2024 Colwood Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site, on Fisgard Island at the mouth of Esquimalt Harbour in Colwood, British Columbia, is the site of Fisgard Lighthouse, the first lighthouse on the west coast of Canada. Fisgard Lighthouse is about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) by boat or 12.5 kilometres (7.8 miles) by car from downtown Victoria. Automated in 1929, the light shows a white isophase light of 2 second period in a sector from 322° to 195° at 21.6 metres (71 ft) above mean sea level, and in other directions it shows red shutters. The white 14.6-metre (48 ft) tower is floodlit below balcony level. Fisgard Lighthouse was built in 1860 to guide vessels through the entrance of Esquimalt harbour. It was named after HMS Fisgard, a British Navy ship that spent time in the Pacific. Fisgard Lighthouse and its sister station Race Rocks Light, were constructed in 1859–60, to ease the movement of naval ships into Esquimalt harbour and merchant ships into Victoria Harbour. The light stations were also seen as a significant political and fiduciary commitment on the part of the British government to the Colony of Vancouver Island, partly in response to the American gold miners flooding into the region: some 25,000 arrived in 1858 for the Fraser gold rush. Local legend claims that the brick and stone used in construction were sent out from Britain as ballast; in fact local brick yards and quarries supplied these materials, while the lens, lamp apparatus and lantern room were accompanied from England by the first keeper, Mr. George Davies, in 1859. The cast-iron spiral staircase in the tower was made in sections in San Francisco. Fisgard first showed a light from the tower at sunset on 16 November 1860. The former lighthouse keeper's residence is open to the public and contains displays and exhibits about the site's history. The attached tower is not open to the public as it is an operational aid to navigation. #FisgardLighthouse #BritishColumbia

Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site is a 19th-century coastal artillery fort on the Colwood side of Esquimalt Harbour, (Greater Victoria Metropolitan Area). The site is adjacent to Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site, the first lighthouse on the west coast of Canada. Both the fort and lighthouse are managed and presented to the public by Parks Canada. Rodd Hill was named after John Rashleigh Rodd, First Lieutenant on HMS Fisgard under Captain John A. Duntze. Rodd was later promoted to rear admiral in 1877; vice admiral in 1884, and admiral in 1888. He died in 1892. Guns were first installed here in 1864 to protect Esquimalt Harbour. Britain's Royal Navy began using Esquimalt harbour in the 1840s, at first merely for anchorage, watering and for lumber; but the establishment of three hospital huts during the Crimean War of 1854–1856 marked the start of what is still an active naval base of the Royal Canadian Navy. In 1862, the Royal Navy's Pacific Squadron was relocated to Esquimalt harbour from Valparaíso, Chile (where it had used floating storeships rather than built facilities ashore). This increased presence, eventually including storehouses and workshops ashore, required some form of coastal defence to deter naval attack by an enemy. This need was reinforced by the influx of American gold miners during the Fraser River Gold Rush of 1858, and by the armed standoff of U.S. and British forces during the San Juan Islands Pig War of 1859 and continuing tensions associated with that dispute until its resolution in 1871. It was not until after the Colony of Vancouver Island had joined the mainland of British Columbia in 1866, and then Canada in 1870, that the first fixed coastal defences were emplaced to protect the naval base. During the Great Eastern Crisis in 1877–1878, increased tension between Britain and Russia over the latter's declaration of war on Turkey focused attention on the lack of defences for Britain's only naval station on the western seaboards of both North and South America. Volunteers for artillery training were mustered in Victoria on 18 May, while Lieutenant-Colonel De La Chevois Irwin, Inspector-General of Artillery at Kingston, Ontario, was sent (by train, across the United States) to organize the defences. Five batteries of guns (mainly 64-pounder naval rifled muzzle loader) were constructed quickly, using earthen ramparts shored with timber. The largest guns of these defences were three 7-inch RML guns at Macaulay Point (covering the entrance of both Victoria and Esquimalt harbours), and one 8-inch RML on Brothers Island (at the mouth of Esquimalt harbour). #FortRoddHillNationalHistoricSite

