Louisbourg Lighthouse facts for kids
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 Louisbourg Lighthouse
Location in Nova Scotia
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| Location | Louisbourg, Nova Scotia |
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| Coordinates | 45°54′24.1″N 59°57′30.5″W / 45.906694°N 59.958472°W |
| Year first constructed | 1734 (first) 1738 (second) 1842 (third) |
| Year first lit | 1923 (current) |
| Automated | 1990 |
| Deactivated | 1758-1842 |
| Construction | concrete tower |
| Tower shape | octagonal tower with balcony and lantern |
| Markings / pattern | white tower, red lantern |
| Height | 16.8 m (55 ft) (current) 16.5 metres (54 ft) (first) 17 metres (56 ft) (second) |
| Focal height | 32 m (105 ft) |
| Range | 16 nautical miles (30 km; 18 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl W 15s. |
| Admiralty number | H3344 |
| CHS number | CCG 756 |
| NGA number | 9204 |
| ARLHS number | CAN-286 |
The Louisbourg Lighthouse is an important lighthouse in Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, Canada. It helps ships find their way safely. This lighthouse is special because the very first lighthouse ever built in Canada was right here!
The current lighthouse is the fourth one built on this spot. Each one has a unique story.
The First Lighthouse: A Historic Start
Building the first lighthouse began in 1730. It was finished in 1734. Its job was to help ships find the Fortress of Louisbourg.
In 1736, a fire destroyed the light at the top. But the strong stone tower was not harmed. A new light was put in place by 1738.
This lighthouse was very important during battles. It was used as a gun battery in the Siege of 1745 and the Siege of 1758. After the final siege in 1758, the lighthouse was badly damaged. The British left it after they tore down the fortress. You can still see parts of the old stone tower today.
The Second Lighthouse: A Wooden Wonder
In 1842, the government of Nova Scotia built a new lighthouse. This one was made of wood and was square-shaped. It had a black stripe.
This lighthouse was a large, two-and-a-half-story wooden building. It sat on a huge stone base. The lighthouse keeper even lived inside the base! In 1902, a building for a fog horn was added.
Sadly, this wooden lighthouse was destroyed by fire in 1922. Its foundation is still visible today. Parks Canada archaeologists have dug it up and made sure it is safe.
The Lighthouse Today: A Modern Beacon
The lighthouse you see today was built in 1923. It is made of concrete and has eight sides. It looks very similar to the Georges Island Lighthouse in Halifax.
In 1990, the Louisbourg lighthouse became automated. This means it no longer needed a person to live there and operate it.
Today, the lighthouse is a popular place to visit. People enjoy the views from Lighthouse Point. In 2008, a walking path called the Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail started here. Signs along the trail tell you about the old lighthouses.
