Terence Bay Lighthouse

Terence Bay Lighthouse stands as a testament to over a century of maritime navigation on Nova Scotia's rugged South Shore. Originally established as a pole light in 1885 following the tragic sinking of the SS Atlantic in 1873 — which claimed 562 lives and remains one of the worst marine disasters before the Titanic — the current square, tapered wooden tower was built in 1903. Standing 26 feet tall on Tennant Point, this iconic white lighthouse with its red gallery railing and door was designated a Heritage Lighthouse in 2015 under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act.

The lighthouse is intimately tied to the Jollymore family, who served as keepers for over seven decades. Peter Jollymore was the first keeper beginning around 1884, and Hezron Jollymore served as the last resident keeper in 1957 when the light was automated. Today, the lighthouse displays an electric fixed fluorescent red light, continuing to guide vessels into Terence Bay and the approaches to Halifax Harbour. The structure retains many original features, including its diagonal-cut 2x6 inch plank wall boarding, four-over-four window panes, and narrow white clapboard siding.

The surrounding area offers excellent opportunities for hiking, storm watching, birding, and cranberry picking on the rugged granite shoreline. The lighthouse is a well-known symbol of the Terence Bay community and a popular subject for local artists. It forms part of a chain of small coastal lights around Nova Scotia's southeastern shore.