Hatley Park National Historic Site is located in Colwood, British Columbia, in Greater Victoria. It is the site of Hatley Castle, a Classified Federal Heritage Building. Since 1995, the mansion and estate have been used for the public Royal Roads University. From the 1940s to 1995, it was used for the Royal Roads Military College, a naval training facility. The extensive grounds of the historic site have formal gardens, former farmland, and trails through mature stands of first and second-growth forest, including large Douglas fir and western red cedar. In 1912, the Dunsmuirs engaged the American landscape architects Franklin Brett and George D. Hall of Boston, students of Frederick Law Olmsted, to develop a landscape for the entire site. They prepared a classic design for an Edwardian park that included the overall layout for the entire property. The plan organized the estate into four distinct landscape zones, progressing from a series of nine formal 'garden rooms' near Hatley Castle, to recreational spaces, then to agricultural lands, and finally to the forest surrounding the estate. During the Dunsmuir era, approximately 100 gardeners and groundskeepers tended the estate. During the years when the cadets attended Royal Roads Military College, the Department of National Defence employed approximately 50 gardeners and groundskeepers to maintain the property; a testimony to their commitment to retain the integrity of the estate. The Edwardian estate is located on southern Vancouver Island and has views of the Olympic Mountains in the U.S. The gardens are an 565-acre (2.29 km2) estate, including the house's park, and are also a popular wedding location. Today, Royal Roads University employs five full-time gardeners, one arborist, a garden curator, seven seasonal gardeners and groundskeepers, and one manager. As the university does not receive any federal, provincial or municipal funding to maintain the site, the gardeners must make choices about the areas that can be best presented. They have made the Japanese, Rose and Italian gardens the showcase areas of the property. In June 2006, citing the unfunded costs of heritage preservation, the university started charging admission fees to its main heritage gardens, an area that makes up less than five per cent of the 565-acre (2.29 km2) campus. This prompted some public controversy for the $12 for adults in the summer and $6 during the winter fees, which helped subsidise $550,000 yearly maintenance costs (a fee which since risen), but the garden fee only brought $40,000 a year. It also introduced a $15 four-month summer garden pass for residents of Greater Victoria, in addition to the free pass offered to residents of Colwood. As of 2019 the fee was cancelled and the gardens are free to visit. #HatleyCastle #BritishColumbia

🌞 Want to escape the daily grind of Vancouver and embrace the romance of Victoria? You can explore this elegant little city in depth in just one day! Follow my footsteps and explore this super practical day trip guide! 🌅 At dawn, depart from Tsawwassen Port and take the 9:00 BC Ferries to Victoria. Remember to arrive at the port half an hour in advance, and book your ferry tickets online for peace of mind. A round trip for two people and a car costs only CAD 216. 🚢 Don't miss the view from the top of the ferry during the voyage. The sea breeze is gentle, the sun is shining, and the distant coastline is picturesque, making it a great time to take photos. 🌸 Arrive in Victoria and head straight to Butchart Gardens. This fairyland, known as the "most beautiful garden in the world," is full of surprises. Follow the recommended route and you'll find surprises in every corner. 🌄 Then, challenge the Skywalk. Climb to the top and enjoy the stunning views of Victoria, and the slide down the mountain is even more exciting and fun. 🏰 The European-style Hatley Castle is also a must-see. Take a photo outside the castle, and if you have time, you can go inside and listen to the stories of history. 🌅 In the evening, take a stroll along the waterfront in the city center, enjoy the sunset, and feel the peace and beauty. For dinner, I recommend Red Fish Blue Fish's authentic fish and chips, especially the cod flavor, which is irresistible. 🏛️ The Parliament Building is a symbol of Victoria, so don't forget to check in here. 🌊 If you have time, visit Glass Beach. The colorful little stones are as crystal clear as broken glass, which is amazing. 🌃 At night, take the 9:00 BC Ferries back to Vancouver. If you plan to stay overnight, you can continue to explore more of Victoria's charms the next day. 🌟 This is my Victoria day trip guide for you! I hope you like it! Remember to follow me and explore more of the beauty of Vancouver! 🎉

