Fort Rodd Hill National Park

One of our favourite historic sites, Fort Rodd Hill allows families to book picnics on their extensive grounds. This was our rehearsal site, without the rehearsal. We brought a huge picnic and 40 people (we paid for their park entrance in advance), and the park staff brought picnic tables and a tent for us to use. The kids ran around the park, the parents chatted, the younger couples hiked or toured the fortifications – everyone had a ball, regardless of their age or tastes. The park has washrooms for public use, and during the summer, sells food ice cream. We were there in April, so we were nearly alone in the entire park. The park has extensive forest trails, a working lighthouse, oceanfront hiking, a number of historic fortifications from various eras, and comfortable picnic areas. The staff was friendly and helpful, providing each guest with a site map and directions to our location. Parking is free. I preferred this casual picnic to a proper rehearsal dinner- everyone was able to relax and the two families got to know one another with no stress. The park setting made that all possible, for the small cost of the entrance fees.