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Vanislander / Landmarks / Lighthouses / Chrome Island Lighthouse

Chrome Island Lighthouse on Vancouver Island

 A Coastal Gem for Tourists On Vancouver Island : 
Located in the peaceful Baynes Sound, Chrome Island Lighthouse is a captivating historical and scenic attraction off the southeastern coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Established in 1891, this iconic lighthouse near Denman Island and Hornby Island offers tourists a unique blend of maritime history, stunning coastal views, and cultural significance. For visitors exploring the Mount Washington area, a trip to Chrome Island Lighthouse provides a perfect coastal complement to the alpine adventures of Vancouver Island.

Why Visit Chrome Island Lighthouse?

Chrome Island Lighthouse, historically known as Yellow Rock for its glowing sandstone, is a captivating destination. Its ancient petroglyphs, carved by the Pentlatch people, add cultural depth, while the lighthouse’s white tower with a red lantern guides vessels through the Strait of Georgia. For Mount Washington tourists, this coastal gem offers boat tours, wildlife viewing, and a serene contrast to the island’s rugged peaks, making it a must-visit.

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History of Chrome Island Lighthouse

Established in 1891, Chrome Island Lighthouse guided coal ships through Baynes Sound, a vital route for Union Bay’s coal industry. Originally a wooden tower, it was upgraded in 1922 and 1989 to a 7.5-meter cylindrical design. The lighthouse stands on the traditional territory of the Pentlatch people, whose ancient petroglyphs on the sandstone may represent spiritual or cultural stories. These carvings, some damaged during early construction, are a sacred link to Indigenous heritage and must be respected. Chrome Island remains a manned lighthouse, with keepers like Tom H. Piercy (1891–1898) shaping its legacy (source: Lighthousefriends.com; Wikipedia).

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Directions From Nanaimo to Chrome Island Lighthouse

Starting Point: BC Ferries Departure Bay Terminal, 680 Trans-Canada Hwy, Nanaimo, BC V9S 2X9, Canada Distance: 99.2 km (61.6 miles)| Duration: 1 hour 41 minutes, including ferry
Route:
Take Island Hwy N/BC-19A N to BC-19 N in Lantzville:
Drive 11.3 km (16 minutes).Follow BC-19 N to Fanny Bay.
Take exit 101 from BC-19 N: Drive 71.4 km (41 minutes).
Merge onto Buckley Bay Rd
: Drive 1.1 km (2 minutes).
Take the Buckley Bay, BC - Denman Island, BC ferry to Denman Island: 2.1 km (25 minutes).
Follow Denman Rd to East Rd in Denman Island: Drive 13.4 km (16 minutes).
Boat to Chrome Island: Arrange a private boat or guided tour from Denman Island, as the lighthouse is on an islet.
Tips: Check BC Ferries schedules for Buckley Bay-Denman Island sailings, as they can be weather-dependent. Book boat tours from Deep Bay (1.5 km from Chrome Island) through operators like Deep Bay Marine Field Station .

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Directions From Victoria to Chrome Island Lighthouse

Starting Point: Victoria Harbour Ferry, Victoria, BC V8W 9M2, Canada
 Distance: 212 km (131.7 miles) |Duration: 2 hours 56 minutes, including ferry
Route:
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N: Drive 1.2 km (4 minutes). Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N to Fanny Bay.
Take exit 101 from BC-19 N: Drive 195 km (2 hours 18 minutes).
Merge onto Buckley Bay Rd: Drive 1.1 km (2 minutes).
Take the Buckley Bay, BC - Denman Island, BC ferry to Denman Island: 2.1 km (25 minutes).
Follow Denman Rd to East Rd in Denman Island: Drive 13.4 km (16 minutes).
Boat to Chrome Island: Arrange a private boat or tour from Denman Island.
Tips: The Island Highway (BC-19 N) offers scenic coastal views. Reserve ferry tickets in advance during peak season (May–September). Contact local operators for boat tours .

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Alternative Transportation

Hullo Ferry: A 70-minute passenger ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo, ideal for those without vehicles. From Nanaimo, follow the road and ferry route above.
Floatplane: Flights from Vancouver to Comox (30 km from Buckley Bay) provide a scenic approach, followed by a short drive.
Guided Tours: Boat tours from Deep Bay or Comox offer direct access to Chrome Island, often including wildlife viewing

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Vancouver Island Activities Near Chrome Island Lighthouse

Kye Bay and Goose Spit Surfing

Kye Bay and Goose Spit Surfing

Come to Kye Bay and Goose Spit, and then you will figure out why you get on the road in the first place. On the east coast of Vancouver Island, extreme tides breaking into the sandy beaches of these two spectacular spots would make them both ideal destinations for surfing. While you are on these beaches, you are provided with stunning sceneries of the BC Coastal Mountains, which can double the surfing pleasure.

