Race Rocks Light

Race Rocks Light is a cylindrical stone tower with alternating black and white horizontal bands that rises 24 meters above the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The structure emits flashing white signals every 10 seconds and produces foghorn blasts to guide ships through the waters.

British government funding brought this lighthouse into construction in 1859, making it one of the first two on Canada's western coast. The structure played a key role in establishing safe maritime routes in the region.

The site carries the First Nations name Xwayen, and today environmental programs collaborate with indigenous communities on the island. The place bridges education and traditional knowledge in a working landscape.

The lighthouse sits on an island best reached by water and remains accessible only during favorable weather conditions. Visitors should prepare for variable sea conditions and restricted access periods.

Since 1921 the site has collected daily measurements of water temperature and salinity through a scientific program. This long record makes it a valuable resource for monitoring ocean conditions over more than a century.

Location: Capital Regional District

Inception: 1859

Height: 24 m

GPS coordinates: 48.29803,-123.53142

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:06