Peggy's Cove Lighthouse
Nova Scotia
Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, officially known as Peggys Point Lighthouse, is an active lighthouse located on a granite outcrop at Peggys Point near the village of Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia. Built in 1914 from reinforced concrete in an octagonal shape, it replaced the original 1868 wooden lighthouse. The lighthouse marks the eastern entrance to St. Margarets Bay and remains operated by the Canadian Coast Guard. Its classic red-and-white color scheme and dramatic coastal setting have made it one of the most photographed and recognized lighthouses in Atlantic Canada and worldwide. Visitors often explore the surrounding granite rocks, though caution is advised due to unpredictable surf. The lighthouse once housed a seasonal Canada Post office, offering a special cancellation mark for mail. Recent improvements include a large viewing platform built in 2021 to enhance visitor accessibility and safety by diverting foot traffic from the rocks.
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Tip: Visit during the spring to early fall for the best weather and photo opportunities. Purchase tickets or join guided tours in nearby Peggy's Cove village if available. Heed safety warnings and avoid climbing on wet rocks due to dangerous waves. While no longer hosting a post office, visitors can buy postcards locally. Consider visiting early in the day or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy softer light for photography.
Interesting facts
- •Peggy's Cove Lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Atlantic Canada and is internationally recognized.
- •The lighthouse stands on a massive granite outcrop that is part of the rugged Peggy's Point coastline.
- •Despite warning signs, several visitors each year are swept off the rocks by waves, underscoring the area's natural hazards.
- •The lighthouse once contained a seasonal Canada Post office with a unique lighthouse-shaped cancellation mark for mail.
- •A large viewing platform was constructed in 2021 to improve visitor safety and accessibility.
History
The first lighthouse at Peggy's Cove was constructed in 1868 as a wooden structure with a kerosene lamp and catoptric reflector.
In 1914, the current octagonal reinforced concrete lighthouse was built, retaining the traditional shape but offering greater durability.
The old wooden lighthouse served as the keeper's dwelling until it was removed after damage from Hurricane Edna in 1954.
Automation came in 1958, and the light color changed from red to white, then green, and back to red in 2007 to meet international standards.
The lighthouse operated a seasonal post office until 2009.
Despite being declared surplus by the Canadian Coast Guard in 2010, it remains a vital navigational aid and cultural landmark.
Place Guide
Peggy's Cove Lighthouse Tower1914
The octagonal reinforced concrete lighthouse built in 1914, standing nearly 15 meters tall, featuring the classic red-and-white paint scheme and serving as an active navigational aid.
Granite Outcrop Surrounding the Lighthouse
Extensive natural granite rocks around the lighthouse that visitors can explore, offering spectacular ocean views but requiring caution due to unpredictable surf and slippery surfaces.
Viewing Platform2021
A large, purpose-built viewing area constructed in 2021 to improve visitor accessibility and safety by diverting foot traffic away from hazardous rocks.
Contact
Phone: (613) 993-0999
