First Narrows Lighthouse
Location & Light Range
About First Narrows Lighthouse
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.
Light & Optic
- 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
Location
- Country
- 🇨🇦Canada
- Region
- British Columbia
- Sea Region
- First Narrows, Burrard Inlet, British Columbia, Canada
- Latitude
- 49.3192°
- Longitude
- -123.1463°
References & Identifiers
- Nearest Port
- North Vancouver(3.2 km)
- Admiralty No.
- G5435
- NGA No.
- 12984
- ARLHS No.
- CAN-415
Tower & Structure
- 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.
Visiting
- Open to public
- Site open, tower closed
Nearby Vessels
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