Squarry Island Lighthouse
MV2C+QJ Bonavista, NL, Canada
Name and Location
The Squarry Island Lighthouse is located in Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, standing sentinel over the rocky shores of Trinity Bay.
2. Construction and History
The original lighthouse was constructed in 1848 with a height of 15 meters (49 feet) above sea level. The light characteristic is Fl (3) W 15s, indicating that the light is visible for 15 seconds every 3 minutes. The beacon emits white light with a range of 5 nautical miles.
3. Architecture and Materials
The lighthouse's architecture is characterized by its cylindrical shape, with a height of approximately 30 meters (98 feet). The structure is constructed from local stone and has undergone several renovations over the years. The original tower was built using local limestone and granite, while the more recent additions feature a mix of brick and concrete.
4. Light and Navigation
The Squarry Island Lighthouse was automated in the mid-20th century, marking the end of an era for lighthouse keepers. Although it no longer requires manual operation, the light remains an important navigational aid for mariners navigating Trinity Bay.
5. Accessibility and Visiting
Visitors can access the lighthouse grounds, which offer stunning views of Trinity Bay and the surrounding coastline. The site is part of the Cape Bonavista Discovery Centre, a museum showcasing the region's maritime history. Guided tours are available during peak season (summer months).
6. Notable Views and Landscape
The area is known for its rich marine life, including whales, seals, and seabirds. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of Trinity Bay and the surrounding rugged coastline.
7. Anecdotes and Folklore
The lighthouse has been a subject of local legend, with tales of ghostly apparitions and unexplained occurrences. While these stories are intriguing, they remain unsubstantiated and are intended to add to the lighthouse's mystique.
8. Technical and Operational Details
No AIS or radar installation information is available for the Squarry Island Lighthouse. Refer to Canadian Hydrographic Service chart #4328 (Trinity Bay) for navigation guidance.
9. Further Information
Visiting hours: Summer months (June to September), 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Winter months (October to May), 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Entrance fee: CAD $8. Guided tours available during peak season. On-site facilities include a gift shop, museum exhibits, and scenic viewing areas.
Details
| Name | Squarry Island Lighthouse |
|---|---|
| City | Bonavista |
| Country | Canada |
| Coordinates | 48.6519106, -53.1284271 |
| Year of construction | 1848 |
| Events | 1873 shipwreck of the SS Atlantic |
| Historic significance | Vital aid to navigation for mariners; national historic site |
| Stories | Local folklore: ghostly apparitions, unexplained occurrences |
| Architectural style | Cylindrical with local stone and brick/concrete additions |
| Construction material | Local stone, limestone, granite, brick, and concrete |
| Focal height | 15 |
| Tower height | 30 |
| Heritage status | true |
| Renovations | Using local limestone and granite, then brick and concrete |
| Access description | By car, boat, footpath |
| Accessible | true |
| Landscape type | Rocky coast, dunes, island |
| View description | Stunning views of Trinity Bay and the surrounding coastline |
| Guided tours | true |
| Facilities | Gift shop, museum exhibits, scenic viewing areas |
| Entrance fee | 8 |
| Opening hours | {"summer":"9:00 AM – 5:00 PM","winter":"10:00 AM – 4:00 PM"} |
| Nearby attractions | Cape Bonavista Discovery Centre, Bonavista Lighthouse, Trinity and Heart's Content communities |
| Light characteristic | Fl (3) W 15s |
| Light range | 5 |
| Automated | true |