Fishermans Harbour: Lighthouse History on the Coast

Fishermans Harbour is shaped by Port Bickerton Lighthouse, its maritime history, and its coastal landscapes. The lighthouse is located on Nova Scotia’s Marine Drive, on Highway 211. For trip planning, the area combines a specific historical destination with trails through varied coastal landscapes and a seasonally open Interpretive Centre.

Lighthouse History Across Several Building Phases

The first lighthouse at Port Bickerton was built in 1901. In 1930, the light was first operated from a combined lighthouse and residence building; this building still stands at the station. A later phase of construction is marked by the concrete tower built in 1962, which serves as the present-day Port Bickerton Lighthouse. The concrete light remains operational. As its operating status may change, check locally before your trip.

For more than a century, Port Bickerton Lighthouse has guided mariners in the North Atlantic to safety and shelter. The years 1901, 1930, and 1962 mark different stages in this history: the first lighthouse, the start of operations from the combined building, and the construction of the present-day concrete tower. These specific structures help trace the development of the lighthouse site.

The Seasonal Interpretive Centre

Since 1997, the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Interpretive Centre has been located at Port Bickerton Lighthouse in Fishermans Harbour. It provides visitors with information about the history of Port Bickerton Lighthouse and Nova Scotia’s maritime lighthouse tradition. The Centre is open seasonally; check current opening dates before your trip. It is located at 408 Lighthouse Road in Fishermans Harbour, Nova Scotia.

The lighthouse keeper’s renovated residence is also part of the site’s history of use: from May 2014, it operated as an artist residency. This former use adds another function to the history of the lighthouse station, distinct from the light and the present-day tower.

Coastal Trails and Nature

The trail network at Port Bickerton Lighthouse includes seven trails with a combined length of about 3.5 kilometres. The routes pass through varied coastal landscapes. This approximate total length describes the network as a whole, so it is a good idea to check the individual trails and their current conditions when planning walks. Trail conditions can change, so check them before hiking.

Another nature feature is the Fishermans Harbour sub-area of the Guysborough Headlands Wilderness Area. This area is used extensively for foraging by the Roseate Tern, which is endangered at both the national and provincial levels. Foraging activity may vary seasonally. Fishermans Harbour thus offers both coastal trails and an important foraging area for the Roseate Tern, though this does not guarantee that the birds will be seen.

More Destinations in the Wider Destination of Guysborough County

Those who look beyond Fishermans Harbour to the wider destination of Guysborough County will find other distinct attractions. The Guysborough Waterfront Trail begins at the end of Main Street in Guysborough, is 3.5 kilometres long, and offers opportunities for sightseeing and birdwatching. At Boylston Provincial Park, you can paddle a canoe or kayak on the freshwater of Irving Lake. These destinations offer a different focus from the coastal trails at Port Bickerton Lighthouse.

For a glimpse of history, Sherbrooke Village is the largest site of the Nova Scotia Provincial Museum: its grounds include more than 25 historic buildings with costumed interpreters. Another, differently structured site is Canso Islands National Historic Site. It consists of a visitor centre on the Canso waterfront and an interpretive trail on Grassy Island, which can be reached by boat in 15 minutes. In the wider destination, coastal trails, paddling, and different forms of historical interpretation can be explored as separate interests.

Discover more destinations: Guysborough, Canso, Liscomb, Little Dover.

View the wider travel guide: Guysborough County.