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Race Rocks Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇨🇦Juan de Fuca Electoral Area, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Race Rocks Lighthouse

Also known as: Race Rocks (Great Race Rock)

Established in 1861, Race Rocks Lighthouse is a cylindrical stone tower standing 24.5 meters tall, painted with black and white horizontal bands. Its light emits a single white flash every 10 seconds from a focal height of 36 meters, visible for 16.4 nautical miles. The lighthouse is situated on Great Race Rock, an island in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, approximately 15 kilometers southwest of Victoria. The original keeper's house was demolished in 1972, and the lantern was replaced in 1925. The tower underwent restoration and repainting in 2009, followed by a 150th anniversary celebration in 2010. Modern light station buildings dating from the 1950s and 60s have served as an ecological research station since 1997.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the southernmost point of Vancouver Island and the hazardous Race Rocks, guiding maritime traffic through the busy Strait of Juan de Fuca. The site's current use as an ecological research station also emphasizes its value for marine conservation and education.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
36m
Geographic Range
16.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1861

Significant events: Original keeper's house demolished in 1972, lantern replaced in 1925, restored and repainted in 2009, 150th anniversary celebration in 2010, modern light station buildings used as ecological research station since 1997

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Sooke(8.3 km)
ARLHS No.
CAN-426

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
24.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
with black and white horizontal bands
Material
stone

Structure: round Imperial stone tower with lantern and gallery, painted with black and white horizontal bands; lantern painted red

Location

City
Juan de Fuca Electoral Area
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
British Columbia
Sea Region
Located on Great Race Rock, a small island in the Strait of Juan de Fuca about 15 km southwest of Victoria, marking the southernmost point of Vancouver Island.
Latitude
48.2980°
Longitude
-123.5322°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Race Rocks Lighthouse at night?+
Race Rocks displays the characteristic Fl White 10s. 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 Race Rocks Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Race Rocks Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sooke at 7.6 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Esquimalt (9.2 NM NNE), Victoria (9.7 NM NE), Port Angeles (10.9 NM SSE), Bamberton (15.1 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Race Rocks Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Race Rocks 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 Race Rocks Lighthouse?+
Race Rocks 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 Race Rocks Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Race Rocks 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.