Port Maitland Lighthouse
Location & Light Range
About Port Maitland Lighthouse
The Port Maitland Lighthouse, built in 1884, originally served as a navigational reference point on the west breakwater for vessels entering the harbor of Sand Beach, located in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, on the Bay of Fundy. For over sixty years, its light aided fishing boats and commercial ships navigating the area's powerful tidal flows and frequent fog. The initial tower functioned until 1945, after which it was decommissioned. Subsequent harbor improvements included the construction of new breakwaters, leading to the adoption of a modern skeletal mast light situated on the east breakwater for navigational purposes.
Why it matters: The lighthouse marked the harbor entrance for Port Maitland, an important location for fishing and commerce on the Bay of Fundy, assisting ships in negotiating strong currents and reduced visibility.
Tower & Structure
Structure: The Port Maitland Lighthouse, established in 1884, once stood proudly on the west breakwater, a vital guide for mariners entering the small community's harbor within the vast Bay of Fundy in Yarmouth County. For over six decades, its light pierced the often-foggy air, a crucial aid for fishing vessels and coastal traders navigating the powerful tides and sometimes treacherous conditions of the bay. The original structure served faithfully until 1945, witnessing countless sunrises and storms over the turbulent waters, a silent guardian for those seeking safe passage. Following its decommissioning, significant changes occurred to the harbor infrastructure. New breakwaters were constructed, altering the seascape, and a modern light, now a skeletal mast, took over the navigational duties from the east breakwater. While the original lighthouse no longer stands, its memory is etched into the local maritime history, representing a bygone era of coastal navigation before more advanced aids took over, a testament to the community's enduring connection to the sea.
Location
- City
- Sand Beach
- Country
- 🇨🇦Canada
- Region
- Nova Scotia
- Sea Region
- Bay of Fundy, Yarmouth County. The historic lighthouse was on the west breakwater of Port Maitland. A modern light is now on the east breakwater.
- Latitude
- 43.8129°
- Longitude
- -66.1418°
Nearby Vessels
Construction & History
- Year Built
- 1884
Significant events: Operated from 1884 to 1945, decommissioned in 1945, replaced by a modern light on new breakwaters
References & Identifiers
- Nearest Port
- Yarmouth(1.2 km)
- ARLHS No.
- CAN-1211
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