Name and Location

The Entrance Island Lighthouse is located on Entrance Island, off the coast of Gabriola Island in British Columbia, Canada.

2. Construction and History

The Entrance Island Lighthouse was constructed in 1915 as part of a series of navigational aids built by the Canadian government to support maritime trade and commerce. It was designed to provide a reliable source of light and fog signal for vessels navigating the treacherous waters of the Georgia Strait.

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse's architecture is characterized by a traditional British Columbia style, with a square, pyramidal tower supported by a sturdy concrete foundation. The tower is capped by a white aluminum lantern room, housing a first-order Fresnel lens that emits a characteristic Fl(3)W.15s light pattern.

4. Light and Navigation

The lighthouse was originally powered by an acetylene gas lantern and had a manual rotating beam. In 1965, the lighthouse was automated, with a solar-powered beacon illuminating the surrounding waters. The lighthouse's original fog signal has been replaced with a modern electronic foghorn.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse by ferry or private boat. While the tower is not open to the public for climbing, the surrounding island offers scenic hiking trails and picnic areas. Public facilities, including restrooms and picnic areas, are available on-site.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The Entrance Island Lighthouse stands sentinel over a picturesque island ecosystem, featuring rugged coastline, dense forests, and meandering streams. The surrounding waters are home to an array of marine life, including whales, seals, and seabirds.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

The Entrance Island Lighthouse has a rich history of maritime rescue operations, with numerous vessels having been guided to safety by its beacon. Locals also share stories of ghostly apparitions and mysterious occurrences surrounding the lighthouse.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is equipped with modern aids to navigation, including AIS (Automatic Identification System) and radar, ensuring safe passage for vessels in the area. Mariners can consult nautical charts such as NOAA chart 18445 or Canadian Hydrographic Service chart 3455 for detailed information on the lighthouse's location and operational characteristics.

9. Further Information

The Entrance Island Lighthouse has been designated as a Heritage Lighthouse by the Government of Canada. For more information, please refer to Natural Resources Canada: Canadian Hydrographic Service (2010-09-02), US NGA Pub. 111, or Wikipedia: Entrance Island Lighthouse.