Belmont Battery at Fort Rodd Hill

Located close to Royal Roads University in the town of Colwood, Fort Rodd Hill is a National Historic Site, former armoury and home to Fisgard Lighthouse.

This article contains the following information about Fort Rodd Hill:

About Fisgard Lighthouse | When to Visit | Hours and Admission | Tips and Tricks | Other Information

Historic Fort Rodd Hill

A former armoury and defence line intended to protect Victoria, Fort Rodd Hill is a park that features historic bunkers, gun stations, military buildings and a lighthouse. Originally built in the late 19th century as a coastal artillery fort, the venue served as a military site until the end of the Second World War.

Fort Rodd Hill today includes what’s left of the armoury and defence line. This includes guns you can touch, bunkers you can go into and a lighthouse you can look around. It’s also a park with an open grassy field, rocky beach and beautiful views of the ocean.

Defenses at Fort Rodd Hill

About Fisgard Lighthouse

Adjacent to the Hill is Fisgard Lighthouse which is also a National Historic Site itself. Built in 1860, it was the first lighthouse on Canada’s west coast. It is open today to the public on weekends throughout the year, as well as on most weekdays during the warmer months. It’s a beautiful red and white building and the subject of millions of photos.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Fort Rodd Hill is in the summer between mid-May and mid-October when everything is open. Other times are good too (and sometimes free) but there are fewer places to explore in the slow season. See below for details.

Fisgard Lighthouse at Fort Rodd Hill

Hours and Admission

The Hill is located at 603 Fort Rodd Hill Road in the community of Colwood. It’s about a 20-minute drive from downtown Victoria.

The grounds and washrooms at Fort Rodd Hill are open daily throughout the year. From October 16th to April 30th, Fisgard Lighthouse, the Canteen, the Belmont and Lower Batteries and the Fortress Plotting Room are only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm. The venue is open daily during the rest of the year (May 1st to October 15th) from 10 am to 5 pm.

Admission rates are the following as of December 2023:

Adult – $8.50
Senior – $7
Youth (under 17) – Free!

As of early 2024, admission is also free for members and veterans of the Canadian military, along their immediate family members. There are also annual passes on sale which are around $21 for adults and $18 for seniors.

Fort Rodd Hill Armoury Walls

Tips and Tricks

TIP #1: Camp in the fort in an oTENTik! For around $130 you can sleep in a tent in this historical wonderland. They provide the tent, a lamp and a propane fire pit; you just have to bring yourself, a sleeping bag and some food! Click oTENTik to make a reservation.

TIP #2: Don’t forget to check out the Fisgard Lighthouse and the surrounding shoreline. It will seriously take your breath away!