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Fisgard Lighthouse

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Historical site
—°19
Fisgard Lighthouse (Canada)

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Fisgard Lighthouse, completed in 1860, is the oldest lighthouse on Canada's West Coast, standing sentinel at the entrance to Esquimalt Harbour in British Columbia. Constructed by the British to aid the Royal Navy and the influx of vessels during the Fraser River Gold Rush, the lighthouse was built using bricks shipped from San Francisco. Its iconic white tower and red-roofed keeper's house represent a classic 19th-century coastal design. For 68 years, the light was maintained by dedicated keepers until its automation in 1928. Now a central feature of the Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, it features visitors a window into the maritime history of Vancouver Island. The interior houses curated exhibits on shipwrecks, early navigation technology, and the daily hardships faced by its original inhabitants. Despite its status as a historical monument, the lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, continuing its original mission of guiding ships safely into the harbor more than a century and a half after its first beacon was lit.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C446811131616141064
Rain mm189104138875846273564135193176

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Fisgard Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse on Esquimalt Harbour. The interior can be visited as part of a guided tour.
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Typical hours
The lighthouse has seasonal hours, typically from spring to autumn. It is often closed in winter.
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Photography
Photography is allowed both inside and outside. The white facade and coastal scenery provide great subjects.
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Time needed
A visit lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. The short walk to the lighthouse and the view are appealing.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk in Fort Rodd Hill Park. The adjacent coastal fort is also historically interesting.
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Getting there
The lighthouse is located in Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site, accessible by car. Parking is available on site.
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Insider tip
Visit the lighthouse at low tide to explore the surrounding rock formations. Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens.

Geography

Coordinates
48.43100, -123.44700

Facts

  • Completed in 1860, it is the oldest lighthouse on the Canadian Pacific coast.
  • The bricks for the construction were originally sourced and shipped from San Francisco.
  • It was the first lighthouse on the West Coast to be automated, occurring in 1928.
  • The first lighthouse keeper, George Davies, began his service in November 1860.
  • It was officially designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1958.
  • The lighthouse remains an active navigational aid for Esquimalt Harbour today.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

LangfordLangford7 km · SExplore →
SaanichSaanich8 km · NExplore →
Butchart GardensButchart Gardens8 km · WExplore →
Royal BC MuseumRoyal BC Museum9 km · NExplore →
MetchosinMetchosin10 km · SExplore →
Craigdarroch CastleCraigdarroch Castle11 km · NExplore →
SidneySidney14 km · WExplore →
Port AngelesPort Angeles16 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Fisgard Lighthouse (19)

Craigflower Schoolhouse🏛 museum

A historic schoolhouse museum, part of the Craigflower Manor and Schoolhouse National Historic Site in the Fisgard Lighthouse area.

Fisgard Lighthouse📍 landmark

The oldest lighthouse on Canada's west coast in the Fisgard Lighthouse area.

Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites📍 landmark

A historic site with a coastal defence fort and lighthouse in the Fisgard Lighthouse area.

Mount Finlayson🌿 nature

Mountain on Vancouver Island with views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Goldstream Provincial Park🌿 nature

A provincial park known for salmon runs and old-growth forest in the Fisgard Lighthouse area.

Craigflower Manor🏛 museum

A historic manor house museum in the Fisgard Lighthouse area.

Upper Battery Guardhouse🛡️ fortress

A former guardhouse of a fort in the Fisgard Lighthouse area.

Redeemer Lutheran Church⛪ religious

Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lighthouse is a Lutheran church of the Missouri Synod.

Fleming Bay📍 landmark

Fleming Bay in Lighthouse is a bay on the coast of British Columbia.

Mount McDonald🌿 nature

Mount McDonald in Lighthouse is a mountain with an elevation of about 300 meters.

Gamble Park🌳 park

A public park with walking paths and green spaces in Lighthouse.

Mount Wells Regional Park🌳 park

A regional park offering hiking trails and natural scenery near Lighthouse.

Langford Lake Park🌳 park

A lakefront park with recreational facilities on Langford Lake in Lighthouse.

Coast Collective Art Centre🏛 museum

An art gallery and museum showcasing coastal artists in Lighthouse.

Hatley Castle🏰 castle

A historic castle, now part of Royal Roads University, in the Fisgard Lighthouse area.

Lower Battery🛡️ fortress

Lower Battery, built in 1895 in Lighthouse, is a coastal fortress battery.

Belmont Battery🛡️ fortress

Belmont Battery, built in 1900 in Lighthouse, is a coastal fortress battery.

Lime Kiln🏺 historical

Historic lime kiln used for producing quicklime in Lighthouse.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about this lighthouse?
It is the first lighthouse on Canada's Pacific coast, built in 1860.
Where is it located?
In Colwood near Victoria, on the grounds of Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site.
Can you go inside?
Yes, the main floor features exhibits about the history of the lighthouse.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, admission is included with the entry ticket to Fort Rodd Hill.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, the white tower with its red roof is a very popular subject for photos.
Fisgard Lighthouse: where is it located?
Fisgard Lighthouse is located in Canada.
Fisgard Lighthouse: what is there to see?
Highlights include Craigflower Schoolhouse, Fisgard Lighthouse, Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites.
Fisgard Lighthouse: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Fisgard Lighthouse: why is it worth visiting?
Fisgard Lighthouse, completed in 1860, is the oldest lighthouse on Canada's West Coast, standing sentinel at the entrance to Esquimalt Harbour in British Columbia.
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