Pictou Island West End Lighthouse

The Pictou Island West End Lighthouse is a notable lighthouse located on Pictou Island, off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada.

History

• The construction of the Pictou Island West End Lighthouse began in 1905. The tower was built to serve as a navigational aid for mariners navigating the Northumberland Strait.
• The lighthouse has undergone several renovations and restorations over the years, with the most recent being in the 1990s.

Architecture

The Pictou Island West End Lighthouse is a traditional wooden lighthouse with a distinctive red-and-white striped exterior. The tower stands at a height of approximately 25 meters (82 feet) above sea level, while its focal height reaches 30 meters (98 feet). The lantern room features a fourth-order Fresnel lens, which provides a beam of light that can be seen for up to 20 nautical miles.

Light Characteristics

The Pictou Island West End Lighthouse emits a fixed white light with a range of approximately 20 nautical miles. The light is visible from a distance of several kilometers and plays an important role in guiding mariners safely through the Northumberland Strait.

Current Status

The Pictou Island West End Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since its construction. The lighthouse is currently maintained by the Canadian Coast Guard and is open to visitors during the summer months.

Location and Accessibility

Pictou Island is located approximately seven kilometers north of Nova Scotia and nineteen kilometers south of Prince Edward Island. The island can be accessed via a seasonal passenger-only ferry service, which operates from May to November. Visitors can also reach the island by air via Cessna airplanes operating out of an airport in nearby Trenton.

Heritage Status

The Pictou Island West End Lighthouse is listed as a historic site on Pictou Island and is protected under the Nova Scotia Heritage Property Act.

Notable Historical Events

• The Pictou Island West End Lighthouse has played an important role in maritime history, serving as a navigational aid for mariners navigating the Northumberland Strait.
• The lighthouse has also been featured in several publications and documentaries, highlighting its significance as a historic landmark on Pictou Island.