Built between 1871 and 1873 the lighthouse at Rose Blanche was home to 6 lightkeepers until it was replaced in the 40's with a beacon on a wooden platform. This support was upgraded to the steel structure you see on Cains Island near the lighthouse. The granite lighthouse deteriorated and fell to complete ruin with only the tower still intact and remained in this state for years. In 1988 the Southwest Development Assn and other community groups began the long process of restoring the structure to its former condition. Actual restoration began in 1996 with funding from government agencies. This historic property is now open to the public on a seasonal basis with interpreters available to assist visitors with information on the lighthouse and surrounding area.
The light itself was designed by D & T Stevenson Lighthouse Engineers in Scotland, the family of author Robert Louis Stevenson. The light was a 4th order dioptric exhibited from sunset to sunrise at a height of 95 feet above sea level and could be seen for 13 miles in clear weather. The light on display now, a gift from the Canadian Coast Guard, is a 6th order Fresnel lens and is believed to be one of only 27 in existance.
While visiting the lighthouse one may view the quarry where the granite to build both the original and the reconstruction was cut. From the observation deck near the lighthouse the visitor is afforded a spectacular view of the surrounding coastline and on a clear day one may see the community of Petites (accessible only by boat). The area around the lighthouse and community of Rose Blanche offer many opportunities for hiking and photography. Spend some time in the area and learn a little of the communities rich culture and heritage.
Click on any of the
thumbnails below for a larger picture. Click your browser's back
button to return to this page. In addition to pictures of the
exterior, there are pictures (in order) of the lightkeepers
kitchen, master bedroom, childrens bedroom and the stairway to
the light tower.
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