Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Cape Sable Lighthouse

Fl White 5s🇨🇦The Hawk, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cape Sable Lighthouse

An octagonal concrete tower built in 1924, Cape Sable Lighthouse stands 31 meters tall and emits a white flash every 5 seconds. Its lantern is painted red, complementing the white structure. The lighthouse is situated on a small island off Cape Sable Island, marking the southern edge of Nova Scotia and guarding the entrance to the Bay of Fundy. The station was first established in 1861, with the current tower replacing an earlier wooden structure. Significant restoration efforts, including repainting and concrete repairs, were undertaken between 2013 and 2017, supported by the Friends of Cape Sable Lighthouse group. The original Fresnel lens was discovered in 2018 and is undergoing restoration.

Why it matters: This lighthouse serves as a critical navigational aid for vessels entering the Bay of Fundy from Nova Scotia's southern coast. Its strategic location warns mariners of the hazardous waters surrounding Cape Sable Island.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
30m
Geographic Range
15.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1924

Significant events: Station established 1861, current tower built 1924, Friends of Cape Sable Lighthouse support group formed, $95,000 raised for repainting and repair in 2013, repainting completed October 2013, major restoration announced April 2015, restoration work underway late 2016 and early 2017, long-lost Fresnel lens discovered October 2018, Fresnel lens sent to Maritime Museum of the Atlantic for restoration, original wood tower relocated to Yarmouth in 1991

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
31m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: octagonal concrete tower with lantern and gallery, painted white; lantern painted red

Location

City
The Hawk
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Nova Scotia
Sea Region
Southern tip of Nova Scotia, guarding the entrance to the Bay of Fundy, located on a small island just off Cape Sable Island.
Latitude
43.3903°
Longitude
-65.6215°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Stoney Island(3.1 km)
Admiralty No.
H3784
NGA No.
10508
ARLHS No.
CAN-106
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Cape Sable Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Canada, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Cape Sable Lighthouse at night?+
Cape Sable displays the characteristic Fl White 5s. 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 Sable Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cape Sable Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Clark's Harbour at 3.6 NM to the N. Other ports served include Stoney Island (5.2 NM NNE), Shag harbour (7.1 NM NNW), Lower Woods Harbour (9 NM NNW), Barrington (10.9 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cape Sable Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cape Sable 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 Sable Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cape Sable 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.