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Cape North Lighthouse

Fl White 8s🇨🇦Bay St. Lawrence East, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cape North Lighthouse

The current square skeletal tower at Cape North, standing 14.5 meters tall, was first lit in 2010. It displays a white light with a single flash every 8 seconds, visible for 16 nautical miles. The structure features red and white horizontal bands and carries a slatted daymark. This lighthouse is situated on Money Point, 1.6 kilometers south-southeast of the cape's northern extremity. The station was established in 1876, and the 2010 tower replaced a lighthouse built in 1980. The previous lighthouse, which had served from 1907 to 1980, was a relocated structure originally built in 1856.

Why it matters: The history of this site includes the relocation of an 1856 cast iron tower to the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 8s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
8s
Raw Code
Fl W 8s
Focal Height
34m
Geographic Range
16NM

Construction & History

Year Built
2010

Significant events: Station established 1876, current lighthouse built 2010, replaced 1980 lighthouse, 1907-1980 lighthouse (originally 1856 Cape Race tower) relocated to Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Ingonish(20.5 km)
ARLHS No.
CAN-103

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14.5m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
red and white horizontal bands

Structure: square skeletal tower; the tower carries a slatted daymark colored with red and white horizontal bands

Location

City
Bay St. Lawrence East
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Nova Scotia
Sea Region
Northern extremity of Cape Breton Island, located on Money Point, 1.6 km south southeast of the point of the cape
Latitude
47.0290°
Longitude
-60.3917°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Cape North Lighthouse at night?+
Cape North displays the characteristic Fl White 8s. 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 North Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cape North Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Dingwall at 8.3 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Ingonish (20.5 NM S), Chéticamp (35.7 NM SW), Neil's Harbour (47.2 NM S), North Sydney (49.1 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cape North Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cape North 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 North Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cape North 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.