While camping at Goldstream Provincial Park, our camping neighbor suggested we go to Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse. It turned out to be an excellent suggestion! It is the perfect spot to spend a day, especially if the sun is shining! There is lots to do outside and you can access a beach area as well as there being plenty of outside picnic spots. This is a true family friendly place, as you’d expect from a Parks Canada managed site.
Where is Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse
A 20 minute drive from downtown Victoria will get you to Fort Rodd Hill And Fisgard Lighthouse. Follow Highway One, and then turn off onto Island Highway. From here the site is signposted.
If you are staying at Goldstream Provincial Park, it is a 15 minute drive, depending on traffic, via Highway One and Island Highway, or via Langford.
How Much Does It Cost To Visit Fort Rodd Hill And Fisgard Lighthouse
An adult day pass to visit Fort Rodd Hill And Fisgard Lighthouse is $8.50, while a child is free. If you often visit Parks Canada sites and therefore have a Discovery Pass, visiting Fort Rodd Hill And Fisgard Lighthouse is free when you show your pass!
If you also wish to take the audio tour, this is available for $5.24.
Fort Rodd Hill
Fort Rodd Hill is made up of numerous areas all of which are connected by mostly paved trails, there is a map of the site which you can check out online beforehand or pick one up when you get there.
We started our exploration, moving in a clockwise direction, starting at the Upper Battery, which was built in 1895. The centrepiece of the Upper Battery is the ‘disappearing gun’ , a single gun which can be lifted into place and dropped back down. The views from the gun platform, looking out over the ocean are pretty spectacular too!
Then we picked up the Nature Walk, a great interpretive trail through the woods along the coastline. It only takes around 15 minutes to complete, it isn’t paved but is wide and fairly flat. The trail leads to the Belmont Battery.
The Belmont Battery was home to two quick fire guns throughout World War Two, you can see the replicas still, there is lots of interpretive information within the battery too. There is also a lookout tower but this isn’t accessible to the public.
Next up at Fort Rodd Hill is the Lower Battery, it was built at the same time as the upper battery, while you are in this area make sure to check out the Plotting Room. You can image the noise and chaos which would have occurred here.
Fisgard Lighthouse
Fisgard Lighthouse is the oldest on the West Coast, first being lit back in 1860. It is still a working lighthouse, however it isn’t manned anymore. Instead visitors can explore the lighthouse, which is filled with pictures and stories from previous lighthouse keepers! It is a real treasure and a landmark on the coast.
Note that exploring the lighthouse isn’t that accessible due to being a historic structure, perched on a rocky outcrop on the coastline. Once inside there are only stairs to access the upper level of the lighthouse.
Between the Lower Battery and the Fisgard Lighthouse, there are plenty of grassy areas and benches, to sit, take in the views looking out across the sea and enjoy the breeze whipping in off the water.
Spend The Night
Parks Canada offers OTENTik accommodations in the grounds of Fort Rodd Hill and the Fisgard Lighthouse. This gives you after house access to the grounds and also you can see the lighthouse, doing its job once the sun sets.
This is an incredible spot for a family vacation, with lots of green open space to run around in, the beach is a short walk away and the learning opportunities are endless!
It costs $128 per night to rent an OTENTik and reservations are highly recommended. You can book online via the Parks Canada Reservation site.
