Trial Island Lighthouse

The Lighthouse on Trial Island at the entrance to Victoria Harbour was constructed in 1906.
The long, narrow island is separated from the shore at the end of Marine Drive by only a short distance. The lighthouse can be viewed in the distance from the shore.

When British naval vessels were refitted at Esquimalt Harbour they were sailed to an island just off of Oak Bay and then sailed back, completing a trial run. Thus the island was eventually given the name ’Trial Island’. Enterprise Channel is the narrow (300 feet) body of water that lies between Oak Bay and Trial Island that is known to be treacherous because it has strong tide races.

Trial Island Lighthouse BC

Whales, tall ship wreck and oceanside vineyards

the Crowther Family Boating Journal: Our Alaska cruise pulled in to Vancouver just after 7:30 am and by 11:30 we met up with Dieter. Our flight back home to Australia left the next day. With Dieter’s planning advice it all went like clockwork. We flew in to Ganges from the Vancouver harbour on a float plane with Salt Spring Island Air where Dieter met us. After enjoying an excellent lunch on Salt Spring we headed south through the Gulf Islands and stopped at the Saturna Island Vineyards to sample their wines and bought a few bottles. This oceanside vineyard reminded us of those back home in southern Australia near Melbourne. We also saw a tall ship wrecked on a reef near there. We passed through the San Juans where we spent an hour or so watching a super pod of Orcas. A large male breached completely out of the water just a few hundred yards from the boat. This is an experience we will never forget and recommend to anyone who loves the ocean and wildlife. Dieter dropped us off in Victoria right next to the West Coast Air float plane docks at 5:30 pm. By 7:00 pm we were back in our hotel in Vancouver! What a perfect day. This was the icing on our perfect week to the west coast. Thank you "Birds of a Feather". Next time we’ll be back to stay at your B&B in Victoria.