Cape Jourimain Lighthouse
The Cape Jourimain Lighthouse is accessible via the Lighthouse trail.
Lighthouse History
For over 120 years, the Cape Jourimain Lighthouse guided ships through the narrows of the Northumberland Strait and around shoals and into safe harbor at Cape Tormentine. The lighthouse was built in 1870 and is a wooden, octagonal building with beautiful ornate trim and cornices. The light was automated in the 1960's and eventually, technology replaced a long tradition of keepers living on the island and tending the light. The Bent family passed on this tradition for four succeeding generations from 1871 to 1928. Two homes and a number of outbuildings once accompanied the light tower but now only their foundations remain.
The Cape Jourimain Lighthouse has a special place in local folklore. Many people hold a strong affection for the lighthouse, developed by family members serving as replacements for the keeper, social calls to the keeper's family, or trips out to the island to hunt, fish and pick berries. There was even a time when berry picking at the lighthouse served as a common pretext for young lovers to share a romantic encounter.
The Lighthouse Today
Today, the beacon of the lighthouse no longer shines, as the light was decommissioned in 1997. The tower, however, still stands as a beautiful reminder of the area's marine heritage. Unfortunately decommissioned lighthouses throughout the Maritimes are in danger of falling into disrepair and the Cape Jourimain Lighthouse was no exception.
The Lighthouse - Future
Cape Jourimain Nature Centre is undertaking an ambitious project to get the structure transferred, and restore it to ensure it stays standing for many years to come. You can help us with this project by making a financial contribution to the Lighthouse Rescue Fund, or by donating your time or materials to the restoration project. The top priorities are to repair the woodwork that makes the Cape Jourimain Lighthouse so special and to paint the exterior. The lighthouse has become a focus for our fund-raising efforts as without some well needed donations we will be unable to own and restore this unique Tower.