Finding this beach and getting to walk along it was one of my big goals for this visit. Two years ago, I went looking for the Lighthouse and eventually decided that it was fake. That story can be read at https://returntofortsalem.com/2023/10/11/vancouver-pilgrimage-the-lighthouse/
But it was clear that I was in the right area. The geology was right, so was the type of vegetation. I suggested at the time, that it might be one of the bays north of Lighthouse Park, leading up to Horseshoe Bay. So, I did a lot more research, including checking satellite imagery for the coastline between Lighthouse Park and Horseshoe Bay.
This looked very promising. Whytecliff Beach, just south of Horseshoe Bay. Address Whytecliff Park, 7102 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2T3
I was also fortunate to come across some production information, which had a scan of where they intended to film the beach scene from episode 1.06. It was a pretty good match. I was determined to get there on my second visit.
This is what it looks like in real life. There is even convenient car parking near the beach. The area is very popular with divers and we saw some divers there. It is an easy walk into the water for diving.
This is what the beach looked like during filming.
The beach itself is not very big, but big enough for Tally and Abigail to run along. And certainly big enough for families to picnic on and enjoy.
The Lighthouse was one of the defining images of Motherland. It was a very powerful surprise in episode 3.09 when Raelle and Scylla finally got to their Lighthouse. This is where the Lighthouse would have been if it had really existed. I would have preferred it is it had been actually there, but finding where it was supposed to be was the next best thing.
There are some behind the scenes photos of The Unit that help to identify the location too.
I even climbed up to where the Lighthouse would have been and took photos of the beach from up there.
This was one of my top 5 filming sites that I wanted to visit. The Lighthouse beach will always have a very special place in the hearts of Raylla fans. I was very glad to have finally made it to their Lighthouse.
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