Northwest Head Lighthouse
Ramea’s Guiding Light
Northwest Head Lighthouse
Northwest Head Lighthouse is a picturesque part of Ramea’s living history. The lighthouse has been guiding vessels to safety since it was built in 1902. And it remains an active and vital watchtower for mariners to this very day.
Unlike most active lighthouses these days, Ramea’s beacon to the sea remains staffed by an actual lightkeeper. John Chaffey was the first lighthouse keeper. He was succeeded by his son Charles in around 1920. Today that tradition is carried on by Ramea’s resident keepers.
The light towers 38 m (125 ft) above the water, and is painted with the traditional red and white spiral pattern. Its bright white light flashes every 3 seconds, and on foggy days the tower’s horn can be heard booming out its warning every 30 seconds.
Today the grounds are open to the public (although not the actual lighthouse), offering stunning and dramatic views of the Atlantic, and surrounding outer islands of Ramea. This includes Colombier Island, home of Ramea’s main puffin colony. Access is via the island’s well-maintained boardwalk trail which runs the perimeter of Ramea’s Northwest Island.
An Island Shaped by Wind, Water, and Welcome
Visit Ramea and discover life on the edge of the Atlantic.