Miscou Island Lighthouse: A Coastal Beacon

The Miscou Island Lighthouse, a National Historic Site, is a prominent landmark at the meeting point of Chaleur Bay and the Northumberland Strait. Erected in 1856, the lighthouse was built to reduce the number of shipwrecks at the southern entrance to Chaleur Bay. The original wooden, octagonal tower, substantially in its original state, is still in use and equipped with a Fresnel lens.Originally standing at 74 feet, 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. The lighthouse is one of the rarest surviving wooden, octagonal, tapered lighthouses. The construction technique was unusual, with each of the eight panels built independently.Visitors can explore the interior of the lighthouse and climb to the top for panoramic views of the coastline, peat bogs, and the surrounding waters. The site includes a paved parking area, washroom facilities, and picnic tables. The surrounding area offers sandy beaches and opportunities for bird watching.Miscou Island itself is known for its natural beauty, including vast peat bogs that turn scarlet red in the fall. The island is a favorite spot for birding, kitesurfing, and sport-fishing.