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CFB Esquimalt tours feature history, operations

CFB Esquimalt began its annual free public tours of the base this week

Interested in seeing some of the inner workings of Canada’s West Coast naval base?

CFB Esquimalt began its annual free public tours of the base this week, offering a taste of the history of the Royal Canadian Navy in the region and a glimpse into the current state of operations at the facility.

Due to major construction on the ship-side of the base, the traditional bus tours have been replaced by a guided, two-hour walking tour.

On the Naden side of the base property, visitors can take a guided tour of the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum and take a walking tour of Naden, lasting roughly 90 minutes total.

The two-hour tours, running through Aug. 24 (excluding June 29 and Aug. 3), happen Saturdays at 11 a.m. and start from the main gate of HMCS Dockyard, located at the west terminus of Esquimalt Road.

The Naden and museum tours, on until Aug. 23 (excluding July 1 and Aug. 5), happen weekdays at 11 a.m. Enter at the Naden gate at the intersection of Admirals and Woodway roads and follow the blue line on the road to the right.

Valid photo ID is required for all visitors age 12 and over and closed-toe, sturdy shoes are recommended. Photography is permitted. For more information or to book group tours, call 250-363-2595 or email cfbesquimalt@shaw.ca.