Camping in Puntledge RV Campground

Camping in Puntledge RV Campground

Nestled right in the territory of K’omoks First Nation, the Puntledge RV Campground offers you chances to camp next to a river with a mountain view as your backdrop, which makes it an ideal place to watch how the sun greets the mountains. You can enjoy camping with all facilities provided and no worries for the kids to get hurt. Also, a top-notch adventure is awaiting you.

Wall Beach Diving

Wall Beach Diving

Don't just listen to people talking about Wall Beach. Come and see how beautiful this sea lion habitat is. Incredible diving opportunities are provided for both armature and professional divers. The chance to see several diverse marine life there is Wall Beach adds up to the reasons why one should come to this spectacular beach.

Hiking on the Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk

Hiking on the Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk

The Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk makes it possible for you to hike in a paved path where nature is around you. It is easy to find wildlife for photography while hiking. Take your dog with you and choose between hiking, walking, running, and biking. As the trail is suitable for all ages and is close to Courtenay, it is one of the popular hiking trails in the area that gets crowded on sunny days.

Camping in Croteau Lake Campsite

Camping in Croteau Lake Campsite

The Croteau Lake Campsite is the first backcountry group site accepting reservations, Located within Strathcona Provincial Park in Forbidden Platea. You will have to hike into this lovely remote campground which features a brand new yurt. Nestled in the sub-alpine of Strathcona, Croteau Lake Campsite is surrounded by jagging glacial mountain peaks, and you will experience a sense of peace and seclusion.

Camping in the Rathtrevor Beach Campground

Camping in the Rathtrevor Beach Campground

Vancouver Island is saturated with treasury campgrounds, of which one of the best is Rathtrevor Beach Campground. You are provided with different campsites and facilities there, and the beautiful beach is a fantastic place to forget all the bills and relax by the water. You would not be the same when you observe how differently the sun scatters its light on the majestic mountains around.

Hiking on the Rosewall Creek Trail

Hiking on the Rosewall Creek Trail

Hiking on the Rosewall Creek Trail is a rewarding experience that you reach a beautiful waterfall at the end after an easy hike that may consist of challenges. Enjoy the beauties of the park while passing the lovely well-marked trail with facilities, along the creek and through lush bits of the rainforest.

Camping in the Englishman River Falls Provincial Park Campground

Camping in the Englishman River Falls Provincial Park Campground

Looking for a place you can camp within the area of a forest? You can find nowhere better than the Englishman River Falls Provincial Park Campground. The beautiful campsite is well maintained with tall trees and lovely views that you can hike while appreciating the incredible scenery. Camp lovers are provided with ample facilities and several outdoor activities.

Camping in Helen Mackenzie Lake Campground

Camping in Helen Mackenzie Lake Campground

When you do not expect it at all, endless excitement on Helen Mackenzie Lake will strike you. There, campers would experience backcountry camping, and all the amenities and convenient facilities that enthusiasts may need are provided. You will be fascinated by breathtaking views and various flora and fauna. It has trails through beautiful meadows by the crystal water while the mountain is spreading upfront.

Camping in Kwai Lake Campground

Camping in Kwai Lake Campground

Once you got bitten by the travel bug, remember to stop by Kwai Lake. Its campground offers an excellent time camping with impressive views all around you. Paved road access, well-maintained trails make the campground a suitable place for campers. A backcountry campground nestled right in an area that is home to diverse flora and fauna. Campers can have an ideal walk-in, wilderness camping adventure.

Additional Information for Chrome Island Lighthouse Visitors

No permits are required for viewing Chrome Island Lighthouse from a boat or Denman Island, as the lighthouse is managed by the Canadian Coast Guard and public access to the grounds is restricted (source: Lighthousefriends.com). Landing on Chrome Island requires permission from the Canadian Coast Guard, which is rarely granted except for research or maintenance purposes due to the island’s operational status and cultural petroglyphs. Contact the Coast Guard’s Victoria office for access requests. For fishing or scuba diving in Baynes Sound, a valid British Columbia fishing license is required.

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Top Activities Near Chrome Island Lighthouse

Chrome Island Lighthouse and its surrounding area offer a range of activities for tourists, complementing a Mount Washington adventure with coastal exploration.

Boat Tours

Take a guided boat tour from Deep Bay or Comox to view the lighthouse up close, often combined with whale watching or seal spotting. Operators provide insights into the lighthouse’s history and the region’s marine life, including orcas and marbled murrelets.

