Discovery Island Lighthouse

The Discovery Island Lighthouse was built in 1886 and has been guiding mariners through the waters of British Columbia since its construction.

History

• The lighthouse played a crucial role in the maritime trade, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• This historic lighthouse was built to guide mariners through the waters of British Columbia since its construction.

Architecture

The lighthouse stands at a height of 28 meters (92 feet) above sea level, with a focal height of 53 meters (173 feet).

The tower is constructed from local stone and features a distinctive octagonal shape.

The light source is a first-order Fresnel lens, which projects a beam of white light that can be seen up to 15 nautical miles away.

Light Characteristics

The lighthouse emits a flash pattern of fl (first order) with an eclipse period of 4.9 seconds.

This allows mariners to navigate safely through the waters surrounding Discovery Island.

Current Status

The Discovery Island Lighthouse is currently not in active service, having been automated in recent years.

However, it remains a popular tourist destination and is occasionally used for educational purposes.

Location and Accessibility

The lighthouse is located on Baynes Road in Saanich, British Columbia, Canada.

It can be accessed via a short walk from the nearby parking area.

Visitors are advised to exercise caution when approaching the structure due to its height and steep stairs.

Heritage Status

The Discovery Island Lighthouse is listed as a heritage site under the Canadian Register of Historic Places.

This designation recognizes the lighthouse's historical significance and importance in the maritime history of British Columbia.

Notable Historical Events

• During World War II, the lighthouse played an important role in guiding Allied forces through the waters surrounding Discovery Island.
• The lighthouse also served as a reference point for navigation charts and maps used by mariners during this time period.