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Balache Point Range Rear Lighthouse

F Red🇨🇦Port Hastings, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Balache Point Range Rear Lighthouse

The Balache Point Range Rear lighthouse, built in 1963, is a 6-meter tall square pyramidal wood tower. It is painted white with a red vertical stripe on the range line, and its lantern is red. This structure stands at the northern entrance to the Canso Canal, guiding vessels entering the waterway. The light itself is red and displays a fixed red characteristic. Its focal height is 9 meters, with a geographic range of 10 nautical miles. The lighthouse is located off the Trans-Canada Highway, near Aulds Cove.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for guiding ships into the Canso Canal, a critical passage that allows vessels to bypass the Strait of Canso's tidal currents.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F Red
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
Red
Raw Code
F R
Focal Height
9m
Geographic Range
10NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1963

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Aulds Cove(0.8 km)
Admiralty No.
H3436.1
NGA No.
8708
ARLHS No.
CAN-017

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
6m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white with a red vertical stripe on the range line
Material
wood

Structure: square pyramidal wood tower with lantern and gallery, painted white with a red vertical stripe on the range line; lantern is red

Location

City
Port Hastings
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Nova Scotia
Sea Region
northern entrance to the Canso Canal, off the Trans-Canada Highway just west of the Canso Causeway, guiding vessels entering the Canso Canal which provides a tidal lock for safe navigation of the narrow Strait of Canso separating Cape Breton Island from the mainland
Latitude
45.6481°
Longitude
-61.4144°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Balache Point Range Rear Lighthouse at night?+
Balache Point Range Rear displays the characteristic F Red. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Balache Point Range Rear Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Balache Point Range Rear Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Aulds Cove at 0.8 NM to the W. Other ports served include Port Hawkesbury (2.8 NM SE), Point Tupper (3.5 NM SE), Guysborough (15.4 NM SSW), Arichat (18.5 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Balache Point Range Rear Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Balache Point Range Rear Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Balache Point Range Rear Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Balache Point Range Rear Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.