Filmed on a day when the beacon was shrouded in fog and surrounded by tumultuous waves in May 2016 for our #NSLighthouseProject, experience the coastline, rocky terrain, ocean and lighthouse at Louisbourg, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada.

The lighthouse constructed by the French at Louisbourg was the first established in Canada, and the second on the North American continent. Built near the northeast corner of Cape Breton Island, Louisbourg was the base from which the French planned to hold New France against the English.

Construction began in August of 1731. The circa 70 foot circular tower made of coursed rubble was completed two years later. The first lighting of the lantern was not made until April 1st, 1734.

During the second British seige of Louisbourg, the tower was heavily damaged, particularly so on the evening of June 9, 1758, when British batteries and naval vessels opened a heavy bombardment on Louisbourg. The light was deemed beyond repair and left to disintegrate.

During the 19th century, maritime officials took steps to reduce the many navigational risks and ship wrecks along the Atlantic coast. One of the new lighthouses built was the second for Louisbourg, completed in 1842; however fire destroyed this building in 1922.

The third light at Louisbourg, which is the current beacon, began construction in 1923, and was first lit in 1924; it became automated by 1989.

*** Please note, drone use in and around Louisbourg National Park, as well as other national parks and national historic sites within Cape Breton, is prohibited without approval from the superintendent of the park or site. ***