CFB Esquimalt, Naval military training area in Esquimalt, Canada
CFB Esquimalt is a naval training facility located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island in Canada, covering a wide area with docking installations and maintenance structures for maritime operations. The grounds include numerous work buildings, residential units for personnel, and locations spread across multiple sectors.
The Royal Navy founded this installation in 1855 on Vancouver Island to secure British presence in the Pacific region. The Royal Canadian Navy took over operations in 1910, developing it into a permanent West Coast maritime base.
The Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum preserves Pacific Coast maritime heritage in a structure dating from 1891, offering visitors access to naval artifacts and exhibits. Guests can experience how closely the region's development ties to seafaring traditions through displays showing life aboard ships and ashore.
Access to this active naval installation is restricted, but visitors can explore the museum, which provides insight into maritime history and operations. Plan enough time to view the exhibits thoroughly and learn about the Pacific fleet's role in regional development.
Four separate areas within the installation hold National Historic Site designation, marking their importance in Canadian naval heritage and development. This recognition highlights the ongoing role of the location in shaping maritime defense structures across Canada.
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