Lanterns light up Fort Rodd Hill, Westhills walk

Flickering lantern light will illuminate an historic fort and Canada’s first west coast lighthouse on Saturday evening.

Visitors are invited to step back in time during a lantern tour of Fort Rodd Hill and the Fisgard Lighthouse. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of life during the period of 1897-1956 and raise funds for the Victoria-Esquimalt Military Re-enactors Association volunteers.

Fort Rodd Hill was built in the late 1890s to defend Victoria and the Esquimalt naval base. It includes three gun batteries, underground magazines, command posts, guardhouses, barracks and searchlight emplacements.

Fisgard’s red and white tower has stood at the entrance to Esquimalt Harbour since 1860. The lighthouse, which was automated in 1929, is still operational.

During the hour-long tour, visitors will be able to eavesdrop on the uniformed actors as they reenact activities of garrison life.

The event is suitable for all ages, but visitors should be prepared for uneven surfaces and be comfortable walking in the dark. Only service animals are allowed. Several vignettes will take place in different areas of the fort. Once the tour is completed, visitors can meet with site staff for further information. Guided tours leave every 15 minutes between 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.

Tickets are available online only at: lanterntour2018.brownpapertickets.com.

The cost is $13.90 for adults, $13.40 for seniors and $10 for youth and annual pass holders.

Lanterns will also be glowing in Langford at the Light Up the Hills Lantern Festival on Sept. 22.

Between 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., visitors can walk along an outdoor path illuminated with handmade lanterns and glowing art installations. Crowds can expect performances from aerial circus artists, harpists, ballet dancers and local musicians.

The free event takes place at Belmont Secondary School in the Westhills Community at 3041 Langford Lake Rd. The festival, in its third year, is presented by the West Shore Arts Council and Westhills.

There are also lantern-making workshops leading up to the event, including tonight at the Westshore Town Centre (Unit 160-2745 Jacklin Rd.).

The intermediate to advanced lantern-making workshop costs $15 and runs from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with registration online only at lanternmaking.eventbrite.ca.