Name and Location

The Pointe-du-Chêne Lighthouse is located at 74 Pointe-du-Chêne Wharf Rd, Pointe-du-Chêne, NB E4P 5J6, Canada.

2. Construction and History

The Pointe-du-Chêne Lighthouse was built in 1885 as part of the Canadian government's efforts to improve maritime safety along the Saint Lawrence River. The original tower stood at a height of 30 feet (9 meters) and featured a fixed white light that could be seen for up to 10 miles (16 kilometers). The lighthouse was decommissioned in the early 2000s, but has been preserved as a historical landmark and tourist attraction.

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse was designed in the typical Victorian-era style, with a three-story brick building featuring a square tower with a pyramidal roof. The original structure has undergone several renovations over the years, including a major restoration project in the 1990s that restored its original charm.

4. Light and Navigation

The Pointe-du-Chêne Lighthouse was originally operated manually by a lightkeeper who would need to climb the tower regularly to clean the lens, fuel the lamp, and maintain the equipment. With modernization, the lighthouse was automated in the 1960s, allowing for remote monitoring and control.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the Pointe-du-Chêne Lighthouse during regular hours, which are typically from May to October. Guided tours are available, providing insight into the lighthouse's history and significance.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

From the top of the lighthouse, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area, including the Saint Lawrence River and the nearby town of Shediac. The view is particularly breathtaking during sunset or sunrise, when the sky is painted with hues of orange and pink. The surrounding landscape features rolling hills, farmland, and rugged coastline.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

Locals often share stories of ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena surrounding the lighthouse, adding to its mystique and allure.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The original tower stood at a height of 30 feet (9 meters) and featured a fixed white light that could be seen for up to 10 miles (16 kilometers). The lighthouse was decommissioned in the early 2000s, but has been preserved as a historical landmark and tourist attraction.

9. Further Information

The Pointe-du-Chêne Lighthouse has been recognized as a heritage site by the Province of New Brunswick and is listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places. For those interested in learning more about the lighthouse, several books and articles are available online, including historical accounts and photographs.