Would you be surprised to learn that Nova Scotia has 160 lighthouses dotted around its shores? I was. I didn’t think it was that many. That’s more than any other Province in Canada.
As you can imagine, back in the days of sail, Nova Scotia’s lighthouse keepers were important members of society. They were the emergency services of their time. Before automation in the 1970s, they “Kept the Light”. Meaning, they maintained radio communications and set beacons. Sounded fog horns and provided a sanctuary to stranded sailors. Also at great peril to themselves they operated rescue services.
But now, with the advent of modern technology, Nova Scotia’s lighthouses have become all but obsolete. Despite this, they are still a very important part of Nova Scotia’s heritage. Not only are these iconic structures architecturally significant, they are also important artifacts of Canada’s maritime history.
Here is a selection of Nova Scotia lighthouses that are close the Sandy Lane Cottages. The Sandy Point Lighthouse is accessible by foot.
I am grateful to Dennis Jarvis for allowing me to use so many of his photos. You can find him here on Flickr.
