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Seal Island Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇨🇦Seal Island, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Seal Island Lighthouse

Constructed of wood in 1831, this octagonal pyramidal lighthouse stands 21 meters tall and has a focal height of 31 meters. It is painted with red and white horizontal bands, with the lantern section in red. The light emits a white flash every 10 seconds, visible for 15.5 nautical miles. The original lantern and a second-order Fresnel lens were removed in 1978 and are now displayed at the Seal Island Lighthouse Museum. Although the keeper's house is no longer present, a barn and the former radio operator's house remain on site.

Why it matters: This lighthouse guards dangerous reefs at the eastern entrance to the Bay of Fundy, a critical waterway for regional shipping. It holds historical significance as the second oldest lighthouse in Nova Scotia, with its preservation being actively pursued by a dedicated society.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
31m
Geographic Range
15.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1831

Significant events: Original lantern and 2nd order Fresnel lens removed in 1978, Lens and lantern displayed at Seal Island Lighthouse Museum, Seal Island Lighthouse Preservation Society formed in 2023, DFO working on plans to move light to a skeletal tower

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Lower Woods Harbour(13.8 km)
Admiralty No.
H3812
NGA No.
10596
ARLHS No.
CAN-454
Wikidata
Q137827360 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
21m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
with red and white horizontal bands
Material
wood

Structure: octagonal pyramidal wood tower with lantern and gallery, painted with red and white horizontal bands; lantern painted red

Location

City
Seal Island
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Nova Scotia
Sea Region
Located on the south point of Seal Island 30 km (18 mi) west of Cape Sable, guarding dangerous reefs at the eastern entrance to the Bay of Fundy.
Latitude
43.4104°
Longitude
-66.0137°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Seal Island Lighthouse at night?+
Seal 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 Seal Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Seal Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Lower Woods Harbour at 13.8 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Shag harbour (14.4 NM ENE), Lower east pubnico (15.8 NM NE), Clark's Harbour (16.8 NM E), Stoney Island (19.8 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Seal Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Seal 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 Seal Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Seal 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.