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Cross Island Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇨🇦Cross Island, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cross Island Lighthouse

The Cross Island Lighthouse stands on the highest point of the island, marking the center of the entrance to Lunenburg Bay. Its operational history began in 1832, though the current cylindrical steel tower was constructed in 1980, replacing an earlier structure that burned in 1960. A temporary skeletal tower served navigation needs during the interim. The white tower, 11.5 meters tall, supports a red lantern and gallery. Its light emits a single white flash every 10 seconds, visible for 14.3 nautical miles. The site is accessible by boat, with the island open to visitors but the tower remaining closed.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is essential for safe navigation into Lunenburg Bay, a key maritime center. The presence of dilapidated keeper's houses also presents a notable preservation challenge.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
25m
Geographic Range
14.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1980
First Lit
1832

Significant events: original lighthouse burned in 1960, skeletal tower used temporarily

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
steel

Structure: round steel tower with lantern and gallery, painted white; lantern is red

Location

City
Cross Island
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Nova Scotia
Sea Region
entrance to Lunenburg Bay
Latitude
44.3122°
Longitude
-64.1684°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Lunenburg(6.8 km)
Admiralty No.
H3698
NGA No.
10160
ARLHS No.
CAN-154
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Cross Island Lighthouse at night?+
Cross Island displays the characteristic Fl 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 Cross Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cross Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Lunenburg at 7 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include La Have (8 NM WSW), Pleasantville (11.4 NM W), Chester (13.5 NM NNW), Hacketts Cove (18.3 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cross Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cross Island 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 Cross Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cross Island 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.