CFB ESQUIMALT .....

CFB Esquimalt is offering free bus tours of Naden and the Dockyard from June 10 - August 16. The bus will depart from Museum Square parking lot in the Naden part of the base at 10am Monday through Friday. Naden is located just off of Admiral's Road at Woodway, and the route to the museum is clearly marked on the road. We ask that all visitors please bring picture ID.

The tour is approximately an hour long, and will encompass both the modern and historical aspects of the base. We also offer free guided walking tours of the Dockyard for groups of ten or more, these can be booked in advance by calling Johanne Perron at 363-7060.

Visiting CFB Esquimalt

Have you ever wondered what's behind the gates of Her Majesty's Canadian Dockyard at the end of Esquimalt Road? Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt with its 1,500 buildings and approximately 12,000 acres of land is among Victoria's most treasured historical sites.

To catch a glimpse, you can board a FREE bus tour weekdays, except holidays, from June 10 to August 16, 2002. Everyone is welcome to visit the home of Canada's Pacific Naval Fleet and discover our nation's naval heritage. If you have a group of 10 or more, a walking tour is available year round. Call the Base Public Affairs Office at 363-7060.

While you are here, drop into the Naval and Military Museum and visit the new Oriole Children's Gallery. The gallery has interactive displays, educational and "hands on" exhibits to fascinate children ages 4 to 10. The entrance fees are: $2 for adults, $5 for a family of four, and $1 each for children, students and seniors.

At Christmas time you are invited to join us for the Ships' Christmas Lighting Contest that runs from mid to the end of December.

And, for a comprehensive look at the Canadian Navy and military -- join us on September 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Armed Forces Day.

For more information, contact the Base Public Affairs Officer at 363-4006 or read more about it at www.marpac.forces.gc.ca

- Text provided by CFB Esquimalt

About CFB Esquimalt

CFB Esquimalt is the headquarters of the Canadian Navy on the West coast. The naval base is located near Victoria on Vancouver Island. Part of its responsibility includes Canadian Forces Maritime and Experimental Test Ranges (CFMETR) at Nanoose Bay. CFB Esquimalt is regularly visited by warships from the U.S. Navy, including submarines.

All of the U.S. Navy's submarines are nuclear-powered and potentially nuclear-armed. The Province of British Columbia has declared itself a nuclear weapons-free zone. But because ports and military facilities are under the Federal Govermnent's jurisdiction, warships carrying nuclear weapons are permitted at CFB Esquimalt and CFMETR.

These regulations have provided Victoria the opportunity for the world class Nimitiz air craft carriers Abraham Lincoln and John C. Stennis to visit our coastline. The air craft carriers have become a tourist attraction when they visit town, unloading over 5000 US navy personnel into our fair city.