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Pachena Point Lighthouse

PWC2+RX Bamfield, BC, Canada

Name and Location

The Pachena Point Lighthouse is located in Bamfield, British Columbia, Canada. It has been guiding mariners since its construction in 1895.

Construction and History

The lighthouse was built in 1895 and has a rich history as a maritime aid. Prior to automation in 1989, it was manually operated by a lighthouse keeper.

Architecture and Materials

The Pachena Point Lighthouse is designed in the Victorian-era style, characteristic of many Canadian lighthouses built during this period. The structure is constructed from concrete and steel, with a distinctive red-and-white striped tower that stands at an impressive height of 47 meters (154 feet) and features a focal height of approximately 21 meters (69 feet).

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse's light exhibits a unique pattern, described as Fl (3) W 15s. This means that the light rotates every 7.5 seconds, producing three flashes of white light separated by periods of darkness.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the surrounding area, which offers scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and the nearby West Coast Trail. However, it is not possible to enter the tower itself. Visitors are encouraged to respect any restrictions or guidelines in place to protect the structure and its surroundings.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse is situated near the West Coast Trail, a 75-kilometer (47-mile) hiking trail that follows the rugged coastline of British Columbia. The area is known for its stunning natural beauty, with towering trees, rocky cliffs, and secluded beaches.

Anecdotes and Folklore

None available.

Technical and Operational Details

Prior to automation in 1989, the lighthouse was manually operated by a lighthouse keeper. Today, the structure is no longer used for navigation purposes but has been converted into a historic site and museum.

Further Information

  • Parks Canada: Pachena Point Lighthouse
  • Wikipedia: en:Pachena Point Light
  • Wikidata: Q7122015

Details

NamePachena Point Lighthouse
CityBamfield
CountryCanada
Coordinates48.7220814, -125.0975552
Year of construction1895
EventsShipwrecks and rescues
Historic significanceMaritime aid, National Historic Site of Canada
StoriesNotable events such as shipwrecks or rescues
Architectural styleVictorian-era style
Construction material"Concrete and steel"
Focal height21
Tower height47
Heritage statustrue
Renovationsconverted into a historic site and museum
Access descriptionBy car, boat, and footpath
Accessibletrue
Landscape typeRocky coast, dunes, island
View descriptionScenic views of the Pacific Ocean, West Coast Trail
FacilitiesToilets, café, gift shop
Nearby attractions["West Coast Trail"]
Light characteristic"Fl (3) W 15s"
Automatedtrue