CFB Esquimalt - Victoria Navel Base

Explore the Canadian Forces Base (CFB)increased personnel in the war effort.
Esquimalt, one of Victoria’s most historicalAs of April 1, 1966, Canadian Forces Base (CFB)
visitor attractions. Situated west of downtownEsquimalt came to be as part of organizational
Victoria just over the blue bridge, the CFB waschanges which incorporated the navy, army and
formerly a tactical naval port for the Britishair force.
Empire in the mid nineteenth century. Today it isWhy it’s Here and What Happens There
Canada’s west coast naval base, a part ofToday
the Maritime Command (Navy) Element of theThe duty of the CFB Esquimalt is to aid the Joint
Canadian Forces and home to the Joint TaskTask Force Pacific (JTFP) Commander and the
Force Commander. The CFB Esquimalt stretchesCanadian Pacific Fleet. The task of the JTFP is to
across 10,300 acres and contains 1,500 buildings;congregate the Canadian Fleet, civilian authorities,
the base also employs an estimated 4200 militaryas well as allied forces and agencies in the incident
and 2000 civilian workers. Learn more about theof any defense, security, or emergency necessity
heritage of the naval base, the services itin BC or the Pacific Ocean area. From the times
provides and how you can see it for yourselfof the British Empire to the WWII effort,
Heritage and HistoryEsquimalt has demonstrated to be a strategic
During the mid-nineteenth century, growinglocation for a naval base in the Pacific and this is
anxiety of American and Russian invasion intowhy it continues where it is today.
British Columbia led to an intensified BritishThe base also provides a variety of other
presence in Western Canada. The narrowservices including police, fire, ambulance, postal,
entrance depth of Esquimalt Harbour provided thelegal, social work and chaplains. It has also become
perfect spot for the development of a naval port.a community of its own with fitness facilities, a
While the port was first created to treat thelibrary and an established base newspaper.
potentially wounded for the Crimean War, theDiscover the Base First-Hand!
base proved to be a strategic locale for manyThe base offers year-round bus and walking tours
naval assemblies in the Pacific. It quickly becameonce a week, however during the summer
part of a worldwide system of a network ofmonths, tours are held on a daily basis. Bus tours
coaling stations vital to the Royal Navy’s dutydepart from Museum Square and are
in defending the British Empire around the world.approximately an hour and a half in length. Walking
Towards the end of the nineteenth century,tours begin at the main gate of HMC Dockyard
British occupation in the Pacific slowly dwindled asand are approximately two hours in length.
the cost of upholding a global fleet sky-rocketed.Anyone over the age of 12 years must bring a
Unable to afford the expense of the base,photo ID and any children under 12 must be with
Esquimalt was decommissioned and Canadaa responsible adult.
officially became responsible for its own maritimeYou are welcome to bring cameras and take
defense. Under Canadian commission, the navalpictures and since the Dockyard is an industrial
base was renamed HMCS Naden after a smallarea undergoing construction, visitors are required
wooden schooner previously used on base andto wear closed-toed shoes. Don’t forget to
the Naden clan of BC’s Haida people. Thealso take a look at the Naval and Military Museum
arrival of the Second World War made Naden anin Naden. This facility is open year-round and
integral training facility for Western Canada andincludes a variety of military displays that have
the base developed quickly with the necessity ofmade a significant impact on Canada’s history.