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Cape Sharp Lighthouse

Oc White 10s🇨🇦West Bay, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cape Sharp Lighthouse

The Cape Sharp Lighthouse stands at the northern entrance to the Minas Basin, west of Parrsboro, Nova Scotia. The current square pyramidal wood tower, painted white with red trim, was built in 1973 and stands 10.5 meters tall, with its light positioned 18 meters above sea level. It emits an occulting white light that is on for 10 seconds. The original station was established in 1886 with a wooden tower attached to a keeper's house. That original keeper's house was later sold and moved from the site. The lighthouse remains operational, with its light visible for 12.7 nautical miles. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for navigation into and out of the Minas Basin, a waterway recognized for its significant tidal range, and it marks a critical point at the basin's northern entrance.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc White 10s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Oc W 10s
Focal Height
18m
Geographic Range
12.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1973
First Lit
1886

Significant events: Original keeper's house sold and relocated

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10.5m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white with red trim
Material
wood

Structure: square pyramidal wood tower with lantern and gallery, painted white with red trim; lantern is red

Location

City
West Bay
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Nova Scotia
Sea Region
on the point at the north side of the entrance to the Minas Basin west of Parrsboro
Latitude
45.3646°
Longitude
-64.3921°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Parrsboro(3.5 km)
Admiralty No.
H3950
NGA No.
11004
ARLHS No.
CAN-108
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Cape Sharp Lighthouse at night?+
Cape Sharp displays the characteristic Oc White 10s. 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 Sharp Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cape Sharp Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Parrsboro at 3.2 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Avonport (17 NM SSE), Walton (18.2 NM ESE), Windsor (25.4 NM SSE), Port Elgin (42.2 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cape Sharp Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cape Sharp 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 Sharp Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cape Sharp 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.