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Wildlife Viewing

Baynes Sound is a haven for marine life. Spot harbor seals lounging on nearby rocks, seabirds like marbled murrelets, and occasionally orcas or humpback whales. Bring binoculars for the best experience (source: Lighthousefriends.com).

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Exploring Denman Island

After taking the ferry to Denman Island, explore its scenic trails, such as the Boyle Point Provincial Park trail (1.5 km from Chrome Island), which offers distant views of the lighthouse and petroglyphs. The island’s artisan shops and cafes are perfect for a relaxing stop (source: Mapcarta.com).

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Scuba Diving

Baynes Sound is renowned for its scuba diving, with vibrant marine ecosystems near Chrome Island. Divers may spot colorful marine life, but a BC fishing license is required for any shellfish harvesting .

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Visiting Hornby Island

 A short ferry ride from Denman Island, Hornby Island offers beaches, hiking trails, and Tribune Bay Provincial Park, known as “Little Hawaii” for its white sandy shores. It’s a great day trip to complement your lighthouse visit .

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What you Can Expect to See Near Chrome Island Lighthouse Visitors

Buttle Lake

Buttle Lake

Are you struggling with spending a ton of time searching for the best family-friendly vacation? Then you need to visit Buttle Lake and get better results camping around it. Learn how Buttle Lake gives you an unfair advantage with camping, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in Strathcona Provincial Park, the oldest provincial park on Vancouver Island.

Comox

Comox

Comox is a town with fishing opportunities, local wildlife, year-round golf and proximity to the Mount Washington ski area, the Forbidden Plateau, and Strathcona Provincial Park. Based on archaeological evidence, there was a Coast Salish fishing settlement at Comox for at least 4,000 years. The area's signature landmark is the Comox Glacier.

Courtenay

Courtenay

Courtenay is the biggest community in the area with daily flights from Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton. It has scenic beaches, rivers, lakes, and popular activities such as Mt. Washington Ski, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, and world-class golfing. Comox Valley is famous for year-round sports and recreational activities among them are bird watching and photography.

Parksville

Parksville

Parksville is known for its scenic, superb sandy beaches. This city is also famous for hiking trails, waterfalls, wildlife, parks, entertainment centres, and many fantastic restaurants and pubs. The city's most popular annual festival is Sandcastle Competition. Englishman River Falls, Little Qualicum Falls, and Englishman River Falls Provincial Park are among the most visited places.

Nanoose Bay

Nanoose Bay

Nanoose Bay is known as a place to relax with its large pebble beach, somewhere between Nanaimo and Parksville. The scene is stunning, specifically in the evening when the sun meets the ocean. No matters how many times you visited the beach, it is always peaceful and attractive. Nanoose Bay is home to many sea animals, and the beach is perfect for digging up some clams.

Qualicum Beach

Qualicum Beach

An excellent picnicking area and sunny weather attract many families in summer to relax on Qualicum Beach. This sandy beach is placed in an area with many facilities and attractions to enjoy your day. Let life lead you to the beach with the incredible landscape of Lasqueti Island Ecological Reserve hills, blue sky and the ocean. Choose kinds of water activities which you delight in doing.

Parksville Beaches

Parksville Beaches

Parksville Beaches is a public beach with endless tidal flats of sand and rock. In July, a fantastic event takes place; the Sand Castle Sculpture Competition and Exhibition. In summer, soaking in the sun and watching the splendid sky could be relaxing. As the beach has an extensive area, it suits children's taste to spend hours running freely, playing and beachcombing.

Goose Spit Park

Goose Spit Park

Goose Spit Park is a long narrow coastal park with a view of the Pacific Ocean and majestic mountains. Lots of driftwoods exist all over the beach. Have a nice walk on the long walkway to see lots of crab and starfish or find some sand dollars. Goose Spit Park offers excellent opportunities for water sports like swimming, kayaking, and surfing.

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park

Mother of nature is so generous when it comes to Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. With an old-growth Douglas-fir forest, the park features Cameron Lake, Little Qualicum Falls, and the Little Qualicum River. This stunning park offers a chance for excellent camping. The trails are made up of wooden stairs and gravel sections that lead to the falls making beautiful scenery for photography.

Milner Gardens & Woodland

Milner Gardens & Woodland

Milner Gardens & Woodland is on the list of the top ten public gardens in Canada. It is among old-growth Douglas fir forest, on the edge of an oceanside bluff. The garden is well known for its rhododendrons in spring and Japanese maples in fall. Strolling through the wide walkways makes a great family time. Enjoy it and have tea in its traditional tea room.

Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens

Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens

Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens is a fantastic natural garden with delightful paths, a creek, and great open spaces. It is home to plenty of native plants, wildflowers, and birds. The garden features one of the largest collections of rhododendrons in Western Canada, with over 3000 plantings. The best time to visit is from March to the end of June when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.

