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Scotch Bonnet Island Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇨🇦CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Scotch Bonnet Island Lighthouse

The Scotch Bonnet Island Lighthouse, built in 1856, is a 16.5-meter round stone tower connected to the ruins of a one-story keeper's house. It sits on a rocky islet approximately 800 meters southwest of Nicholson Island, off the west coast of the Quinte Peninsula. The lighthouse was first lit in 1856 and operated until 1959, providing a white flash every 4 seconds. Despite being recognized as a Heritage Lighthouse in 2015, the structure is now considered lost and beyond saving, slowly succumbing to the elements.

Why it matters: Recognized as a Heritage Lighthouse in 2015, its ruined state highlights challenges in preserving remote maritime heritage, particularly within a National Wildlife Area.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
23m
Geographic Range
13.8NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1856
Heritage Status
Heritage Lighthouse in 2015

Significant events: Inactive since 1959, Ruined, recognized as a Heritage Lighthouse in 2015, considered lost and cannot be saved

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
CFB Trenton(12.3 km)
ARLHS No.
CAN-791
Wikidata
Q45324567 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
16.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Material
stone

Structure: round stone tower attached, more or less, to the ruins of a 1-story stone keeper's house

Location

Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Ontario
Sea Region
rocky islet off the west coast of the Quinte Peninsula, about 800 m southwest of Nicholson Island
Latitude
43.8995°
Longitude
-77.5424°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Scotch Bonnet Island Lighthouse at night?+
Scotch Bonnet Island displays the characteristic Fl 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 Scotch Bonnet Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Scotch Bonnet Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is WEST LAKE at 11.7 NM to the E. Other ports served include Trenton (12.1 NM N), CFB Trenton (12.3 NM N), Belleville (16.2 NM NNE), Picton (19 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Scotch Bonnet Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Scotch Bonnet 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 Scotch Bonnet Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Scotch Bonnet 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.