It is separated from the island of Newfoundland by Baccalieu Tickle, a small strait and an abundant fishing ground.

The name Baccalieu is derived either from the Portuguese bacalhau, Spanish bacalao or the Basque baccalos, all meaning "codfish".

Modern Baccalieu Island was known to Europeans by that name since at least 1556, when it was drawn on the Gastaldi map as "Bacalaos".

This lighthouse was replaced as an aid to navigation by an automated light on a skeletal tower.

The old tower's data: North Light Keepers Southwest Light Keepers [4] In 1884 the merchant brig Resolven was found abandoned in the waters off Baccalieu and Catalina, Newfoundland and Labrador.