Get ready to travel through time and the world on this year’s annual Fort Rodd Hill Lantern Tour.
“This is the one time of year the fort really comes to life,” said Bob Campbell, tour co-ordinator
The evening event will be lit by gas and oil lanterns, hence the name, and will include four vignettes. In previous years the vignettes focused solely on Fort Rodd Hill history, but this year only one will be set at the fort.
The Fort Rodd Hill story will be told at the Belmont Battery set in 1945. The other three tell stories form England, South Africa and downtown Victoria.
“Each vignette is about 10 minutes and then there is the walking time between them,” said Campbell, adding each tour takes about one hour. “It’s a big site.”
Actors in the vignettes are from the Victoria Esquimalt Military Reenactment Association and the tours are led by Parks Canada staff.
During the festival, tours will leave every 15 minutes from the front kiosk. Tour guides will carry flashlights and the paths will be lit with glow sticks.
The festival is not suited for children under 10 years old.
“If children do come we suggest they come to an earlier tour in the evening,” said Campbell.
The 12th annual Fort Rodd Hill Lantern Tour is on Sept. 21 at 603 Fort Rodd Hill Rd. from 7 to 9:15 p.m.
Tickets are $10 and are available in advance by calling 250-478-4389.