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Whiffin Spit Lighthouse

Q W 1s🇨🇦British Columbia, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Whiffin Spit Lighthouse

The Whiffin Spit light is a 6.7-meter control tower in British Columbia. Its focal height reaches 6.5 meters above the water. The structure is painted white. It emits a quick white flash, visible for 7 nautical miles. This aero light operates on a fixed schedule.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q W 1s
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
1s
Raw Code
Q
Focal Height
6.5m
Geographic Range
7NM

Location

City
British Columbia
Country
🇨🇦CA
Latitude
48.3583°
Longitude
-123.7114°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
6.7m
Tower Color
white

Structure: Control tower. Aero light

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
G5296
NGA No.
13772
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Whiffin Spit Lighthouse at night?+
Whiffin Spit displays the characteristic Q W 1s — 1 white flash every 1 seconds. 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.
Which ports and harbors does Whiffin Spit Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Whiffin Spit Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sooke at 2.6 NM to the NE. Other ports served include Esquimalt (12.2 NM ENE), Victoria (13.7 NM ENE), Bamberton (13.9 NM NE), Brentwood Bay (16.3 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Whiffin Spit Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Whiffin Spit 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 Whiffin Spit Lighthouse?+
Whiffin Spit 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 Whiffin Spit Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Whiffin Spit 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.