Frequently Asked Questions for Weddings:
Can I have a rehearsal before the wedding?
If pre-booked with a Parks Canada staff member, you may have a rehearsal prior to the
wedding at no additional cost.
Is there a place where I can change prior to the ceremony?
The oTENTik tents/cabins are a great place to get ready, change or just to sneak away and recharge. Call 1-877-737-3783 or visit www.reservation.pc.gc.ca for more information and to
reserve.
Where at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard
Lighthouse National Historic Sites can I
have my wedding ceremony?
There are a number of locations on Parks
Canada property that are suitable for an outdoor
wedding ceremony. The cliffs at Lower Battery
overlooking the lighthouse, Strait of Juan de
Fuca and the Olympic Mountains is by far the
most popular. However, there are several other
areas available depending on your vision, needs
and site requirements. We would be happy to
discuss some options with you.
What happens in case of rain or inclement weather?
Although Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites do have a couple of
tented picnic table areas, unfortunately we do not have a dedicated covered area that can be
used for your wedding ceremony in case of rain or strong wind. Most reception venues will
allow you to use their space as a backup ceremony location in the case of inclement weather.
How will I get to my ceremony location?
As no vehicles are permitted on site, you’ll need to walk to the ceremony location. Be sure to
consider this when deciding on shoes! We recommend that you scope out the site and consider
your guests needs.
Will the general public be allowed in the area while my ceremony is going on?
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites are still open to the public,
special events and programs during a wedding, so other people in addition to your wedding
group will be on site and will have access to the same areas. However, most visitors are quite
polite and respectful and will keep their distance and give you space.
Do you provide electricity for my sound system?
No electricity or electrical hookups are provided. Sounds systems are not permitted.
Do you allow confetti, rose petals or other items to be scattered?
Parks Canada does not allow confetti, rose petals or any other items to be thrown. Following
the ceremony, the site must be left in the condition in which it was found. Y our bridal party
may carry flowers or a basket of flowers as an alternative
Do you allow pets to be part of the ceremony?
As deer and other wildlife frequently roam within the fort walls, we cannot not allow domestic
animals on site at any time (except certified service animals). Thus, pets are not able to be part
of your ceremony.
Do you provide chairs and other rental items?
Parks Canada does not have any chairs or other items available for rent. Y ou will need to
arrange for anything you require (chairs, tables, aisle runners, flowers, etc) through
independent companies.
How many chairs do the cliffs at Lower Battery hold?
The grassy area on the top of the cliffs can hold over 150 folding chairs; however, many couples
choose to bring only a few chairs for guests who need to sit as all items will need to be carried
on to the grounds.
Do you have security for my chairs and other items?
Parks Canada cannot be responsible for your personal or rental property while it is on site. We
recommend you designate a contractor, family member or friend to be on site during the items’
arrival and stay there until they are removed.
Do you have parking for my guests?
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites’ free visitor parking lot can
accommodate over 100 cars and has a small overflow area. Parking spaces are available on a
first-come, first-serve basis and cannot be cordoned off or reserved for personal use. We ask
that you attempt to keep vehicular traffic to a minimum. Carpooling or group transporta tion is
preferred.
Are there washrooms on site?
There are washrooms located at the main
entrance, near the main field, and at the
lighthouse. Wheelchair accessible
washroom facilities are located at the
main entrance, near the oTENTiks (key
required) and the lighthouse.
Is your site wheelchair accessible?
Most of the grounds and many of the
buildings are wheelchair accessible;
however, some areas are not such as the
cliffs in Lower Battery.
Do you have driving instructions and a site map to share with my guests?
Please access this link at http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill/visit/visit1.aspx
and share with your guests in advance of your wedding. Site maps are available upon request.
As the front entrance tends to get quite busy in the summer season, it is recommended that
you provide your guests with as much direction as possible ahead of time as the site is quite
large. All directional signs must be pre-approved.
Is there a fee to take pictures?
There is no additional fee to take pictures at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National
Historic Sites during regular operating hours; however, everyone must have a daily entrance
pass to access the grounds. If taking photos, we ask that you are respectful of other site users
and the site itself.
Do you have overnight accommodation?
The oTENTik tents/cabins, exclusive to Parks Canada, offer a unique blend of homey comfort
and a taste of outdoor adventure. It’s a unique opportunity for visitors to enjoy camping with
the comfort of a bed, inside the fort, already set up and ready to go. Call 1-877-737-3783 or
visit www.reservation.pc.gc.ca for more information. Take advantage of the exclusive right to
stay overnight in Canada’s best preserved west coast artillery fort!
When may I look at the site?
An appointment to meet with a Parks Canada staff member to be shown the grounds can be
arranged by contacting the site. Y ou may also visit Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse
National Historic Sites’ grounds on your own during open hours.
When do I need to reserve my date, and do you take a deposit?
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites have become a very popular
wedding ceremony location and weekends in the summer usually book up quite quickly. We
recommend you book the location as soon as you have narrowed down your dates to avoid
disappointment. There is a non-refundable administration fee required to reserve the date.
I have another question. What should I do?
Contact us at:
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic
Sites of Canada
603 Fort Rodd Hill Road
Victoria, B.C. V9C 2W8
[email protected]
Telephone: 250-478-5849
Fax: 250-478-2816
Photos: Ryan MacDonald Photography