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Ballenas Islands Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇨🇦Area E (Nanoose Bay), CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ballenas Islands Lighthouse

Also known as: Ballenas Islands (Parksville)

This octagonal concrete tower stands 11 meters tall and was built in 1917 on the north point of North Ballenas Island. Its focal height is 21 meters, and it emits a white flash every 10 seconds, visible for 13.4 nautical miles. The tower itself is painted white, with the lantern and gallery featuring a red finish. The light station was first established in 1900, with the current structure relocated to this site in 1912. It is an automated aid to navigation.

Why it matters: The lighthouse guides vessels through the Strait and around the Ballenas Islands, a known hazard. Its relocation in 1912 reflects an adaptation to changing maritime needs in the area.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
21m
Geographic Range
13.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1917
First Lit
1900

Significant events: Station established 1900, Relocated 1912, Automated

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Nanoose Bay(4.9 km)
Admiralty No.
G5508
NGA No.
12868
ARLHS No.
CAN-018

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: octagonal concrete tower with lantern and gallery, painted white; lantern and gallery painted red

Location

City
Area E (Nanoose Bay)
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
British Columbia
Sea Region
North point of North Ballenas Island in the Strait, about 8 km east of Parksville
Latitude
49.3463°
Longitude
-124.1578°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ballenas Islands Lighthouse at night?+
Ballenas Islands displays the characteristic Fl White 10s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Ballenas Islands Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ballenas Islands Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Nanoose Bay at 4.8 NM to the S. Other ports served include Lantzville (6.5 NM SSE), Newcastle (13.9 NM SE), Nanaimo (17.2 NM SE), Sechelt (17.5 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ballenas Islands Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ballenas Islands Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Ballenas Islands Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ballenas Islands Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.