Victoria, BC is home to one of Canada's oldest western forts, Fort Rod Hill.
Set on a beautiful property overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Fort Rod Hill was built in 1890 to defend Victoria and the Esquimalt Naval Base from possible Russian attackers.
For a complete history of Fort Rod Hill visit Fort Rod Hill National Historic Site .
We spent a few hours exploring the fort when we visited Vancouver Island in September. 
The fort is surrounded by a beautiful, weathered stone wall.
Entrance to one of the underground artillery magazines. If you visit, you'll be able to go down in the concrete tunnels and explore the old rooms and artillery stores.
The soldiers stayed in these military barracks. They had all of the basics necessary to be comfortable and stay warm while living at Fort Rod Hill.
Artillery magazines being stored underground at Fort Rod Hill.
Fire equipment at Fort Rod Hill.
Black-tailed deer wander freely at Fort Rod Hill and are relatively tame.
Fort Rod Hill artillery guns.
Wildflowers grow freely on the beach below Fort Rod Hill.
For a lesson in Canadian history and to view some beautiful scenery and wildlife, a visit to Victoria would not be complete without visiting Fort Rod Hill.
Located at the same site as the Fisgard Lighthouse, Fort Rod Hill is a short drive outside of Victoria.
©2010JoSmith
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Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com |
ften used to dream of what it would be like to be a lighthouse keeper, living on some remote island or on a driftwood strewn beach along the Lake Ontario Coast.