Cape Beale Light, Active lighthouse in Area A Bamfield, Canada
Cape Beale Light is an active lighthouse on Vancouver Island with a square pyramidal tower that rises about 51 meters above sea level. The tower displays red painted markings for visibility and operates under Canadian Coast Guard management to guide ships safely through Barkley Sound.
The Canadian government established the lighthouse at this location in 1874 to mark the entrance to Barkley Sound and support ships along Vancouver Island's coast. This early investment in navigation infrastructure reflected the region's growing importance for maritime trade during the late 1800s.
The lighthouse was named after John Beale, a crew member aboard a trading ship that explored this coast, connecting the site to early maritime history. Visitors can sense this connection through the layers of the place and its role in shaping the region's relationship with the sea.
This location sits on the west coast of Vancouver Island and is best visited during good weather, as conditions can change significantly with the seasons. Access generally involves a boat ride or a long drive on forest roads, so visitors should be prepared for a remote setting.
From 1971 to 1998, staff at the station collected daily measurements of water temperature and salinity as part of a provincial oceanographic research program. This long record of observations continues to help scientists understand changes in the marine environment at this coast.
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