Name and Location

The Forrest Island Lighthouse is located in Sidney, British Columbia, Canada, situated on the southern coast of Vancouver Island. Its official name is Forrest Island, but it is commonly referred to as "Forrest" by locals and mariners.

Construction and History

The Forrest Island Lighthouse was constructed in 1893 during the Victorian era. It was built by the Canadian government to help guide vessels through the treacherous waters of the Pacific Ocean. The lighthouse has played a crucial role in maritime history, serving as an important aid to navigation for mariners.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse's architectural style is typical of minor lights built during the late 19th century, with a square base, a cylindrical tower, and a lantern room at the top. It was constructed using local materials, including brick and mortar. The lighthouse stands approximately 8 meters (26 feet) tall, with a focal height of about 12 meters (39 feet).

Light and Navigation

The Forrest Island Lighthouse originally had a red light with a range of 4 nautical miles (7.4 kilometers). The light characteristic was Fl(3)W.15s, indicating a flashing light every 15 seconds.

Accessibility and Visiting

Although the lighthouse no longer serves as an active aid to navigation, it has been converted into a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich history and maritime heritage. Visitors can access the museum by boat or kayak, but there are no public walkways to the island. The nearest landing point is located at Sidney Spit National Park Reserve.

Notable Views and Landscape

From the top of the lighthouse, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding waters, including the Strait of Georgia and the Gulf Islands. On a clear day, it's possible to see the Olympic Mountains on the horizon.

Anecdotes and Folklore

• The Forrest Island Lighthouse has a rich history of lighthouse keepers and their families, who played an essential role in maintaining the light and assisting mariners in distress. Visitors can learn more about this fascinating history through guided tours and exhibits.
• In 1894, the Forrest Island Lighthouse played a crucial role in guiding the HMS Britannic, a British warship, through treacherous waters during a storm.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse has been automated since 1983. The nearest nautical chart references for the Forrest Island Lighthouse are found on Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) chart 3404 and US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) chart Pub. 111.

Further Information

For more information, please visit the Canadian Register of Historic Places or consult the references provided.