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Caribou Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 20s🇨🇦Caribou Island, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Caribou Lighthouse

Also known as: Caribou (Caribou Island, Caribou Point)

The Caribou Lighthouse, built in 1971, is a 12.5-meter tall white cylindrical concrete tower with red trim. It stands at Caribou Point on the northern end of Caribou Island, which is connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. The light emits three white flashes every 20 seconds, visible for 11.3 nautical miles. The original utility building attached to the tower was demolished in 2016. In 2018, the Canadian Coast Guard completed repairs and repainting of the tower. The lighthouse is viewable from ferries traveling between Caribou and Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island.

Why it matters: The lighthouse precisely marks Caribou Point, a significant navigational feature at the northern end of Caribou Island. Community-led preservation efforts since 2016 highlight its cultural value and strong local connection.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White 20s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Fl(3) W 20s
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1971

Significant events: Preservation group 'Friends of Caribou Island Lighthouse' formed 2016, utility building demolished 2016, Coast Guard repaired and repainted tower 2018

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Pictou(5.5 km)
Admiralty No.
H1272
NGA No.
8576
ARLHS No.
CAN-119

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with red trim
Material
concrete

Structure: square cylindrical concrete tower formerly attached to a a 1-story utility building

Location

City
Caribou Island
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Nova Scotia
Sea Region
Caribou Point on the north end of Caribou Island, connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, accessible by road from Waterside. Viewable from ferries sailing between Caribou and Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island.
Latitude
45.7646°
Longitude
-62.6806°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Caribou Lighthouse at night?+
Caribou displays the characteristic Fl (3) White 20s — 3 white flashes every 20 seconds. 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 Caribou Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Caribou Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Pictou at 6.1 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Merigomish (14.2 NM SE), Beach Point (17.2 NM NNE), Montague (24.1 NM N), Georgetown (25.5 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Caribou Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Caribou 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 Caribou Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Caribou 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.