Commercial film and photography, and travel media

To film or photograph at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse NHS, an application must be submitted to Parks Canada four weeks prior to the start of a project. If approved, a Film/Photography Permit will be issued, which outlines conditions and supplementary requirements associated with the production. 

Through the application process, Parks Canada can provide you with: details on park regulations, conditions and requirements—all film/photography activities must comply with National Park and National Historic Site regulations, policies and conditions; consultation and advice on film/photography opportunities and locations—all locations must be determined prior to a permit being issued; liaison with other National Parks or National Historic Sites—one application and Film/Photography Permit can cover multiple national parks and national historic sites.

Conditions and requirements 

• Full compliance with National Park and National Historic Site Regulations.
• Be subject to environmental and cultural assessment.
• Acceptance of an indemnification clause and full responsibility for any incidents, and or cost of clean-up or site rehabilitation. 
• Maintenance and clean-up of the site including the provision of garbage and human waste disposal. 
• All aerial filming must comply with Canadian Air Regulations; the use of recreational UAV/Drones is not allowed and requires a Restricted Activity Permit in all other circumstances.
• Respectful and professional contact with the visiting public.
• Inclusion of a statement on the daily call sheet indicating respect for the national park or national historic site and other essential communications.
• Provide additional insurance naming “Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada as represented by Parks Canada Agency”.
• Pay the film permit fee in full at least three business days prior to your film/photography project starting date.

The Application Process

• An application must be submitted to Parks Canada a minimum of 20 business days prior to intended
  film/photography activities.
• The application will be assessed against the following: potential impacts on the park’s resources;
  contribution to park objectives; themes and messages; required level of assistance; consistency with
  National Park and National Historic Site Regulations; and level of disturbance to other park users.
• If the application is approved, a Film/Photography Permit will be issued which must be carried while
  conducting activities in the national park or national historic site.
• The permit becomes valid once: it is signed by the producer and Parks Canada (signature required two
  weeks prior to the shooting date); the non-refundable application fee is paid when the application is submitted; the location fees are paid in full at least three business days prior to the film/photography project starts; and supplementary requirements and conditions are agreed to.

Fees and Payment

• Fees are applied to productions according to the Parks Canada fee structure.
• Additional surveillance requirements and/or overtime costs will be charged to the production
  and are in excess of the fees indicated below.
• Discounts may be available depending on content and client.
• GST is included in the fees below.
• Payments can be made by quoting a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express number, or by cheque payable to the Receiver General of Canada.
• Payments must be received prior to film/photography activities commencing in the National Parks or National Historic Sites. The non-refundable application fee is paid when the application is submitted and the location fees are paid in full at least three business days prior to the film/photography project starting.

2022 Commercial film and photography fees

Possible additional costs:

Apply now

All commercial filming and photography in the national historic sites require a film or photography permit.

Submit an application, a minimum of 20 business days prior to intended film/photography activities to :

Sophie Lauro, Promotions Officer 
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse NHS
603 Fort Rodd Hill Road, Victoria, B.C. V9C 2W8
250-213-3190
sophie.lauro@pc.gc.ca

Applications are assessed against Canada's National Parks Act, and the national park and national historic sites regulations and guidelines, and contribution to awareness, appreciation and education of national parks and national historic sites. If approved, a Commercial Film/Photography permit is issued.
Note: Parks Canada imposes the right to refuse applications that are not in the best interest of the Agency or revoke permission if the terms and conditions of the permit are violated.

We will provide a draft agreement. Work together with the Parks Canada liaison to adjust the details of your agreement, based on your needs and our site’s visitor needs and regulations. A site visit may be required.

Obtain comprehensive liability insurance naming “Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada as represented by Parks Canada Agency” as additional insured, indicating a combined limit of $2,000,000 per incident ($5 million/incident for larger productions), to be carried for the duration of the production on site.

At least three business days prior to your film date, supply:

• Proof of insurance
• Damage deposit of $1000 (refundable if no damage is incurred)
• Payment written to the Receiver General for Canada, or by credit card
• Signed agreement - your company must sign first, followed by the Parks Canada manager

If you wish to visit Parks Canada places in person and undertake a film or photo shoot, you may require a film/photo permit, or you may simply need to register your project. This will depend on the scale of your project.

Do I need a film/photo permit or project registration?

Most small-scale projects only require project registration, rather than a Commercial film and photography permit. Projects are considered “small-scale” if they meet all of the following criteria:

• Project is intended to inform audiences about the work of Parks Canada and/or to promote visitation to Parks Canada places. 
• Crew size is of six people or fewer (including models or other talents).
• Equipment is limited to cameras, tripods, microphones, or other hand-held equipment.
• Activities remain in areas open to the public and during normal operating hours only.
• Adheres to all laws and regulations.
• No drones are used.

If you meet these criteria, fill out the Small-Scale Travel Media Film and Photo Project Registration form.

Registering your small-scale travel media film and photo project

• We recommend you register your shoot at least 20 business days in advance to avoid surprises in the rare case that your project poses operational challenges. Please note that registering your project does not exempt it from standard visitors’ fees; this decision remains at the park and or historic site’s discretion.
• The guide to film/photo shoots at Parks Canada is available to assist you with conducting your film and photo activities. You may also contact the Parks Canada location where you plan to shoot for more specific inquiries. If your project does not meet the criteria of a small-scale shoot, you must apply for a film/photo permit by contacting fortrodd@pc.gc.ca. Fees may apply.

We look forward to working with you, and we’ll see you soon!

Travel media are a key partner in showcasing our beautiful national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas. Contact us for travel tips, best dates and times to avoid crowds, and hidden gems and unique locations within our sites.

The grounds at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site are available for hired professional photography.  Located on the picturesque coast of Vancouver Island, the sites are a desirable place to stage a wedding, an engagement, and other types of professional photographs. As Fisgard Lighthouse is a significant icon to Victoria, its photographs are often used when designing memorabilia and postcards, as a backdrop for professionals’ headshots, and business promotions. 

You need to have a Professional Photography permit from Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites if:

• You are hired to take photos in the national historic sites
• You plan to sell or generate revenue from the photos taken in the national historic sites

This includes:

• Special event photography (i.e. weddings, graduations, family/group gatherings, announcements, etc.) 
• Historic buildings and architecture photography
• Wildlife, nature and landscape photography

NOTE: Hobby photographers do not require any permit. Please be sure to follow all national historic site regulations while photographing at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites.

Planning your session

We recommend you pre-book your photography session at least five business days in advance to avoid surprises in the rare case that your project poses operational challenges. 
Professional photography fees apply with two options, either your project is pre-booked or last minute. For fee information.

Administration

Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse NHS
Parks Canada / Government of Canada
603 Fort Rodd Hill Road, Victoria, B.C. V9C 2W8
fortrodd@pc.gc.ca (250) 478-5849

Administration

Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse NHS
Parks Canada / Government of Canada
603 Fort Rodd Hill Road, Victoria, B.C. V9C 2W8
fortrodd@pc.gc.ca (250) 478-5849