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Historic West Coast Forts
Fort Langley National Historic Park
Meet the faces of Fort Langley's past.
Parks Canada photo
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John Gordon
oTENTiks
The magic of camping without the fuss.
Parks Canada photo
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Historic West Coast Forts
Parks Canada
Volunteer hosts welcome campers when they check in.
Parks Canada photo
By Athena George - Photos Courtesy Parks Canada
For the first time in almost a century, Fort Rodd Hill and Fort Langley National Historic Sites both offer visitors a chance to sleep overnight. The oTENTik tent, exclusive to Parks Canada, provides a unique blend of homey comfort and a taste of outdoor adventure. It’s camping with a bed! Each fort has five furnished A-frame tents that sleep six people and are decorated with historic themes. Visitors can choose to snuggle down into a lighthouse keeper’s tent at Fort Rod Hill or to have tartan-swaddled dreams in a Scottish boat-builder’s tent at Fort Langley.
Parks Canada’s research has shown that Canadians aren’t camping as much as they used to. This is partly due to the country’s aging demographic, but also because camping isn’t a family tradition for many new Canadians. oTENTiks offer people an easy camping choice with less fuss. For many, this is their first time roasting a marshmallow over the open fire.
But if you’re an RVer, these oTENTik tents offer you a different way to experience these historic forts. Are you interested in helping other campers? Do you enjoy meeting new people? Are you intrigued by an opportunity to develop a deeper connection to Canada’s National Historic Sites? If you answered yes to even a few of these questions, then you might enjoy being a camp host at Parks Canada’s newest oTENTik campsites on the west coast.
We’ve provided details on becoming a camp host at the end of the article, but first, have you visited these forts that played a defining role in Canada’s history? National historic sites are places of profound importance to Canada. They bear witness to this nation's defining moments and illustrate its human creativity and cultural traditions. There are more than 950 national historic sites in Canada; of these, 167 are administered by Parks Canada. Each national historic site tells its own unique story.
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites
Only a twenty minute drive from Victoria, Fort Rodd Hill is Canada’s oldest west coast artillery fort. A short scenic walk from the fort, Fisgard Lighthouse is Canada’s first west coast lighthouse. Fisgard’s light has been guiding mariners since 1860.
Explore the coastal artillery batteries at Fort Rodd Hill, built to protect Victoria and Esquimalt harbours. Take a bumpy ride on a real 1942 Willys Jeep. Experience the firepower fury of a historic military weapons demonstration. Join in special events, such as the Art and Wine Festival or the evening Lantern Tour. If you prefer something quieter, roam the Garry oak meadows and learn about the efforts to restore this endangered ecosystem. You also can step inside the lighthouse or wander the site’s three beaches, great places to practice photography.
Fort Langley National Historic Site
Less than an hour’s drive east of Vancouver, Fort Langley was established in 1827 as a small Hudson’s Bay fur trading post. The enterprise grew, evolved, and influenced history, leading to the creation of the colony of British Columbia.
Meet the “faces” of Fort Langley’s past, as costumed interpreters greet you at the entranceway. Hear the clang of the anvil from the blacksmith’s shop. Pan for gold or try your hand at barrel-making. Visit the farm animals and see what’s ready to harvest in the heritage garden. Time your visit to catch one of the special events, such as Brigade Days or Fort Farm Fest. For something a little more refined, reserve the Historic Afternoon Tea, which includes a fancy tea at the Little White House Salon Café and a group tour of Fort Langley.
About Camp Hosting
Volunteer campsite hosts provide their own self-contained unit and are given free RV parking on site, an annual pass to the site, as well as hydro and water hook-up. These are pretty swell spots for parking your RV: at a private ocean-side spot only steps away from a lighthouse or at a fur trading fort near the Fraser River!
Parks Canada takes great pride in providing quality service to the public and creating a positive experience for Canadians. Volunteer hosts welcome the campers when they check-in and provide an orientation to the site. In the evening, they re-visit the oTENTiks to see if the campers are happily settling in for the night. After campers check-out, hosts inventory supplies in the tents and make them ready for the next guests.
Both forts are looking for volunteer hosts between May and October. Hosts must be able to spend about four weeks at the location. Hosts need to be friendly and approachable and have a familiarity with the geography, services and facilities in the area.
With a one-month stay, volunteer hosts can explore the areas adjacent to the national historic sites. Within a few minute’s walk or drive of Fort Rodd Hill, you can roam Hatley Castle or bird-watch at the Esquimalt Lagoon Migratory Bird Sanctuary. The fort is also close enough to Victoria to take in the attractions such as the Royal BC Museum, with lots of opportunities for shopping and great restaurants.
A short distance from Fort Langley, you can browse antique shops in the village of Fort Langley or walk the six-kilometre Fort-to-Fort Trail along the Fraser River. Langley offers wine and farm tours, shopping areas, and quick access to Vancouver or hiking at local provincial parks.
Whether you make a short or long visit, Fort Rodd Hill and Fort Langley will entertain you and give you a deeper connection to the past of British Columbia. If you decide to volunteer as a campsite host, you’ll be part of a nation-wide community. Parks Canada has volunteers across Canada, involved in diverse activities such as shore cleanup, living history and wildlife research and monitoring.
The vision of the Parks Canada National volunteer program says it all: “Parks Canada and volunteers share ideas, knowledge, talent and skills to build a legacy for Canada’s natural and historic treasures. By lending a hand, Parks Canada volunteers feel connected, enrich their lives and make a difference.”
For more information about the forts: www.pc.gc.ca/fortroddhill, www.pc.gc.ca/fortlangley
Email about volunteer host positions: fort.rodd@pc.gc.ca, fort.langley@pc.gc.ca