Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Entrance Island Lighthouse

Fl White 5s🇨🇦Area B (DeCourcy/Gabriola/Mudge), CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Entrance Island Lighthouse

Also known as: Entrance Island (Nanaimo)

A round, cylindrical concrete tower, standing 14 meters tall and painted white, marks Entrance Island. The lantern and gallery atop the structure are painted red. This light was first lit in 1970, replacing an earlier station established in 1876. Its white light flashes once every 5 seconds. The focal height for the light is 19 meters, providing a geographic range of 12.9 nautical miles. The Canadian Coast Guard currently operates the light.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is essential for guiding vessels into and out of Nanaimo Harbour, marking the entrance to this busy port. The station gained recognition in 2015 when its keeper rescued nine people from a capsized boat.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
19m
Geographic Range
12.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1970

Significant events: Government announced destaffing (2009), keeper saved nine lives (2015)

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Nanaimo(4.3 km)
ARLHS No.
CAN-171

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower, painted white; lantern and gallery painted red

Location

City
Area B (DeCourcy/Gabriola/Mudge)
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
British Columbia
Sea Region
A small island off the mouth of Nanaimo Harbour, approximately 13 km east of Nanaimo.
Latitude
49.2090°
Longitude
-123.8094°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Entrance Island Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Canada, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Entrance Island Lighthouse at night?+
Entrance Island 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 Entrance Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Entrance Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Nanaimo at 4.5 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Newcastle (5.5 NM WSW), Lantzville (11 NM WNW), Ladysmith (12.2 NM S), Nanoose Bay (13.8 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Entrance Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Entrance Island 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 Entrance Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Entrance Island 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.