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Pictou Island South Lighthouse

Iso White 4s🇨🇦Pictou Island, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Pictou Island South Lighthouse

Also known as: Pictou Island South (Pictou Island West Wharf)

Constructed in 1907, the Pictou Island South Lighthouse is a square pyramidal wood tower painted white, standing 8 meters tall. Its lantern is red, and the light reaches a focal height of 11 meters. This structure exhibits an isophase white light on a 4-second cycle, visible for 10.7 nautical miles. From 1951 to 1974, it functioned as a rear range light, assisting vessels in maintaining a precise course. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: Recognized with Heritage status in 2015, this lighthouse served as a rear range light, contributing to precise navigational alignment for vessels approaching Pictou Harbour.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Iso White 4s
Flash Type
Isophase
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Iso W 4s
Focal Height
11m
Geographic Range
10.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1907
Heritage Status
Heritage status 2015

Significant events: Served as rear range light (1951-1974)

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
wood

Structure: square pyramidal wood tower, painted white; lantern is red

Location

City
Pictou Island
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Nova Scotia
Sea Region
Off the entrance to Pictou Harbour, near the southwestern tip of Pictou Island, accessible by ferry from Caribou.
Latitude
45.8038°
Longitude
-62.5856°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Pictou(9.1 km)
Admiralty No.
H1237
NGA No.
8608
ARLHS No.
CAN-380
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Pictou Island South Lighthouse at night?+
Pictou Island South displays the characteristic Iso White 4s. 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 Pictou Island South Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Pictou Island South Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Pictou at 9.9 NM to the SW. Other ports served include Merigomish (13.3 NM SSE), Beach Point (13.5 NM NNE), Montague (21.8 NM N), Georgetown (22.5 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Pictou Island South Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Pictou Island South 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 Pictou Island South Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Pictou Island South 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.