Macaulay Point Park

Macaulay Point Park in Esquimalt is a coastal park rich in Indigenous history, military fortifications, and rare Garry oak ecosystems, with trails and stunning views over the Strait of Juan de Fuca

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Location

Esquimalt
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About

This 7.6-hectare park was originally a Hudson Bay Farm, then became part of Fort Macaulay, and became a municipal park in 1985
The Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations have maintained deep connections to this land for thousands of years before the British military established defense positions
As you explore this park you will encounter former military ramparts, bunkers and lookouts
Fort Macaulay, in operation from 1878 to 1956, was the longest-serving element of the Victoria-Esquimalt Coast Defense Fortification System
In 1878, a temporary battery with three guns, consisting of earthworks and a wooden platform, was constructed at this site in response to the British-Russian crisis in the Balkans
In 1895, three permanent concrete gun emplacements were built and were designed to retract into protective bunkers when not in use
Also in 1895, a fitter’s shop, blacksmith’s shop and artillery stores were constructed and were part of the maintenance centre for the fort
The fort was officially deemed obsolete in 1956
You can park at Fleming Beach and meander several paved, gravel and dirt trails and find views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Peninsula
Macaulay Point Park is home to a rare and fragile remnant of coastal maritime meadows, a type of Garry oak ecosystem
Maritime meadows sustain a diverse array of plant species specially adapted to withstand harsh conditions such as strong winds, summer drought, and shallow soils
Many of the species that thrive in this environment are now endangered such as Dense-flowered Lupine and Purple Sanicle, which you can find in the park
The park has free public parking for cars and boat trailers