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Flint Island Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 25s🇨🇦Main-à-Dieu, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Flint Island Lighthouse

An octagonal concrete tower, 18 meters high, stands on Flint Island, guiding vessels approximately 8 km off Cape Percé, the northeastern tip of Cape Breton Island. The current structure, built in 1962 and painted white with a red lantern, replaced earlier lights dating back to 1856. The original lighthouse burned in August 1864, leading to a second structure in 1865. This was succeeded by a third tower in 1910, before the present tower was erected. The station was automated in 1985, and the keeper's house burned down the following year. The light emits two white flashes every 25 seconds, visible for 13.4 nautical miles. The site is open to the public, though the tower is closed.

Why it matters: Flint Island Lighthouse marks a significant navigational point at the northeastern extremity of Cape Breton Island, aiding traffic navigating around Cape Percé.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 25s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
25s
Raw Code
Fl(2) W 25s
Focal Height
21m
Geographic Range
13.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1962
First Lit
1856

Significant events: The first lighthouse burned in August 1864, the second (1865) was replaced in 1910 by the third, automated in 1985, the keeper's house burned to the ground the following year

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
18m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

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

Location

City
Main-à-Dieu
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Nova Scotia
Sea Region
about 8 km (5 mi) off Cape Percé, the northeastern tip of Cape Breton Island
Latitude
46.0345°
Longitude
-59.6768°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Louisbourg(14.3 km)
Admiralty No.
H0750
NGA No.
9156
ARLHS No.
CAN-180
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Flint Island Lighthouse at night?+
Flint Island displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 25s — 2 white flashes every 25 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 Flint Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Flint Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Louisbourg at 14.6 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Glace Bay (15.6 NM NW), Sydney (22.9 NM WNW), North Sydney (26.2 NM WNW), Neil's Harbour (38.6 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Flint Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Flint 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 Flint Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Flint 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.