Lighthouse Tour

Our Captain’s tour of the Gulf lslands is akin to a “friends & family” experience in the Salish Sea.

Historic Lighthouses of the Salish Sea: Boat Tour Adventure

Step back in time and embark on an unforgettable boat tour through the storied waters of British Columbia’s southern coast, where history, maritime heritage, and breathtaking scenery come together. This tour offers a rare opportunity to experience some of the oldest and most iconic lighthouses on Canada’s west coast up close — each one with its own fascinating story.


🌟 Highlights of the Tour:

⚓ Fisgard Lighthouse (1859)
The journey begins with a visit to Fisgard Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse on the west coast of Canada. Built in 1859 to guide the Royal Navy into Esquimalt Harbour, Fisgard still stands proudly today, its red and white façade a picturesque symbol of Victoria’s colonial maritime past. Learn about the brave lighthouse keepers who lived here through harsh storms and isolation, and explore the rich legacy of the naval and shipping history it protected.

⚓ Discovery Island Lighthouse
Perched on the rugged shores east of Oak Bay, the Discovery Island Lighthouse marks the entrance to Haro Strait. First lit in 1886, it served as a crucial beacon for vessels navigating the waters toward Victoria. Although now automated, the lighthouse remains a poignant reminder of a bygone era of hands-on maritime stewardship, set against the wild, windswept beauty of Discovery Island Marine Park.

⚓ Trial Island Lighthouse
Nearby, Trial Island Lighthouse stands sentinel over one of the busiest waterways off Victoria. Established in 1906, it was named for the “trial” or testing of incoming ships’ navigation skills. The lighthouse sits atop rocky shores where swirling tides and submerged reefs demand respect — making this beacon an essential guide for mariners for over a century.

⚓ Active Pass Lighthouse (East Point, Saturna Island)
Cruising northward through the narrow and often dramatic waters of Active Pass, we reach the charming East Point Lighthouse on Saturna Island. Built in 1888, East Point played a vital role in helping ships safely navigate the swift and turbulent currents that define Active Pass. The surrounding cliffs and waterway are also prime spots for wildlife sightings, including orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles.

⚓ Race Rocks Lighthouse
The final highlight of the tour is an optional 90 minute fuel & time surcharge add on because of the distance.

The rugged Race Rocks Lighthouse, built in 1860 on a cluster of rocky islets southwest of Victoria. Known for its fierce tidal currents and rich marine biodiversity, Race Rocks is Canada’s second-oldest lighthouse on the west coast. This historic beacon has watched over mariners for over 160 years and today anchors an important ecological reserve teeming with seals, sea lions, and seabirds.


🚤 What to Expect.

  • Stunning coastal scenery including rocky shores, remote islands, and wildlife.

  • Opportunities for photography — the lighthouses, marine life, and ocean vistas are unforgettable.

  • Comfortable vessel with experienced crew and safety equipment.

📅 Best Times to Visit:

Mid-spring through early fall offers the calmest waters and best chances for clear skies, wildlife sightings, and magical sunsets over the Salish Sea.

image of fisgard lighthouse
turn point light house
image of discovery island light house
image of the active pass light house
image of east point light house
turn point light house
image of turn point light house
sidney island light house
image of a man walking towards the trial island light house

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Contact Information

Contact us with any questions or inquires! We look forward to hearing from you!
Our location

Tsehum Rd, Sidney, BC V8L 2P6

Email us

birdsofafeathermarine@gmail.com

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+1-250-858-7308

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