Navigating Cape Forchu Lighthouse : Answers to common questions
- Admission Fee: No admission fee is required to visit the lighthouse grounds.
- How Long to Visit: Visitors often spend 1-2 hours at the site, enjoying the views and exploring the surroundings.
- Washrooms: Public restrooms are available for visitors.
- Hours of Operation: The lighthouse is typically open to the public during daylight hours.
- Important Information: Check for any special events or accessibility details before visiting.
- Handicap Accessible: The grounds are accessible, but access to the lighthouse itself may be limited for those with mobility issues.
- Pets: Pets are allowed on the grounds but must be kept on a leash.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours may be available; check in advance for schedules.
- Restaurant or Cafe: There's a café or small restaurant on-site or nearby, offering local dishes and refreshments.
- Gift Shop: A gift shop is available, offering souvenirs, local crafts, and maritime-themed items.
- Parking: Parking is available at the lighthouse.
- Family Friendly: The site is family-friendly, with outdoor spaces for children to explore.
- Photography: Photography is a popular activity here, with stunning ocean views and the picturesque lighthouse.
- WIFI: No WIFI is available at the lighthouse.
- Picnic Area: Picnic areas are available for those who prefer to bring their own food.
Please note all times and prices subject to change. Please check the offical website for details.
More in our list of Things To Do In Nova Scotia
;Yarmouth Current Weather
Local Temp: 12.4℃ / 54.3℉
High: 13.5℃ / 56.3℉
Low: 11.3℃ / 52.3℉
Humidity: 92 %
Local Time: 07:58
Map for Cape Forchu Lighthouse
Did You Know?
In 1962, the original lighthouse was replaced with the current structure, known for its distinctive "apple core" design due to its unusual, tapered shape. This modern design, made of concrete, was innovative for its time and is a departure from the traditional lighthouse architecture.
The light from Cape Forchu Lighthouse can be seen for 16 nautical miles (about 30 kilometers), serving as a vital navigational aid for vessels navigating the treacherous waters of the Bay of Fundy and the Atlantic Ocean. The automation of the lighthouse in the early 1990s marked the end of an era, transitioning from lighthouse keepers manually operating the light to automated systems.
The Cape Forchu site is not just a functional lighthouse; it has become a popular tourist destination, offering visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the ocean. The "Lightkeeper's Kitchen & Guest Quarters" provides a unique dining experience, allowing visitors to enjoy local cuisine while overlooking the scenic beauty of the area.
The Friends of the Yarmouth Light Society, a volunteer organization, has played a crucial role in preserving the lighthouse and promoting its history. They manage the museum located within the lighthouse, which exhibits artifacts and displays that tell the story of Cape Forchu's maritime heritage and the evolution of lighthouse technology.
The Cape Forchu Lighthouse, located near Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, has been guiding ships safely to shore since its establishment in 1840. The lighthouse stands on a rocky headland at the entrance to Yarmouth Harbour, marking a critical point for maritime navigation in the region.
Travel Information for
Nova Scotia Visitors
Time Zone: Nova Scotia operates on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-4).
Weather: Nova Scotia experiences a maritime climate, which means milder winters and cooler summers compared to areas further inland. Winters can be cold and snowy, especially in the interior, with temperatures often ranging from -10 to 0 degrees Celsius (14 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit). Summers are generally pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Coastal areas may experience fog and cooler temperatures.
Population: Nova Scotia has a population of approximately 1 million people. It's one of the four Atlantic provinces of Canada.
Size: The province covers an area of about 55,284 square kilometers (21,345 square miles), including the mainland and over 3,800 coastal islands.
Language: English is the predominant language spoken in Nova Scotia, though there are also French-speaking communities, particularly in the Acadian regions.
Currency: The Canadian Dollar (CAD) is the currency used. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash can be helpful, especially in smaller towns or rural areas.
Safety: Nova Scotia is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, with a low crime rate. Standard safety precautions are always recommended.
Tipping: Similar to the rest of Canada, tipping is customary in Nova Scotia. A tip of 15-20% on the total bill before tax is standard in restaurants, and tipping for other services like haircuts and taxi rides is also common.
Electricity and Plugs: Canada uses Type A and Type B plugs, and the standard voltage is 120 V with a standard frequency of 60 Hz. Travelers may need adapters or converters for their electronic devices.
Water: Tap water in Nova Scotia is safe to drink in most areas and is subject to strict quality controls.
Verified & Trusted Contact Information for Cape Forchu Lighthouse
Contact: Official Website
Address:
1856 NS-304, Cape Forchu, NS B5A 5G7
Website: capeforchu.com
Latitude: 43.79444
Longitude: -66.15535
More Places and Things To Do in Nova Scotia Within 500 km/300 mi of Cape Forchu Lighthouse
Peggy's Cove Lighthouse
The Distance from Cape Forchu Lighthouse to Peggy's Cove Lighthouse is 194.7 KM / 120.9 MI
Wolfville Magic Winery Bus Tour
The Distance from Cape Forchu Lighthouse to Wolfville Magic Winery Bus Tour is 203.1 KM / 126.1 MI
Grand-Pré National Historic Site
The Distance from Cape Forchu Lighthouse to Grand-Pré National Historic Site is 207 KM / 128.6 MI
The Halifax Public Gardens
The Distance from Cape Forchu Lighthouse to The Halifax Public Gardens is 226 KM / 140.4 MI
The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
The Distance from Cape Forchu Lighthouse to The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is 226.2 KM / 140.5 MI
Things to do in Halifax
The Distance from Cape Forchu Lighthouse to Things to do in Halifax is 226.6 KM / 140.7 MI
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
The Distance from Cape Forchu Lighthouse to Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is 226.8 KM / 140.8 MI
The Glenora Distillery
The Distance from Cape Forchu Lighthouse to The Glenora Distillery is 461.9 KM / 286.9 MI
Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
The Distance from Cape Forchu Lighthouse to Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site is 497.1 KM / 308.8 MI
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
The Distance from Cape Forchu Lighthouse to Cape Breton Highlands National Park is 526.7 KM / 327.2 MI
