The Louisbourg Lighthouse is a great place to visit. Not only is this the site of the first lighthouse in Canada, but you also get a fantastic view of the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site on the other side of the harbour.The lighthouse seen in this photograph is the third one to be built on the site. The original lighthouse was built by the French and began contruction in 1730, a 70 foot circular tower made of coursed rubble. A fire broke out in the tower in September, 1736 and the original structure was damaged beyond repair during the second siege of Louisbourg in 1758.
A second lighthouse was built on the site in 1842, a 2.5 storey wooden building that also served as a residence for the keeper. This lighthouse was destroyed by fire in 1922.
The third and current lighthouse was built the following year, a 55-foot white concrete octagonal tower. It was automated in 1989.
The foundations of the original and second lighthouses still remain. A small picnic area is found just before the lighthouse, with a lovely view of the fortress.
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