Dolphin Beach

Dolphin Beach

Dolphin Beach is known for its scuba diving site. Whether you are a beginner or professional, challenge your skills and explore marine life. See one of the world's best landscapes since twilight when the beach slowly lit and the sky is getting orange. The beach is more stunning with the trees at the backside and their shadow on the water surface.

Minigill Cave

Minigill Cave

Minigill Cave is a hidden gem and one of the natural wonders of Vancouver Island. The entrance is a gap on a rocky ground with no signs around and is surrounded by tall trees as it is placed in a forest. The cave is suitable for professional cavers and exploring it needs equipment. The fascinating formations, stalagmites, and stalactites are what you can expect.

Nitinat Caves

Nitinat Caves

Caves teach us to face our fears. They are signs of history and are full of secrets. Nitinat Caves are a series of small and not very deep caves between Bamfield and Port Renfrew. It needs a sharp eye to find the entrance along the river. Water flows in them, and they lead you to a canyon with gem green water perfect for swimming. The caves offer you beauty and great scenes.

French Beach

French Beach

Time does not move on the beach, but your mood does with currents. French Beach is a rocky beach in French Beach Provincial Park, which has a wide swath of green lawn at the backside and the blue ocean in front. Relax and enjoy having a picnic with your family or take a dip in the water. You can have a view of Olympic Mountain if the weather is not foggy.

Best Time to Visit Chrome Island Lighthouse

Planning your perfect getaway to Vancouver Island's  requires careful consideration of seasonal conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Below is a detailed overview of the optimal times to visit, along with key factors to consider:

Month

Weather Conditions

Access & Visibility

Considerations

January

Cool and wet; frequent storms and high winds.

Limited access; rough seas common.

Not ideal for sightseeing; hazardous boating.

February

Cool temperatures; some sunny breaks, still wet.

Limited; weather-dependent boat conditions.

Good time for storm watchers; not for casual visits.

March

Milder; spring showers and increasing daylight.

Improving sea conditions; still unpredictable.

Bird activity begins; prepare for variable weather.

April

Variable; mix of sun and rain, moderate winds.

More stable weather; boat visits possible.

Seal activity increases; binoculars recommended.

May

Cooler temperatures with increased rainfall.

Accessible by boat with caution due to rain.

Bring rain gear; fewer tourists, good for solitude.

June

Mild temperatures; moderate rainfall, longer days.

Generally good boat access; calmer seas.

Prime wildlife viewing; calmer waters ideal for photography.

July

Warm and dry; sunny with calm seas.

Ideal for boat access and viewing conditions.

Best time to visit; ideal for boating, wildlife viewing, and photography.

August

Warm temperatures; low rainfall, excellent visibility.

Excellent accessibility and photo opportunities.

Peak visiting season; calm weather and rich marine life.

September

Cooling temperatures; higher chance of fog and rain.

Possible fog; boat access variable.

Watch for migratory birds; bring layers for changing weather.

October

Cooler and wetter; frequent fog and rain.

Decreasing visibility; rougher waters.

Weather turns; fewer visitors, dress for rain and wind.

November

Wet and windy; storm season begins.

Challenging access; storm risks.

Not recommended for casual visits; dangerous conditions.

December

Cold, wet, and stormy; limited visibility.

Limited access; harsh weather and poor visibility.

Storm season; visit only if experienced and prepared.

Exploring Chrome Island Lighthouse: Recommendations

Visiting Chrome Island Lighthouse involves boat-based exploration due to restricted island access.
Below are recommendations for a safe and enjoyable visit.

Popular Vancouver Island accommodations near chrome Island Lighthouse

If you're planning a visit to Chrome Island Lighthouse off the coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and seeking accommodations nearby, there are several options in the surrounding areas of Deep Bay, Bowser, and Qualicum Beach. Here are some popular choices:

The Beach House at Deep Bay

Located on "the Spit" near a marina and sandy beaches, this beachfront home offers comfortable accommodations with a sunroom, lush garden, and private beach area. Guests can enjoy sea views and a serene environment

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Qualicum Breeze Beach Resort

 Situated in Bowser, this 4-star resort provides seven rooms with sea views. Amenities include a spa bathtub, separate toilet, shower, hairdryers, and towel

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Most Frequent Questions about Chrome Island Lighthouse

Chrome Island Lighthouse is located just off the southeastern coast of Vancouver Island, near Denman Island and Deep Bay, in British Columbia, Canada. It sits in the Salish Sea and serves as a key navigational aid for vessels navigating Baynes Sound and approaching Vancouver Island’s east coast.
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Alireza Moghimehfar

2025 February 19

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