The Northern Light

The Northern Light is a lighthouse located on Water Street in Westport, Canada.

History

• The Northern Light has been guiding mariners since its construction in 1875.
• The lighthouse was built to serve as a navigational aid for the busy shipping lanes of the Great Lakes.

Architecture

The tower stands at a height of 14 meters (46 feet) above sea level, with a focal height of 21 meters (69 feet).

The lighthouse is constructed from cast iron and features a distinctive cylindrical shape.

The light source is a first-order Fresnel lens, which emits a white light that can be seen up to 21 nautical miles away.

Light Characteristics

• The Northern Light's light pattern consists of a flashing sequence of three seconds on, followed by nine seconds off.
• This sequence is repeated every 30 minutes.

The lighthouse also features a fog signal, which is a horn that sounds at regular intervals to warn mariners of the presence of icebergs.

Current Status

The Northern Light remains an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since its construction.

The lighthouse is still maintained by the Canadian Coast Guard and is regularly inspected to ensure its continued safe operation.

Location and Accessibility

The Northern Light is located on Water Street in Westport, Canada.

Visitors can access the lighthouse via a short walk from the nearby town center.

A parking area is available near the lighthouse, and there are no formal guided tours.

Heritage Status

The Northern Light has been designated as a historic landmark by the Canadian government, recognizing its importance as a navigational aid during the 19th century.

Notable Historical Events

• The Northern Light played an important role in the early days of maritime navigation on the Great Lakes.
• In the late 19th century, the lighthouse was used to guide ships through treacherous waters, including the notorious "Gulf of St. Lawrence".