In the spring of 2011, the historic wooden Fisherman's Harbour Lighthouse was dismantled and burned on the shore as locals reportedly stood and watched aghast.

Edward M. Langille wrote into a local paper asking how the federal government was "allowed to disfigure the natural and traditional beauty of our seacoast." He also provided the following description of the lighthouse.

For those not acquainted with the village of Fisherman’s Harbour, the former lighthouse was a pretty white wooden frame structure set on a spit of gravel and rock at the entrance to the harbour. It was a small lighthouse, almost a miniature. It was a charming landmark.

The effect of that humble building against the dramatic backdrop of sky and the rugged seacoast was quintessential Nova Scotia, a painter’s dream, the kind of picture seen on a tourist brochure.

The Nova Scotia Lighthouse Preservation Society was apparently aware of the planned destruction of the lighthouse, but with so many lighthouses dotting the province's shore, the society simply doesn't have enough resources to save every lighthouse.

A modern tower was erected to replace the wooden lighthouse. Fisherman’s Harbour is found on the east coast of Nova Scotia between Isaac Harbour and Port Bickerton. Inside the harbour, a long shingle beach protects Neverfail Cove, where a government wharf is located.

In 1905, John McMillan of Isaac Harbour built a twenty-eight-foot-tall, wooden tower on the shingle beach at a contract price of $539. The tower had sloping sides and was surmounted by a square, wooden lantern. Theodore Beiswanger was appointed the light’s first keeper on December 8, 1905 at an annual salary of $150. Keeper Beiswanger looked after the light through at least 1923, at which time his salary had risen to $270.

In April 2011, the historic wooden Fisherman’s Harbour Lighthouse was dismantled and burned on the shore as locals reportedly stood and watched aghast.

Edward M. Langille wrote into a local paper asking how the federal government was “allowed to disfigure the natural and traditional beauty of our seacoast.” He also provided the following description of the lighthouse.

For those not acquainted with the village of Fisherman’s Harbour, the former lighthouse was a pretty white wooden frame structure set on a spit of gravel and rock at the entrance to the harbour. It was a small lighthouse, almost a miniature. It was a charming landmark.

The effect of that humble building against the dramatic backdrop of sky and the rugged seacoast was quintessential Nova Scotia, a painter’s dream, the kind of picture seen on a tourist brochure.

The Nova Scotia Lighthouse Preservation Society was apparently aware of the planned destruction of the lighthouse, but with so many lighthouses dotting the province's shore, the society simply doesn't have enough resources to save every lighthouse.

A modern tower was erected to replace the wooden lighthouse.

Keepers: Theodore Beiswanger (1905 – at least 1923).

References

1. Annual Report of the Department of Marine and Fisheries, various years.
2. Lighthouses & Lights of Nova Scotia, E.H. Rip Irwin, 2003.

Just north of Port Bickerton on Route 211 (Marine Drive), turn right onto Fisherman's Harbour Road and drive 4.3 km (2.7 miles) to its end. You can view Fisherman's Harbour Light from the government wharf or take a path from the cemetery that leads out to the tower.

The lighthouse is owned by the Canadian Coast Guard. Grounds open, tower closed.

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