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Carmanah Point Lighthouse

Fl White 5s🇨🇦Area F (Cowichan Lake South / Skutz Falls), CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Carmanah Point Lighthouse

Carmanah Point Lighthouse, built in 1920, is an octagonal pyramidal concrete tower standing 11 meters tall and painted white with red trim. Its focal height reaches 55.5 meters, casting a white light with a single flash every five seconds across 19.5 nautical miles. The original wooden structure was first lit in 1891. The site is located on the West Coast Trail within the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, approximately 20 kilometers northwest of Port Renfrew. Destaffing was announced in 2024 due to concerns about unstable ground. While the tower is closed, the grounds are open to the public.

Why it matters: This light marks the northern entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, guiding vessels bound for Seattle and Vancouver. It is also a landmark for hikers on the West Coast Trail.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
55.5m
Geographic Range
19.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1920
First Lit
1891

Significant events: Original lighthouse replaced, Destaffing announced in 2024 due to unstable ground

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
white with red trim
Material
concrete

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

Location

City
Area F (Cowichan Lake South / Skutz Falls)
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
British Columbia
Sea Region
Marks the northern entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which leads to Seattle and Vancouver. Located on the West Coast Trail in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve about 20 km northwest of the Gordon River Trailhead near Port Renfrew.
Latitude
48.6117°
Longitude
-124.7511°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Neah Bay(15.6 km)
Admiralty No.
G5288
NGA No.
13820
USCG No.
6-0770
ARLHS No.
CAN-120
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Carmanah Point Lighthouse at night?+
Carmanah Point displays the characteristic Fl 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Carmanah Point Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Carmanah Point Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Tatoosh Island at 13.7 NM to the S. Other ports served include NEAH BAY (15.7 NM SSE), Clallam Bay (28.3 NM SE), Ucluelet (35.9 NM WNW), Port Alberni (37.4 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Carmanah Point Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Carmanah Point 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.
What shipping routes pass near Carmanah Point Lighthouse?+
Carmanah Point Lighthouse is located within the US West Coast shipping lane — a major trans-Pacific trade route serving West Coast ports of the United States. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Carmanah Point Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Carmanah Point 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.