Prince Shoal LighthouseTADOUSSAC, QUEBEC
One of the most interesting sites you will see when your cruise takes you to Tadoussac, Quebec, is the Prince Shoal Lighthouse (Haut-fond Princes Light) at the mouth of the Saguenay River. This lighthouse is probably nothing like what you’d imagine it would be. |
It has a cylindrical tower set to the side on a round flat dwelling pad. The tower is painted with red and white stripes and makes in coordination with the remainder of the structure, it looks similar to a child’s toy top. This waisted caisson designed tower is one of the most dangerous lighthouses found on the St. Lawrence River.
Originally, there was a light station that was built there in 1902, but in 1964 the light replaced the former structure.
The lighthouse tower is 83 feet high, with a focal plane of 81 feet, The white light will flash every 2.5 seconds and offers a viewing range of 18 nautical miles. In 2002, the Canadian government granted C$1,4000,000 to rebuild and repair the upper portion of the lighthouse. In 1962, they purposely sunk the hourglass-shaped base in 38 feet of water which took 3 hours to sink. They opened up the valves allowing it to slowly sink to a new location at the river bottom. It was filled up with 8,000 tons of concrete and rock in order to more firmly anchor it into position.
The concrete slab that was then constructed was used as a landing platform for helicopters for lighthouse staff. Other parts of the outside walls were also rebuilt as well. The new base of the lighthouse was intentionally tapered so as to help resist the 20 foot tides that are found in the waters nearby. Oddly enough, in 1966, it was pounded by high waves, snow, and fierce winds for 48 hours but it was able to withstand the storm conditions which were actually much worse than the structure had been built to withstand.
It is currently an active lighthouse but it is not open to the public. You can view the lighthouse from some of the neighboring whale watching tour boats that operate in the area.
The lighthouse is recognized as a Federal Heritage Building due to its historical associations and architectural values. Learn more about Great Lakes Tours and Attractions and cruising the St. Lawrence Seaway with Great Lakes Cruises.
Originally, there was a light station that was built there in 1902, but in 1964 the light replaced the former structure.
The lighthouse tower is 83 feet high, with a focal plane of 81 feet, The white light will flash every 2.5 seconds and offers a viewing range of 18 nautical miles. In 2002, the Canadian government granted C$1,4000,000 to rebuild and repair the upper portion of the lighthouse. In 1962, they purposely sunk the hourglass-shaped base in 38 feet of water which took 3 hours to sink. They opened up the valves allowing it to slowly sink to a new location at the river bottom. It was filled up with 8,000 tons of concrete and rock in order to more firmly anchor it into position.
The concrete slab that was then constructed was used as a landing platform for helicopters for lighthouse staff. Other parts of the outside walls were also rebuilt as well. The new base of the lighthouse was intentionally tapered so as to help resist the 20 foot tides that are found in the waters nearby. Oddly enough, in 1966, it was pounded by high waves, snow, and fierce winds for 48 hours but it was able to withstand the storm conditions which were actually much worse than the structure had been built to withstand.
It is currently an active lighthouse but it is not open to the public. You can view the lighthouse from some of the neighboring whale watching tour boats that operate in the area.
The lighthouse is recognized as a Federal Heritage Building due to its historical associations and architectural values. Learn more about Great Lakes Tours and Attractions and cruising the St. Lawrence Seaway with Great Lakes Cruises.
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Updated 01/12/21- LLS
