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Cape Forchu Lighthouse

Fl White 12s🇨🇦Cape Forchu, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cape Forchu Lighthouse

Also known as: Cape Forchu (Yarmouth)

This cylindrical concrete lighthouse, built in 1962, stands 23.5 meters tall with a focal height of 35 meters. Its distinctive hexagonal shape flares outward towards the top, featuring a gallery and lantern. The tower is painted with vertical red and white stripes. Located near Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, it emits a white flash every 12 seconds, visible for 16.2 nautical miles. This modern structure serves as an active navigational aid along the Canadian coast.

Why it matters: The lighthouse's unusual apple core design makes it a notable visual landmark for mariners and a point of interest for visitors.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 12s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Fl W 12s
Focal Height
35m
Light Range
12NM (22.2 km)
Geographic Range
16.2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1962

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Yarmouth(2.4 km)
Admiralty No.
H3820
ARLHS No.
CAN-097

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
23.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
with vertical red and white stripes
Material
concrete

Structure: apple core hexagonal cylindrical concrete tower with flared top, gallery, and lantern

Location

City
Cape Forchu
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Nova Scotia
Latitude
43.7943°
Longitude
-66.1553°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Cape Forchu Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 35 meters and a nominal range of 12 nautical miles (approximately 22.2 km), Cape Forchu is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Cape Forchu Lighthouse at night?+
Cape Forchu displays the characteristic Fl White 12s. 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Cape Forchu Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cape Forchu Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Yarmouth at 2.4 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Lower Argyle (14.4 NM ESE), Lower east pubnico (19.8 NM SE), Lower Woods Harbour (24.8 NM SE), Shag harbour (26.7 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cape Forchu Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cape Forchu 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 Cape Forchu Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cape Forchu 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.