Cape Forchu Lighthouse

The Cape Forchu Lighthouse, located in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, is a historic landmark that offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s maritime heritage. The site features a well-maintained 19-acre grounds with observation decks providing views of the working harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse itself, first illuminated in 1840, stands as a testament to 19th-century maritime safety, originally constructed to protect vessels entering Yarmouth, which was once Canada’s second-largest port of registry.

Visitors can explore the site year-round, with access to the grounds, museum in the keeper’s residence, and the Leif Erikson Trail available 24/7. General admission and parking are free, although there is a fee to climb the lighthouse tower. The site operates seasonally from May 16 to September 27, with specific hours varying by month, typically running from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, extending to 5:00 PM on weekends in July and August.

The grounds are suitable for picnics and allow portable propane grills, but overnight camping and open fires are prohibited. Pets are welcome on the trails and grounds if leashed, though they are not permitted inside the residence or tower. The Leif Erikson Trail offers a scenic walk through the landscape, connecting visitors to the area’s Norse history. The site provides a peaceful environment for learning about lighthouse life, including the labor-intensive duties of keepers who maintained the light before the advent of electricity in 1940. It is a significant cultural site that combines natural beauty with historical education.