Nootka Lighthouse
Helipad, San Rafael Island, District régional de Strathcona, BC V0P 1X0, Canada
Name and Location
The Nootka Lighthouse, also known as Maquinna Light, is located on San Rafael Island in British Columbia, Canada.
Construction and History
Originally constructed in 1874, the Nootka Lighthouse was built to serve as a vital aid to navigation for ships traversing the treacherous waters of the Pacific Ocean. It has guided mariners for over a century.
Architecture and Materials
The lighthouse is a striking example of Victorian-era architecture, with a robust structure built from local stone and topped by a copper-clad lantern room. It stands at an impressive height of 12 meters (39 feet) above sea level, with a focal plane of 31 meters (102 feet).
Light and Navigation
The Nootka Lighthouse features a distinctive white light that shines every 12 seconds, emitting a beam that stretches out to a range of approximately 19 kilometers (12 miles). The light sequence is characterized by a flash every 0.2 seconds, followed by an interval of 11.8 seconds.
Accessibility and Visiting
Unfortunately, due to its remote location and sensitive environmental concerns, the Nootka Lighthouse is not open to the general public for visits or guided tours. However, enthusiasts can still admire the lighthouse from a distance, taking in its majestic views of the surrounding waters and rugged coastline.
Notable Views and Landscape
The lighthouse is situated on San Rafael Island, part of the District régional de Strathcona, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The surrounding landscape features rugged cliffs, rocky shores, and dense forests, creating a breathtaking backdrop for this historic lighthouse.
Anecdotes and Folklore
The Nootka Lighthouse has played a vital role in maritime history, serving as an important aid to navigation during the heyday of steamship travel and commercial fishing in the region. Its location on San Rafael Island also makes it a significant landmark for local indigenous communities, who have long relied on the lighthouse's guiding light to navigate their traditional territories.
Technical and Operational Details
United States National Geodetic Survey (NGS) publication 111 listed the Nootka Lighthouse in 2010.
Further Information
- * United States National Geodetic Survey (NGS) publication 111, 2010-09-02.
- * Wikidata: Q45324662
- * Wikipedia: en:List of lighthouses in British Columbia
Details
| Name | Nootka Lighthouse |
|---|---|
| City | |
| Country | Canada |
| Coordinates | 49.5926438, -126.615279 |
| Year of construction | 1874 |
| Events | steamship travel and commercial fishing in the region, indigenous communities' traditional territories |
| Historic significance | vital part of Canada's nautical heritage, played a vital role in maritime history |
| Stories | significant maritime landmark, vital part of Canada's nautical heritage |
| Architectural style | Victorian-era architecture |
| Construction material | local stone |
| Focal height | 31 |
| Tower height | 12 |
| Heritage status | true |
| Accessible | false |
| Landscape type | rugged coast |
| View description | stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, rugged cliffs, rocky shores, and dense forests |
| Guided tours | false |
| Nearby attractions | San Rafael Island, District régional de Strathcona |
| Light characteristic | white light that shines every 12 seconds, emitting a beam that stretches out to a range of approximately 19 kilometers (12 miles) |
| Light range | 19 |