Taking advantage of the long weekend to lead a self-driving two-day tour of Vancouver Island with four major and five small groups City choice this time: Victoria Nanaimo Departure: Tsawassen-Swartzbay Return trip: Nanaimo-Horseshoe Bay Day1️⃣ 1. Small town Sydney: Glass Beach, children’s favorite! 2. Beacon Hill Park: You really want to go. It’s huge, comparable to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, Australia. In addition to various flowers and plants, ancient trees, ponds, and fountains, wild ducks, geese, and peacocks roam freely on the lawn. It is recommended to set aside more time. 3. Hatley Castle. The castle was completed in 1908, 116 years ago. It is beautiful in any photo! 4. BC Parliament Building-Inner Harbor Area-Fisherman's Wharf, located in the center of Victoria, is suitable for a city walk in the evening sunset. 5. Oak Bay-Willow Beach-Uplands, watch the sunset and visit the Victoria mansion area by car. Day2️⃣ 1. Victoria Chinatown: The first Chinatown in Canada and the second Chinatown in North America. You can visit the Chinese Museum when you have time. The old lady inside introduces it enthusiastically, allowing children to understand the sad and struggling history of the Chinese in North America. 2. Malahat SkyWalk: It is a 10-story spiral tower located deep in the forest, offering a 360-degree view of the Pacific Ocean estuary. Take the children to challenge themselves on the suspended net, and then go down the rotating slide at high speed. Recommended! 3. Duncan-Chemainus: On the way north from Victoria to Nanaimo, we stopped by the small town of Chemainus to rest. The town is famous for its wall murals. It still retains more than 50 murals that reflect the real life scenes and stories of local residents in the past. You can Park the car at the town’s public market, visit the town’s art galleries and handicraft shops, find a cafe to drink a cup of coffee, bask in the sun, and continue on your journey. 4. Nanaimo DT city walk At the end of the trip, we took the boat back and enjoyed the beautiful sunset on the boat, perfect!

Hartley Castle, located in Canada, is a dreamy ancient castle that exudes noble luxury and rich history. The unique architectural style and picturesque gardens make it feel like stepping into a movie scene. You can visit various exhibitions inside the castle, explore its historical stories, and take a peaceful stroll in the tranquil gardens. When taking photos, don't forget to strike a noble pose to make your friends envious! Come to Hartley Castle and get ready to wander in the world of 'Noble Dreams'!

Nestled within the serene grounds of Royal Roads University lies the breathtaking Hatley Castle, a timeless masterpiece that whispers tales of history and grandeur. This majestic castle, more than just a backdrop, stands as a witness to countless stories and dreams, making it a coveted spot for weddings and a muse for filmmakers. Stepping onto the grounds of Hatley Castle is akin to stepping into a fairytale. Its old-world charm and intricate architecture provide a romantic setting for any occasion, especially for capturing moments that last a lifetime. The castle's presence overlooking the Esquimalt Lagoon adds a touch of ethereal beauty to every frame, making it a photographer's paradise. While Hatley Castle has graced the silver screen in films like X-Men and the Disney Descendant series, its true magic lies in its ability to transport visitors to a world of elegance and grace. As a functioning office building for the university, it stands as a symbol of academic excellence and historical significance, blending education with enchantment. Visiting this hidden gem in Victoria is not just a journey through time but a celebration of beauty, artistry, and the enduring spirit of a place that weaves together the past and present in a seamless tapestry of wonder. #historicallandmarks #localguides #mytravelhacks #familytrip #castle #wedding #photography