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Northern Light Lighthouse

Northern Lighthouse, Water St, Westport, NS B0V 1H0, Canada

Name and Location

The Northern Light Lighthouse is located at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy in Westport, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Construction and History

The Northern Light Lighthouse was constructed in 1857 to serve as a vital aid to navigation for ships entering or leaving the Bay of Fundy. The lighthouse replaced earlier warning systems, which were insufficient to guide vessels safely through the treacherous waters. Initially, it was manned by a keeper who maintained the light, fog signal, and surrounding aids to navigation.

Architecture and Materials

The Northern Light Lighthouse is a typical example of mid-19th century lighthouse design, featuring a traditional tapered tower shape with a distinctive white and black striped pattern. The structure's foundation is anchored to the bedrock beneath Water Street, ensuring stability in the harsh marine environment.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse stands 14 meters (46 feet) tall and was originally equipped with a horn fog signal. In 1961, the Canadian Coast Guard automated the light, replacing the need for human intervention. Today, it remains an important navigational beacon, serving as a vital reference point for mariners.

Accessibility and Visiting

No information available on accessibility or visiting the lighthouse.

Notable Views and Landscape

No information available on notable views or landscape surrounding the lighthouse.

Anecdotes and Folklore

The Northern Light Lighthouse is one of the most iconic and historic lighthouses in Canada, making it a crucial aid to navigation for vessels traveling through this treacherous stretch of water.

Technical and Operational Details

  • * Height: 14 meters (46 feet)
  • * Light character: Fl (alternating flash)
  • * Color: White
  • * Range: 21 kilometers (13 miles)
  • * Period: 9 seconds

Further Information

Sources:

  • Canadian Coast Guard
  • Natural Resources Canada - CanVec 10.0
  • Wikidata: Q28375786

Details

NameNorthern Light Lighthouse
CityWestport
CountryCanada
Coordinates44.2869475, -66.3420426
Year of construction1857
Historic significancerole in maritime history
Storiesone of the most iconic and historic lighthouses in Canada
Focal height0
Tower height14
Renovationsautomated in 1961
Access descriptionWater Street
Accessibletrue
Landscape typerocky coast
View descriptionstrategic location at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy
Light characteristicFl (alternating flash)
Light range13
Automatedtrue