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Bunker Island Lighthouse

F Red🇨🇦Sand Beach, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Bunker Island Lighthouse

This cylindrical concrete tower, standing 9 meters tall, was built in 1960 on a caisson structure dating to 1892. It is painted white with a single vertical red stripe. The station was first established in 1874, with an earlier lighthouse replaced in 1923 before the current tower was erected. A lantern was added to the present structure in 1984. The light emits a continuous red signal visible for 10.4 nautical miles. The tower's focal height is 10 meters. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself remains closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse guides maritime traffic into Yarmouth Harbour.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F Red
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
Red
Raw Code
F R
Focal Height
10m
Geographic Range
10.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1960
First Lit
1874

Significant events: station established 1874, original lighthouse replaced 1923, lantern added to present tower 1984

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with a vertical red stripe
Material
concrete, steel

Structure: square cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, rising from a small fog signal building, mounted on a concrete and steel caisson (1892)

Location

City
Sand Beach
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Nova Scotia
Sea Region
on the east side of Yarmouth Harbour at the end of Sand Beach Road less than a mile north of Cape Forchu
Latitude
43.8129°
Longitude
-66.1418°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Yarmouth(1.2 km)
ARLHS No.
CAN-062
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Bunker Island Lighthouse at night?+
Bunker Island 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 Bunker Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Bunker Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Yarmouth at 1.2 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Lower Argyle (14.2 NM ESE), Lower east pubnico (20 NM SE), Lower Woods Harbour (25.1 NM SE), Shag harbour (27 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Bunker Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Bunker Island 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 Bunker Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Bunker Island 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.