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Cape Mudge Lighthouse

F Red or White 5s🇨🇦Area C (Discovery Islands/Mainland Inlets), CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cape Mudge Lighthouse

Also known as: Cape Mudge (Quadra Island)

Constructed in 1916, the Cape Mudge Lighthouse is an octagonal concrete tower standing 12 meters tall, with its lantern and gallery painted red atop a white structure. The light emits a single flash, either red or white, every 5 seconds, with a geographic range of 12.5 nautical miles. The station, established in 1898, was originally housed in a keeper's dwelling. A plan to destaff the lighthouse announced in 2009 was later withdrawn. It is situated at the southern end of Quadra Island, marking the entrance to Discovery Passage from the Strait of Georgia.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for vessels transitioning from the Strait of Georgia into Discovery Passage, the initial part of the Inside Passage.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F Red or White 5s
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
Red or White
Interval
5s
Raw Code
F.Fl R or W 5s
Focal Height
17.5m
Geographic Range
12.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1916

Significant events: Station established 1898, current lighthouse built 1916, destaffing plan announced 2009 and later dropped

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Campbell River(2.7 km)
Admiralty No.
G5580
NGA No.
12560
ARLHS No.
CAN-100

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
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 C (Discovery Islands/Mainland Inlets)
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
British Columbia
Sea Region
Marks the entrance from the broad Strait of Georgia to the Discovery Passage, the first narrow section of the Inside Passage. Located in Cape Mudge Village at the southern end of Quadra Island (accessible by ferry from BC 19 in Campbell River).
Latitude
49.9989°
Longitude
-125.1953°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Cape Mudge Lighthouse at night?+
Cape Mudge displays the characteristic F Red or White 5s. 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 red or white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Cape Mudge Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cape Mudge Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Campbell River at 2.4 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Duncan Bay (6.3 NM NW), Cortes Bay (11.1 NM ENE), Comox (22.7 NM SSE), Powell River (26.8 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cape Mudge Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cape Mudge 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 Cape Mudge Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cape Mudge 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.