Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hatley Park National Historic Site
The
Hatley Park National Historic Site
(2005 Sooke Rd., 250/391-2666, 10am-7pm
daily,adult $9,senior $8,child free) protects a sprawling estate established over 100years
ago by James Dunsmuir, son of coal baron Robert Dunsmuir and then premier of Brit-
ish Columbia. The site has also been used as a military college and is currently part of
Royal Roads University. Visitors are invited to walk through the classic Edwardian-style
garden, a rose garden, and a Japanese garden, and to stroll through an old-growth forest
thatextendstoEsquimaltLagoon.Dunsmuir'simposing40-roommansionisalsoopenfor
guided tours (adult $18, senior $15.50, student $10.50) four times daily Monday-Friday in
summer.
Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site
Clinging to a headland across the harbor entrance from CFB Esquimalt, the picturesque
Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site
(603FortRoddHillRd.,Colwood,250/478-5849,
10am-5:30pmdailymid-Feb.toOct.,9am-4:30pmdailyNov.tomid-Feb.,adult$4,senior
$3.50, child $2) comprises
Fort Rodd,
built in 1898 to protect the fleets of ships in the
harbor, and
Fisgard Lighthouse,
which dates to 1873. The expansive grounds are an in-
teresting place to explore; audio stations bring the sounds of the past alive, much of the
original fortifications are open for exploration, workrooms are furnished as they were at
the turn of the 20th century, and on a low rocky outcrop the lighthouse has been fully re-
stored and is open to visitors. To get there from downtown, take the Old Island Highway
(Gorge Road) and turn left on Belmont Road and then left onto Ocean Boulevard. By bus,
take bus 50 from downtown, then transfer to 52.
