Categories: Travel

This lighthouse with a treacherous history is known as B.C.’s ‘Little Alcatraz’

Photo via Shutterstock

B.C. is home to over 90 National Historic Sites, and one worth exploring in the coming months is Canada’s own “Little Alcatraz,” which sits atop a group of three islets at the western entrance of Brown Passage called Triple Islands.

As far as lighthouses go, the Triple Islands Lighthouse has quite a story to tell. Completed in 1920 after four years of construction on exposed bedrock, the “treacherous” project is considered one of the most hazardous in Canadian Maritime history, according to the Government of Canada.

It was all to help guide marine traffic and deep-sea ships navigating to and from Prince Rupert.

Photo via Library and Archives Canada, Department of Transport

According to the site description, the massive concrete station consists of an octagonal 23-metre-high tower attached to a rectangular structure housing the keepers’ quarters and machinery.

“The Triple Islands Lighthouse is a symbol of the Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii maritime communities,” says the Government of Canada. “Known locally as ‘The Rock’ or ‘Little Alcatraz,’ the Triple Islands Lighthouse is a familiar landmark for captains, crew, and passengers on both ships and aircraft.”

Whether you’re a history buff or a nature lover, you’ll find both here. So if you find yourself in the Prince Rupert area in the coming months, this is absolutely a landmark worth checking out!