The Point Atkinson lighthouse has long been a focal
point for mariners, tourists, and local communities.
The lighthouse at Point Atkinson was built in 1875
to protect Vancouver's growing international
shipping trade. While the first keepers struggled
with adapting to the isolated location and stayed
only a few years, later keepers stayed for many
decades. The isolation was eased by the increasing
proximity of the city of Vancouver and its suburbs.
Keepers and their families had challenging but | interesting lives. Keepers often struggled with low
wages and the constant demands of the job. Wives and
children helped out the keeper, while keeping up
with housework, cooking, and attending school.
During World War II, Point Atkinson was used as a
base from which to protect the Port of Vancouver.
Point Atkinson lighthouse and its surrounding park
remain important to the residents of West Vancouver,
tourists and mariners.
Special thanks to all the individuals who
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