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Port of Esquimalt

CAESQ🇨🇦Canada

Port Location

About Port of Esquimalt

This Canadian naval base, established in 1860, serves as the home port for the Royal Canadian Navy's Pacific Fleet. Located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, it is a sheltered harbor equipped with tugs and a large drydock.

Background
Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt is the Royal Canadian Navy's Pacific Coast naval base and home port to Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific Headquarters. As of 2018, 4,411 military personnel and 2,762 civilians work at CFB Esquimalt. It is located in the very south of British Columbia.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
11ft
Tidal Range
2ft
Elevation
1m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile, Floating
Drydock
L
Repair Code
A

History

Established
1860
Operator (Wikidata ID)
Canadian Armed Forces

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

UN/LOCODE
CAESQ
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Time Zone
UTC-8
Feature Type
HBR (Harbor)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal natural
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
CA-BC
Area
West Coast Canada
Latitude
48.4351°
Longitude
-123.4283°

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
18680 →
GeoNames ID
5949514 →
Wikidata
Q1023450 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.navalandmilitarymuseum.org →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Esquimalt?+
The approach to Esquimalt is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Fisgard Lighthouse at 0.8 NM to the WSW. Other aids include Berens Island (1.6 NM ESE), Ogden Point Breakwater (1.9 NM SE), Ogden Point Breakwater Light (1.9 NM SE), Brotchie Ledge (2.4 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Esquimalt?+
The Port of Esquimalt is located within the US West Coast shipping lane — a major trans-Pacific trade route serving West Coast ports of the United States. This strategic position influences vessel traffic density, anchorage availability, and port scheduling.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Esquimalt?+
You can track vessels near Esquimalt (CAESQ) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for CAESQ on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Esquimalt?+
The Port of Esquimalt operates in the UTC-8 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.