Lighthouses You Can Visit on Vancouver Island (Walks, Hikes, and Treks)

If you’ve taken the ferry to Vancouver Island, chances are you’ve seen a lighthouse along the way. For whatever reason, there’s something undeniably romantic about them. Known as symbols of hope and the madness of isolation, these long-standing beacons have traditionally kept sailors safe on the high seas, dutifully tended to by their keepers. Seeing them on their remote perches might make it seem like getting to them is impossible, but luckily, that isn’t always the case.

On Vancouver Island and its surrounding islands, the grounds of many lighthouses are open to visitors, though don’t expect to be climbing any towers, as all of the lights listed here are operational and an important part of coastal navigation. From epic coastal backpacking treks to easy walks, there’s a lighthouse for visitors of any ability. Details on how to get to each of them can be found in the provided links.

Easy Walks

Fisgard Lighthouse, Victoria

Located within Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site, Fisgard Lighthouse was the first permanent lighthouse on the BC coast, and has been operational since 1860. Though it’s an easy 10-15 minute walk from the parking lot, you’ll want to give yourself a few hours to explore the military fortifications on the surrounding grounds. The cost to visit as of 2026 is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors 65+, and free for youth under 17 years.

Sheringham Point Lighthouse, Sooke

Several lighthouses were built along Vancouver Island’s southwest coast after the tragic SS Valencia shipwreck in 1906. Built in 1912, Sheringham Point was staffed until it was automated in 1988. Today, it’s been saved by the Sheringham Point Lighthouse Preservation Society (donations are appreciated). On the grounds is a 500 m trail downhill from the parking lot to the lighthouse, and a 3.6 km loop trail as well.

East Point Lighthouse, Saturna Island

Not all lighthouses are pretty, but they are worth a walk and a view anyway. First built in 1888, the original East Point Lighthouse was replaced in 1949 by a steel skeleton tower. It was de-staffed in 1996 and is now automated. A part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve since 2006, it has a heritage centre on site and beautiful views of the Salish Sea.

Active Pass Lighthouse, Mayne Island

One of the busiest shipping channels around the island, Active Pass is marked at the entrance by a lighthouse at Georgina Point on Mayne Island. Built in 1885, it was replaced in 1940 and 1969 and de-staffed in 1997. As of 2006, it’s a part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Seen from BC Ferries as they navigate through the narrow channel, the lighthouse is just a few steps away from a parking lot. It’s an easy walk with lovely views.

Cape Mudge, Quadra Island

Cape Mudge Lighthouse sits at the head of the Discovery Passage, notorious for strong currents that have long been the bane of marine traffic. The original lighthouse was replaced in 1916. It was slated for de-staffing in 2009, but the decision was put on hold following protests. Though the grounds of this lighthouse are fenced and closed to visitors, it’s still nice to view from a distance while enjoying a beach stroll.

Pulteney Point, Malcolm Island

Those visiting the North Island looking for a quieter place to explore will find Malcolm Island just the spot for a relaxing day. The original 1905 Pulteney Point Lighthouse was replaced in 1943 and is still staffed today. It can be reached by a short trail and a walk along the beach.

Hikes

Porlier Pass Lighthouse, Galiano Island

The Porlier Pass Lighthouse is unique in that it was actually two lighthouses, with a front light and a rear light located on different points. Operational in 1902 and de-staffed in 1996, the front light had since been replaced by a smaller navigational beacon. Access to the lighthouse is via the Porlier Pass Trail. Permission from the Penelakut Tribe is required before crossing into their land, which surrounds the lighthouse.

Cape Beale Lighthouse, Bamfield

At the entrance to Barkley Sound is the Cape Beale Lighthouse, built in 1874. The 14-kilometre round-trip hike to reach it isn’t for the faint of heart. The trail runs through coastal bog and is rugged, muddy, wet, and has the potential for wildlife encounters. Timing matters for the hike, as the lighthouse can only be accessed by crossing a channel at low tide.

Amphitrite Point Lighthouse, Ucluelet

One of the highlights of a visit to Ucluelet is the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse, either an easy stroll from the parking lot or the 2.6-kilometre Lighthouse Loop Trail, which is a part of the longer Wild Pacific Trail. The original wood lighthouse structure was destroyed by a storm in 1914 and rebuilt with concrete to withstand the unforgiving sea. It was staffed until 1988 and is now automated. The loop trail is an easy, pleasant forest hike with ocean views.

Multi-Day Treks

Estevan Point, Hesquiat Peninsula

Operational since 1910, Estevan Point is perhaps the most iconic of BC’s lighthouses in appearance, with the tower features flying buttresses. In addition to its unique look, it’s also famous for being shelled by a Japanese submarine during WWII. Visitors are usually completing the 46-kilometre Hesquiat Trail, a wilderness route accessible by float plane or water taxi only. Check out Life on the Lights for a glimpse into life at the lighthouse.

Nootka Lighthouse, Yuquot, Nootka Island

Nootka Island’s Yuquot is rich in history, an indigenous settlement that was the centre of maritime fur trading for European explorers, who called it Friendly Cove. The lighthouse was first built in 1911 and replaced in 1958. Many visitors are hikers completing the 35-kilometre Nootka Trail, usually completed over 3-5 days and accessed by float plane or water taxi. For those wanting a less strenuous experience, the MV Uchuck III also offers day cruises from Gold River. In order to help maintain the historic site, the Mowachaht-Muchalaht First Nation charges an entry fee for visiting Yuquot, with additional fees for camping and hiking the Nootka Trail.

Cape Scott Lighthouse, Cape Scott Provincial Park

Located on the rugged northwestern tip of Vancouver Island, it’s a 25-kilometre one-way hike to reach the Cape Scott Lighthouse, built in 1927. Best hiked over 2-4 days, the trail is mostly flat but notorious for its mud. Hikers typically camp at either Nels Bight or Guise Bay and make a separate trip to the lighthouse. Visitors can still catch a glimpse of the Scott Islands from the lighthouse, but the journey there is the true reward.

Pachena Point and Carmanah Point Lighthouses, West Coast Trail

Once highlights of the West Coast Trail, both lighthouses were unfortunately de-staffed in 2025. While the grounds are currently closed, there is hope that in the future hikers will once again be able to visit these beautiful places. This section will be updated if conditions change.

Looking for more unique BC adventures? Explore plane crash hikes, bush graves, and ghost towns across the province.

Cover image is courtesy of Izzy E on Unsplash and features the Active Pass Lighthouse on Mayne Island.