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Fisgard Lighthouse

Oc White/Red 4s🇨🇦Colwood, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Fisgard Lighthouse

The Fisgard Lighthouse, a cylindrical brick tower standing 14.5 meters tall, was first lit in 1860. Located on a small island connected to the mainland by a causeway at the western entrance to Esquimalt Harbour, it is painted white with a red lantern. Its light emits an occulting white or red signal every 4 seconds, visible for 13.5 nautical miles. The structure, which includes a gallery, was the subject of a federal restoration project completed in 2010. The lighthouse keeper's house, separate from the tower, now operates as a museum.

Why it matters: Designated a National Historic Site, Fisgard Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in British Columbia and marks the western entrance to Esquimalt Harbour.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc White/Red 4s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White/Red
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Oc W or R 4s
Focal Height
21.5m
Geographic Range
13.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1860
Heritage Status
National Historic Site

Significant events: Federal government appropriated $1.56 million for restoration in June 2009, Restoration completed 2010, 150th anniversary of light celebrated 2010

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Esquimalt(0.6 km)
ARLHS No.
CAN-176

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
brick

Structure: round brick tower with lantern and gallery, painted white; lantern painted red

Location

City
Colwood
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
British Columbia
Sea Region
Located on a small island, connected to the mainland by a causeway, at the western entrance to Esquimalt Harbour, off Ocean Boulevard in Colwood west of Victoria.
Latitude
48.4300°
Longitude
-123.4475°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Fisgard Lighthouse at night?+
Fisgard displays the characteristic Oc White/Red 4s. 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/red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Fisgard Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Fisgard Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Esquimalt at 0.8 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Victoria (2.6 NM E), Bamberton (7.7 NM NNW), Brentwood Bay (8.9 NM N), Sooke (9 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Fisgard Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Fisgard 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 Fisgard Lighthouse?+
Fisgard 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 Fisgard Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Fisgard 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.