Cranberry Islands Lighthouse

Structure: Cranberry Islands Lighthouse sits at the southern tip of Cranberry Island, a small landmass positioned about three kilometers east of Cape Canso, Nova Scotia. Its primary role was to guide mariners navigating the southern approach into Chedabucto Bay, a vital waterway. The history of illumination in this area dates back to 1818, when the first light station was established at the island's northern end. Over the decades, several towers served that initial location before the light was relocated to the south end in 1929. The 1929 structure was unique, a two-story keeper's house with the lantern integrated into its roof. This design was eventually replaced in 1971 by a skeletal tower, which itself had a short tenure before being moved to Jeddore Rock in 1977. The current lighthouse, built in 1978 after a brief period of inactivity, now stands abandoned and inactive, its future uncertain. While the site remains open for visitors arriving by boat, the tower itself is closed, offering only distant views from the mainland at Union Street in Canso. The station's two-story wood duplex keeper's house, a relic of its operational past, is currently in a dilapidated state, reflecting the station's endangered status.

Significant events: First light station established at north end of island 1818, light brought to south end 1929, 1929 lighthouse replaced 1971, 1971 tower relocated to Jeddore Rock 1977, station inactive 1977-78, present lighthouse built 1978, currently inactive and endangered