Peggy cove lighthouse

Peggy Cove Lighthouse is a historic landmark on Nova Scotia's coast, renowned for its dramatic seascapes and rich maritime heritage.

About this subject

Peggy Cove Lighthouse is located in the small fishing village of Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada, on the shores of St. Margaret's Bay. Built in 1915, it replaced an earlier wooden structure from 1868 that had deteriorated due to harsh weather. The octagonal concrete tower, painted red and white, stands 15 meters tall and emits a light visible up to 24 kilometers.

The lighthouse is one of the most photographed in Canada, not only for its navigational role but also for the dramatic setting of granite rocks carved by erosion over 470 million years. The area is known for strong waves and frequent fog, which have contributed to historical shipwrecks, such as the SS City of Boston in 1870, causing over 190 deaths.

Automated since the 1960s, the lighthouse still serves as an aid to navigation along North Atlantic shipping routes. The village has about 30 permanent residents and attracts thousands of tourists yearly, who also visit St. John's Church and the Fishermen's Memorial. The lighthouse was designated a heritage site in 1994 under Canada's Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is the Peggy Cove Lighthouse?

The lighthouse is 15 meters (49 feet) tall from base to top of the octagonal concrete tower.

Is the Peggy Cove Lighthouse still operational?

Yes, it has been automated since the 1960s but remains active as a navigational aid, emitting a light visible up to 24 kilometers.

Why is the Peggy Cove Lighthouse so famous?

It is one of Canada’s most photographed lighthouses due to its scenic location among granite rocks and strong waves, as well as its historical importance for North Atlantic shipping.