Cape Ray facts for kids
| Year first constructed | 1871 (first) 1885 (second) |
|---|---|
| Year first lit | 1959 (current) |
| Deactivated | 1885 (first) 1959 (second) |
| Foundation | concrete base |
| Construction | wooden tower (first and second) concrete tower (current) |
| Tower shape | hexagonal tower (first) octagonal tower with balcony and lantern (second and current) |
| Markings / pattern | white tower with a narrow red horizontal band |
| Height | 15 metres (49 ft) |
| Focal height | 37 metres (121 ft) |
| Range | 17 nautical miles (31 km; 20 mi) |
| CHS number | CCG 173 |
| ARLHS number | CAN-645 |
Cape Ray is a special piece of land that sticks out into the ocean. It's called a "headland." You can find it at the very southwestern tip of Newfoundland, which is a large island in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
This area is home to the famous Cape Ray Lighthouse. It sits across the water from Cape North on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. The nearby community of Cape Ray was named after this important landmark.
Contents
What is Cape Ray?
Cape Ray is a point of land that reaches out into the Atlantic Ocean. It marks the southwestern end of the island of Newfoundland. This area is known for its rugged coastline and beautiful views.
Location and Importance
Cape Ray is located in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It's a key spot for ships traveling along the coast. For many years, it has helped guide sailors safely.
The Cape Ray Lighthouse
One of the most important features of Cape Ray is its lighthouse. Lighthouses are tall towers with bright lights. They help ships find their way, especially at night or in foggy weather.
History of the Lighthouse
The first lighthouse at Cape Ray was built in 1871. It was a wooden tower. Later, a second wooden lighthouse was built in 1885. The lighthouse you see today was lit in 1959. It is made of concrete and helps ships even now.
Lighthouse Features
The current Cape Ray Lighthouse is a concrete tower. It has an octagonal (eight-sided) shape. It also has a balcony and a lantern room at the top. The tower is painted white with a narrow red band. This makes it easy to spot from the sea. The light shines from about 37 meters (121 feet) above the water. It can be seen from about 17 nautical miles away.
Cape Ray Community
The small community of Cape Ray is located near the headland. It was named after this historic place. The people who live there often have strong ties to the sea.
