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Port Maitland Lighthouse

🇨🇦Sand Beach, CAOperational

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.

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.

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°
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Year Built
1884

Significant events: Operated from 1884 to 1945, decommissioned in 1945, replaced by a modern light on new breakwaters

Nearest Port
Yarmouth(1.2 km)
ARLHS No.
CAN-1211
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Which ports and harbors does Port Maitland Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Port Maitland Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Yarmouth at 1.2 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Lower Argyle (14.2 NM ESE), Lower east pubnico (20 NM SE), Lower Woods Harbour (25.1 NM SE), Shag harbour (27 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Port Maitland Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Port Maitland 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 Port Maitland Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Port Maitland 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.