century period.
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site is a coastal artillery fort and the oldest lighthouse on Canada's West Coast. Built in the 1890s, the fort features original barracks, command posts, and searchlight emplacements intended to defend the Esquimalt Naval Base. The site spans over 16 hectares of waterfront property. Fisgard Lighthouse, completed in 1860, remains an active navigational aid operated by the Canadian Coast Guard. Visitors can explore underground bunkers and historic military gun batteries. The area serves as a habitat for Garry oak ecosystems and diverse coastal flora. The site is managed by Parks Canada and functions as an open-air military and maritime museum.
The iconic red-and-white striped exterior of the Fisgard Lighthouse with the Olympic Mountains visible in the background.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the uneven terrain and steep paths between the fort and the lighthouse.
Check the tide tables before visiting to explore the rocky shoreline at the base of the lighthouse.
Pack a picnic, as the designated areas near the lighthouse offer clear views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Do not attempt to walk along the active naval base perimeter fences; avoid visiting during extreme wind events as the coastal paths become slippery.
The site is generally open daily throughout the peak season but may shift to reduced days of operation during the winter months.
Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile Garry oak ecosystem; refrain from touching or climbing on historical military hardware.
