Point Atkinson Lighthouse National Historic Site

Vancouver's first lighthouse

This lighthouse replaced an 1875 building of which the foundations of the keeper's dwelling survive. Built in 1912 by contractor W.H. Rourke, the hexagonal reinforced concrete tower, 18.3 metres high, is an early example of this design. The exterior buttresses are similar to those found on other lighthouses elsewhere in Canada. The importance of this light on the outer approach to Burrard Inlet is indicated by the powerful third order dioptric light which is a product of the English firm of Chance Brothers. It has a focal plane of 32.9 metres above high water.