Name and Location

The Ballenas Islands Light is a historic lighthouse located in Nanoose Bay, British Columbia, Canada. It is situated on the southern tip of Ballenas Island, an archipelago off the coast of Vancouver Island.

Construction and History

Construction on the Ballenas Islands Light began in 1953 and was completed in 1955. The lighthouse was built to guide mariners through the treacherous waters surrounding the island and to aid navigation in the region. The original light source was a kerosene-powered lamp, which was later replaced with an electric beacon.

Architecture and Materials

The Ballenas Islands Light is a steel tower standing at a height of 21 meters (69 feet) above sea level. The lighthouse has a focal plane of 40 meters (131 feet), making it visible for 17 nautical miles (31 kilometers). The light characteristic is a flashing white light with a period of 10 seconds, which can be seen from sector 40 to 307 degrees.

Light and Navigation

The Ballenas Islands Light was automated in 1984, and the original light source was replaced with a solar-powered beacon. Although the lighthouse is no longer staffed by a keeper, it remains an important aid to navigation for mariners in the region.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the island by private boat or kayak. However, the lighthouse itself is not open to the public for visits or tours.

Notable Views and Landscape

Anecdotes and Folklore

Unfortunately, no local folklore or unique anecdotes are available for the Ballenas Islands Light.

Technical and Operational Details

The managing authority of the Ballenas Islands Light is the Canadian Coast Guard. The lighthouse is referenced on Canadian Nautical Charts 3501 and 3502.

Further Information

For further reading, please refer to Natural Resources Canada (2010). Seamark Data for G 5508. United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (2010). Pub. 111.