Entrance Island (British Columbia)
Entrance Island is a small rocky island in the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia, Canada, due north of Gabriola Island. Marine mammals such as harbour seals and Steller's sea lions use it as a haul-out.
Entrance Island Lighthouse
The Entrance Island Lighthouse is a manned light station built in 1876 to guide ships into the Nanaimo harbour from the Straight of Georgia. Construction began in 1875, but was plagued with problems including the deaths of three workers and the original contractor abandoning the incomplete structure. Construction was finished a year behind schedule in 1876. Two of the early lighthouse keepers - M.G. Clark and W.E. Morrisey - earned a measure of notoriety for mistreatment of assistants hired to tend the lighthouse.In 2009, the Canadian Coast Guard announced that the Entrance Island lighthouse would be destaffed as part of a nation-wide cost-saving measure. Following protests and a senate committee hearing, the plan was dropped.
The lighthouse is easily seen from the Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay ferry. The Tsawwassen to Duke Point ferry passes right by it.
The lighthouse and its five related buildings - both dwellings, the winch house, the boat house, and the engine room - were declared to be a Heritage Lighthouse in 2015.