Miscou Island Lighthouse: A Beacon of History

The Miscou Island Lighthouse, a National Historic Site, is a testament to maritime history and engineering. Built in 1856 to reduce shipwrecks at the entrance to Chaleur Bay, it quickly became a vital coastal aid for vessels navigating between the Atlantic Provinces and Quebec. The lighthouse is one of the oldest surviving wooden, octagonal, tapered lighthouses in the Gulf of St. Lawrence region. Its unique construction, with eight hand-sawn timber panels built independently, showcases remarkable craftsmanship.Originally 74 feet tall, the lighthouse was extended to 80 feet in 1903 to increase the range of its light. In 1946, it was moved 61 meters inland to combat shoreline erosion. Today, the automated light continues to operate, emitting a green flash every five seconds. Visitors can explore the lighthouse, now a museum, and climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding waters, beaches, and peat bogs. The site also includes a parking area, washrooms, a picnic area, and a deck around the lighthouse.Miscou Island itself offers a unique landscape of peat bogs that turn scarlet red in the fall, pristine beaches, and diverse birdlife. The island is accessible via a bridge from Lameque Island, making it an easy and rewarding destination for a day trip or longer exploration.