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Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, Parks Canada

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Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, Parks Canada

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An official Parks Canada page. Français : https://www.facebook.com/LHNduFortRoddFisgard
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Fort Rodd Hill NHS commemorates the national significance of the Victoria-Esquimalt coast artillery fortress in the defence of Victoria and the naval base at Esquimalt harbour, as part of the larger defence strategy of the British Empire and Canada, 1878 to 1956. Fisgard Lighthouse NHS commemorates the national significance of the first lighthouse on Canada's west coast. Fisgard has been an important symbol of sovereignty-British, Colonial and Canadian-since 1860. Along with Race Rocks lighthouse, Fisgard provides a guide for mariners to Royal Roads anchorage, Esquimalt harbour and its naval base, and points the way to Victoria harbour. Cette page est aussi disponible en français à http://www.facebook.com/LHNduFortRoddFisgard.

11/10/2026

❤️ Why do we wear a poppy?

🌺 Because remembrance connects the past with the present.

The gun batteries, searchlights, and fortifications at Fort Rodd Hill still stand today. But behind these historic structures were real people, with families, hopes, and lives beyond their military service.

When we wear a poppy, we remember them and the generations who followed.

Tomorrow, on Remembrance Day, we invite you to take a moment to reflect on their service and sacrifice.

Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites will be open on November 11.

Learn more about the day's programs:
https://ow.ly/wQ7R5104i7O

11/08/2026

❤️ Many members of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations served during times of war. In 1941, eight Songhees men earned recognition for their contributions to Canada's wartime efforts.

With deep roots in canoe building and navigation, the Songhees Nation has long been connected to the waters of Victoria and Esquimalt. During the Second World War, eight Songhees men, including Jimmy Fraser (Kin-Kay-nun; Unthame, Cheachlacth), were recognized for their work at the Esquimalt dockyards. Their foreman praised them as "the best workers he ever had," and the Navy named one of their ships “War Songhees”.

Located in the traditional territories of the Songhees Nation and Esquimalt Nation, Fort Rodd Hill was part of the coastal defence system that protected Esquimalt Harbour and its naval facilities during the war.

Today, on Indigenous Veterans Day, we honour and recognize the contributions of Indigenous communities to Canada's wartime efforts.

📖 Historical source: Grant Keddie, Jimmy Fraser the Songhees Storyteller (2023).

📸 Wartime photo of a ship under construction in Esquimalt (City of Victoria Archives).

11/06/2026

❤️ Why do we wear a poppy?

Because service happened here, too.

For generations, military personnel at Fort Rodd Hill stood watch over the entrance to Esquimalt Harbour. They trained, maintained the coastal defenses, and remained ready to respond if conflict reached Canada’s Pacific coast.

Many who served here later went overseas. Others continued their duties at home, helping protect the harbour and support Canada’s defence efforts.
When we wear a poppy, we remember all who served, both abroad and on the home front.

11/05/2026

❤️ Why do we wear a poppy?

Every November, poppies appear on jackets, uniforms, and lapels across Canada. But behind every poppy is a story.

For some, it's a tribute to a loved one who served. For others, it's a reminder of the sacrifices made by generations before us.

Here at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, remembrance is woven into the history of this place.

In the days leading up to Remembrance Day, we'll explore the people, places, and stories behind the poppy.

❤️ What does wearing a poppy mean to you?

11/04/2026

History comes alive this Remembrance Day.

Join us on November 11 at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites for a day of remembrance, reflection, and hands-on experiences.

🔍Explore history up close: Discover artifacts from the First and Second World Wars, including select items you can handle yourself.

💥 Hear history in action: Catch historic weapon demonstration at 11:02 am and 2:30 pm

☕Warm up at the canteen: Enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, and tea until 3 pm.

Admission is free.

City of Colwood
City of Langford

11/03/2026

✨ A new sign. A name with a story.

Visitors to Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, Parks Canada will now be greeted by a new welcome sign featuring stqéyəélə ("Wolf Den"), the Lekwungen name of this place.

Installed earlier this week, the new welcome sign was written and created under the leadership of the Songhees Nation Language Department, with artwork by Melissa McClurg. It celebrates the Indigenous language, culture, and deep connections to this place.

Next time you visit, take a closer look. This welcome sign is more than a greeting. It's an invitation to discover the stories and cultural connections that make this place special.

Melissa Jean McClurg

11/02/2026

🍂 Fall is really here.

It's one of the most photogenic times of year at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites.

Will you be visiting this fall? Share your photos in the comments below.

10/29/2026

🌱 How do you separate tiny seeds from everything you don’t need?

Sometimes, you let the wind do the work. 💨

Parks Canada staff use a seed blower to clean seeds collected from our conservation nursery. Air moves through the mix, blowing away lighter plant material while the heavier seeds stay behind.

By adjusting the airflow, staff can clean different types of seeds and prepare them for the next stage of conservation work.

These tiny seeds will help grow native plants for restoration projects at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites and across the local community.

🎥 Watch the seed blower in action!

10/26/2026

🐾 Why was this woman walking around Fort Rodd Hill with a r***e in 1916?

A photograph in Parks Canada's collection shows Mrs. Collings and her young son, Ashe, exploring the snow at Fort Rodd Hill. The r***e she carries was reportedly for protection after a cougar had been seen in the area.

The Collings family lived in the Warrant Officer's Quarters from 1916 to 1919, but they weren't the only family to call Fort Rodd Hill home.

Wives and children lived in family quarters, wooden huts, and even canvas tents during summer military training camps.

Their stories remind us that Fort Rodd Hill was more than a coastal defence site. Behind the guns and searchlights were families building their lives, raising children, and creating a sense of home.

This Women's History Month, we're looking beyond the batteries and uniforms to remember the women who were part of everyday life at the fort.

📷 Mrs. Collings and her young son Ashe.

10/23/2026

🤯 800,000,000 candlepower.

From the outside, it looked like an ordinary beach shack.

Inside was Fort Rodd Hill’s 60-inch searchlight. Used during the Second World War, it relied on carbon-arc technology to produce an incredibly powerful beam that could reach 14 kilometres into the night.

At roughly 10 million times brighter than a household light bulb, the searchlight helped defenders watch the waters approaching Esquimalt Harbour after dark.

The beam was so intense that soldiers joked it could knock over a small boat.

Today, the searchlight is no longer operational — but you can still get an up-close look at this impressive piece of technology and the role it played in Fort Rodd Hill’s coastal defences.

🎥 Take a look inside.

Address

603 Fort Rodd Hill Road
Victoria, BC
V9C2W8

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 4pm
Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 5pm
Sunday	10am - 4pm

Telephone

+12504785849

Website

http://parkscanada.gc.ca/FortRoddHill

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