Macaulay Point Park – Esquimalt’s Hidden Gem
Macaulay Point Park is located in Esquimalt just a short distance from downtown Victoria. It is a hidden gem of a park that even most locals don’t know about. Indeed, it is so close that it’s only about a 10 – 15 minute drive, a 1 hour walk or a short bike ride from downtown.
Access
Parking is at the Fleming Beach Boat Launch at 1101 Munro St. There is a bit of street parking at the end of Clifton Terrace as well. Parking is free.
Walking & Exploring
The paths at Macaulay Point Park are either gravel, level dirt or paved and are easily navigated by most people and are for the most part wheelchair accessible. The park is popular with dog-walkers and families but is also great for bird watching and even a romantic stroll!
Accessible paths & great views
The paths lead out to a rocky shoreline with breathtaking views of Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Peninsula and west towards the entrance to Esquimalt Harbour, Fort Rod Hill and the historic Fisgard Lighthouse.
You might even get in some storm watching on the right day!
Stormy day at Macaulay Point
Water Access
Boating
The Flemming Beach Boat Launch is located here, operated by the Esquimalt Anglers Association. It is popular with fisherman and paddlers. The boat ramp is quite large and there are docks for tying your boat up. There are fees for launching. Check the Esquimalt Anglers Club’s website for fees.
Flemming Beach Boat Ramp
Swimming
There is a nice little beach on the very sheltered Flemming Bay. Just below the cliff, the concrete breakwater steps down onto a sandy beach, a great spot to wade or for kids to play. The water is cold boat on a hot day it can be refreshing!
The beach on Flemming Bay – Seal sculpure from sculpture splash
Buxton Green
Buxton Green is a beautiful grassy area with benches and picnic tables overlooking Flemming Bay. It was named in honour of the Buxton family, who were respected early residents of Esquimalt. The space was originally a natural saltwater swimming pool built during the Second World War. At times, special events are held here such as Sculpture Splash.
Buxton Green – Sculpture Splash special event
Rock Climbing
There is a large cliff backing Flemming Bay which is very popular with local rock climbers. Even if you’re not a climber, it can be entertaining to sit back on Buxton Green and enjoy watching the climbers test their skills on the the steep rock face.
Flemming Beach and the climbing rock
History
Fort Macaulay was the longest serving component of the Victoria-Esquimalt Coast Defence Fortification System, being continuously manned from 1878 until being declared obsolete in 1956. It’s purpose was to defend Victoria and Esquimalt Harbours.
The first defensive armament installed at Fort Macaulay was composed of three muzzle-loaded 7-inch guns mounted on temporary earthworks and wooden platforms. This occurred in 1878 in response to the British-Russian crisis in the Balkans.
Both Fort Rodd Hill and Macaulay Point would eventually received 6″ disappearing breech loaded coastal defense guns in modern reinforced concrete gun emplacements. These emplacements would serve through both World Wars. The concrete emplacements still remain and can be explored at Macaulay Point today.
Fort Macaulay hidden gun emplacement
As well as the gun emplacements, you will see some old red brick buildings which, at one time, housed a fitter’s shop, blacksmith shop and stores. Nearby you will find a covered concrete walkway which provided a hidden and protected path leading from the buildings to the gun emplacements.
Tunnel leading to gun emplacement
Red brick buildings of Fort Macaulay
[…] a community favourite for taking a sunset stroll, having a family gathering, or walking your dog. Macaulay Point Park is another park that is popular with dog walkers and explorers – be sure to take the time to poke […]
This looks wonderful some day maybe I’ll get there my last name is Mac Aulay
Neat Place.
I noted some of the locals let their dogs run loose while cutting through the fenced off areas. Yeah, talking to you two ladies. Conserve only when it’s only convenient and then complain about others.
What was it before it was a hb post/farm
Hi Chris, I can only assume it was first nations’ land.
[…] from the public pier at Esquimalt’s Fleming’s Beach Macaulay Point Parkthis adventure will take you through several seal colonies on the many small islands scattered along […]
[…] Launch from the public wharf at Fleming’s Beach in Esquimalt Macaulay Point Parkthis adventure will take you past several colonies of seals on the many small isl… […]
Macaulay Point Park is a protected migratory bird sanctuary. Dogs must be on-leash from May 1st to October 31st. If you let your dog off-leash during this period you will receive a $300 fine and you will be encroaching on precious wildlife. Just your dog’s presence will prevent migratory birds from breeding or feeding. This is not a dog park at all. It is a favourite park for irresponsible dog owners that want to encroach on precious wildlife.
[…] performance will be located at Macaulay Point Park, away from the traditional downtown core venues, and it honestly should not be skipped (weather […]
[…] they’ll tour this because it’s very site specific, but for anyone visiting Victoria, BC‘s Macaulay Point Park, they’ll be in for a treat! Here, their latest, New Earth Bandits, sends visitors (theatre […]
Our mom’s bench is there, I believe it was the first one, it’s where my parents met. I go there every time I visit Victoria, partly because of the bench but I also like to walk there and take pictures. I’ve taken my dog there too, always on leash by the way, it’s a beautiful park!