Fisgard Lighthouse - Canada's Oldest West Coast Lighthouse is Still Operational!
Growing up around the many lakes of Ontario, lighthouses have always fascinated me. I o
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.
With my love of historical lighthouses intact, one of the first places I wanted to visit when we landed in Victoria, BC last September, was Fisgard Lighthouse, Canada's oldest west coast lighthouse.
The lighthouse was built in 1860, before Vancouver Island was even part of Canada, by the British. It stands at the entrance to Esquimalt harbour and used to be a beacon for the British Royal Navy's Pacific Squadron.
The Royal Canadian Navy still uses the lighthouse today as a marker showing the way in to the home base.
I was looking forward to touring the inside of the lighthouse and the lighthouse keeper's red brick house. Unfortunately when we arrived, the lighthouse was closed for renovations. 
Fisgard Lighthouse was automated in 1929 and the lighthouse keeper's house has stood empty, except for tourists, ever since.
I was able to capture some pictures of the beautiful Fisgard Island setting (no longer an island since a road is now built out to the site) and take in the stunning views out over the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
If you visit Victoria, be sure to take the picturesque drive out of the city (only about 30 minutes or so) to Fort Rod Hill and the Fisgard Lighthouse.
©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 |
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Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Your Choice Realty , Mississauga, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com |
Beautiful setting.....My parents have been there...I would love to visit someday!
I have always enjoyed lighthouses myself. And what a beautiful picture you have captured as well. I hope you enjoy your weekend and the lighthouse!
I hope you'll remember me if you learn of anyone moving to "The OC" and I will do the same!
Best regards,
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors
It is a magnificent structure Jo and awesome photos too.
Jo, I've never been to Victoria. Great photos.
Jo, The Lighthouse is beautiful. We're big on them here on Long Island, we have some spectacular ones as well but they are all the way out East. I'd love to capture some shots, your are just wonderful!
Jo
I have always been fascinated with lighthouses. In Door county in northern Wisconsin a knew a lady that said she grew up on plum island. Her father was the lighthouse keeper. They lived in a big duplex on the island. It was the only building on the island and she said that the other coast guard family was the only people she would see for 3 or 4 months straight.
Rob,
I hope you get to visit....it's a beautiful spot.
Jo
Hi Michael,
If I know of anyone who is moving out your way, I'll certainly give you a call.
Jo
Thanks Gary!
Jo
Kay,
It's a beautiful old city steeped in history.
Jo
Carole,
If you go out that way, I hope you'll capture some photos...I'd love to see them!
Jo
Tom,
I remember you talking about your love for historical lighthouses....
Imagine growing up on an island and being one of the only families there....you'd have to be the self-inventive type that could entertain yourself for hours, or perhaps come from a large family.
Here is a photo of the last lighthouse keeper's daughter when she was little and was growing up on the island:
Jo
Jo - thanks for taking us along on your trip out west. Reading your post's is the next best thing to being there with you.
Kathy,
I think you and Barrie would really enjoy a trip there....I can just picture the two of you sight-seeing all over Vancouver Island. It's incredibly beautiful there...
Jo