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Caribou Lighthouse: A Guiding Light on the Northumberland Strait

Discover the historic Caribou Lighthouse in Pictou, Nova Scotia, offering stunning coastal views and a glimpse into the region's maritime past.

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The Caribou Lighthouse, located on Caribou Island, Nova Scotia, has been a beacon for sailors since the 19th century. Though the current structure dates back to around 1971, it stands as a testament to the area's rich maritime history and offers stunning views of the Northumberland Strait.

A brief summary to Caribou Lighthouse

  • 1857 Caribou Island Rd, Pictou, Nova Scotia, B0K 1H0, CA

Local tips

  • Bring a camera to capture the scenic views of the Northumberland Strait and surrounding coastline.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Caribou-Munroes Island Provincial Park for beach access and camping.
  • Check out the Northumberland Fisheries Museum in Pictou to see a scale model of the 1915 Caribou Lighthouse.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    To reach Caribou Lighthouse by car, head towards Pictou, Nova Scotia. From Halifax, take NS-102 N and merge onto NS-104 E towards New Glasgow. Take exit 24 for Pictou, then follow the signs to Pictou and take NS-245 S. After approximately 10 minutes, turn onto Caribou Island Road. The lighthouse will be on your left at 1857 Caribou Island Rd. Parking is available on-site. There are no tolls on this route.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Caribou Lighthouse using public transportation, take a bus from Halifax to Pictou. Maritime Bus offers service from Halifax to Pictou. From Pictou, take a taxi or rideshare service to the lighthouse, as public transport options are limited. The taxi ride will take approximately 15-20 minutes and cost around $20-$30 CAD. A one way bus ticket from Halifax to Pictou ranges from $25-$40 CAD.

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Discover more about Caribou Lighthouse

The Caribou Lighthouse, situated on Caribou Island, Nova Scotia, is a significant landmark with a long history of guiding ships through the Northumberland Strait. The first lighthouse on Caribou Point was built in 1868, combining a dwelling and a light tower. Alexander Munroe was appointed as the first keeper in October 1867. Over the years, the lighthouse has been rebuilt and renovated, with the current structure dating to around 1971. Erosion has been a persistent challenge for the lighthouse. Protective measures were implemented in the late 19th century, but severe winter gales in 1892 caused significant damage, leading to the relocation of the lighthouse. In 2016, the one-story portion of the lighthouse was demolished due to disrepair and the presence of asbestos, leaving only the tower standing. Despite these challenges, the Caribou Lighthouse remains a symbol of Nova Scotia's maritime heritage. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes. The grounds are open to the public, though the tower itself is closed. The lighthouse is also a popular subject for photographers and a place for relaxation. Visitors traveling to Prince Edward Island via the ferry get a view of the Caribou Lighthouse shortly after departing Nova Scotia. A two-thirds scale model of the 1915 Caribou Lighthouse, constructed by carpentry students at Nova Scotia Community College in Stellarton, is on display at the Northumberland Fisheries Museum in Pictou.

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