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First Narrows Lighthouse

Iso Green 2s🇨🇦CAOperational

Also known as: Capilano

This cylindrical white and green tower is situated at the First Narrows, a constricted passage within Burrard Inlet leading to Vancouver. It emits an isophase green light with a 2-second cycle. With a focal height of 7.5 meters, its light has a geographic range of 9.5 nautical miles. The lighthouse site is open to the public, though the tower itself remains closed. Located 3.2 kilometers from North Vancouver, it has been a continuous guide for vessels navigating this busy channel.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is indispensable for maritime commerce and safety, guiding vessels through the narrow, high-traffic entrance to Vancouver Harbour and ensuring safe passage through Burrard Inlet's challenging currents.

Characteristic Signature
Iso Green 2s
Flash Type
Isophase
Light Color
Green
Interval
2s
Raw Code
Iso G 2s
Focal Height
7.5m
Light Range
7NM (13.0 km)
Geographic Range
9.5NM
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
British Columbia
Sea Region
First Narrows, Burrard Inlet, British Columbia, Canada
Latitude
49.3192°
Longitude
-123.1463°
Nearest Port
North Vancouver(3.2 km)
Admiralty No.
G5435
NGA No.
12984
ARLHS No.
CAN-415
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white and green

Structure: The First Narrows (Capilano) Lighthouse stands vigil at a critical juncture within Burrard Inlet, marking the constricted passage that leads into the bustling port of Vancouver. This strategic location, often referred to simply as the First Narrows, is where the waters of the Pacific funnel into the city's vibrant harbour, making safe navigation paramount for countless vessels, from massive container ships to local ferries and recreational boats. While specific details of its early construction remain less documented, its presence underscores the continuous need for reliable aids to navigation in such a high-traffic marine environment. The lighthouse has quietly served its purpose for years, ensuring mariners can safely traverse the often-challenging currents and dense shipping traffic of the inlet. Today, the light remains active, a constant guide for those entering and exiting one of Canada's busiest ports. Although the tower itself is not open to the public, visitors can still access the site, offering a glimpse into the operational life of this essential maritime facility and the dynamic seascape it oversees.

Open to public
Site open, tower closed
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How far offshore can First Narrows Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 7.5 meters and a nominal range of 7 nautical miles (approximately 13.0 km), First Narrows is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. As a shorter-range light, it primarily serves nearshore and coastal traffic.
How do mariners identify First Narrows Lighthouse at night?+
First Narrows displays the characteristic Iso Green 2s. 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 green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does First Narrows Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
First Narrows Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Burrard Inlet at 1.8 NM to the SW. Other ports served include English Bay (3.3 NM SSW), Vancouver (4 NM ESE), West Vancouver (6.1 NM NW), RICHMOND (7.3 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is First Narrows Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, First Narrows 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 First Narrows Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near First Narrows 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.