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Pearl Island Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇨🇦East Ironbound Island, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Pearl Island Lighthouse

The present Pearl Island Lighthouse, constructed in 1973, replaced an earlier tower. The light was first activated in 1874. The current tower, a square cylindrical steel and wood construction with white aluminum siding, measures 11.5 meters high. A red band encircles its gallery. The light displays a white flash every 10 seconds (Fl W 10s) from a focal height of 19 meters, with a 12.9 nautical mile geographic range. The lighthouse sits on the southern tip of Pearl Island, approximately 22 km from the entrances to Mahone and St. Margaret's Bays.

Why it matters: This light functions as a navigation aid for vessels navigating towards Mahone and St. Margaret's Bays, indicating Pearl Island's position offshore. The island is also recognized as one of two locations in Nova Scotia where puffins nest.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
19m
Geographic Range
12.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1973
First Lit
1874

Significant events: Original lighthouse replaced in 1929, current structure built in 1973, proposal for Swissair Flight 111 memorial on the island in 1998 which was moved to the mainland after protests

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Lunenburg(11.0 km)
Admiralty No.
H3670
NGA No.
10088
ARLHS No.
CAN-367

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
steel, wood

Structure: square cylindrical steel-wood tower covered by white aluminum siding; gallery painted red

Location

City
East Ironbound Island
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Nova Scotia
Sea Region
Located on the south point of Pearl Island, 22 km (14 mi) off the entrances to Mahone and St. Margaret's Bays. The island is a wildlife management area and one of only two nesting sites for puffins in Nova Scotia.
Latitude
44.3844°
Longitude
-64.0493°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Pearl Island Lighthouse at night?+
Pearl 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 Pearl Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Pearl Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Lunenburg at 11.1 NM to the W. Other ports served include Chester (11.9 NM NW), Hacketts Cove (12 NM NNE), Prospect (12.4 NM ENE), La Have (14.3 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Pearl Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Pearl 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 Pearl Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Pearl 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.