Fisgard Lighthouse, First lighthouse on Canada's west coast in Colwood, Canada.
Fisgard Lighthouse is a tower with a white shaft and red brick keeper's house marking the entrance to Esquimalt Harbour on Canada's west coast. The structure sits against the backdrop of the Olympic Mountains and remains in operation with an automated light system, while the adjacent residence is open to visitors.
Built in 1860 by the British government, the structure guided ships safely into Esquimalt Harbour during the Fraser gold rush period. Its construction represented a key moment in maritime development on Canada's west coast.
The keeper's house shows how people lived in this remote coastal post during the 1800s, with exhibits revealing the daily tools and routines of those who maintained the light. Visitors see how maritime work shaped the lives of families stationed at this isolated location.
The tower itself is closed to visitors, but the keeper's house is open with historical exhibits about lighthouse operations. The site sits on a small peninsula with good views of the harbor and surrounding waters.
Between 1860 and 1928, twelve different keepers managed the light, including one woman who took temporary charge after her husband's death. Her service during this isolated posting reveals the important role women played in Canada's early maritime history.
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