Name and Location

Point Riche Lighthouse, also known informally as "Port au Choix Light," is situated at the tip of the Port au Chois peninsula in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Its official address is MHXQ+9R Port au Choix, NL, Canada.

Construction and History

The exact date of construction for Point Riche Lighthouse is not recorded, but it is believed to have been built in the late 19th or early 20th century. The lighthouse has undergone automation and is currently unmanned and fully automated under Canadian Coast Guard operation. Although it does not hold a formal provincial or federal heritage designation, its location within sight of the Port au Choix National Historic Site makes it an important part of Canada's maritime history.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse features a utilitarian maritime design with a square, tapered tower made of reinforced concrete and attached to a one-storey keeper's house. The structure is marked by white walls with red trim on the lantern room and gable ends.

Light and Navigation

Point Riche Lighthouse guides local fishing vessels and recreational craft along Newfoundland's northwestern shore. Its light characteristic is estimated to be Fl(2) W 10s, although mariners should consult official Notices to Mariners for confirmation. The nominal range of the light is approximately 8-10 nautical miles.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse grounds, but the tower itself is closed to the public due to safety concerns. Parking is available off Point Riche Road. Nearby facilities include the Port au Choix National Historic Site Interpretation Centre, which offers museums, trails, and guided archaeology tours.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape features rugged Newfoundland coastline, rocky headlands, and boreal scrub vegetation. The lighthouse offers panoramic vistas over the Gulf of St. Lawrence, making it an ideal spot for seabird watching and sunset photography.

Anecdotes and Folklore

• For thousands of years, the Port au Choix area has been home to seasonal fishing stations. Point Riche Lighthouse has played a crucial role in helping vessels navigate this shifting, rocky shoreline.
• Early keepers and their families lived year-round in the dwelling, relying on supply runs by boat or winter-ice sledge during harsh winters.

Technical and Operational Details

Point Riche Lighthouse is managed by the Canadian Coast Guard (Maritime Aids to Navigation). It is fully automated, with electricity supplied by on-site solar panels and backup batteries. The lighthouse does not have a radar installation or an AIS transponder.

Further Information

Note: Certain technical specifications (year built, precise light characteristic, exact heights) were not available in the provided data. Mariners should always consult the latest official nautical publications before voyage planning.