Ontario’s more than 250,000 lakes contain about one-fifth of the world’s fresh water – including the beautiful Great Lakes. From Lake Ontario to Lake Superior, these shorelines are home to historic lighthouses that have helped guide boaters home. Here’s eight picture perfect Ontario lighthouses to discover.
Point Clark, Ontario
The Point Clark Lighthouse stands 110-feet tall, and was built between 1855 and 1859 (one of the first “Imperial Towers”) to warn sailors of the shoal about three kilometers offshore. It’s open to the public for tours, from Late June to Labour Day.
Tobermory, Ontario
The Big Tub Harbour Lighthouse dates from 1885 and guards the entrance to Big Tub harbour, a refuge for ships past and present. Today the harbour is a favourite for divers and is part of the Fathom Five National Marine Park.
Port Credit, Ontario
Built in 1991 to replace the original lighthouse destroyed by fire in 1936, the Port Credit lighthouse still operates to this day, and is visible from 15 miles out on Lake Ontario. Did you know: Port Credit is an international border entry point into Canada by water!
Port Bruce, Ontario
Ten miles east of Port Stanley, you’ll find this pier-head light in the small village of Port Bruce, Ontario. Lake Erie remains a popular spot for Yellow Perch and Walleye fishing.
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Southampton, Ontario
At first glance, Chantry Island a peaceful island oasis on Lake Huron. But travel here on a stormy day, and you’ll quickly realize why this lighthouse was so important: Over 50 known shipwrecks surround the island.
Today, the local Marine Heritage Society offers lighthouse tours that include a restored lightkeeper’s home. For bird enthusiasts: Chantry Island is home to a diverse bird population, including cormorants, black-crowned night herons, great blue herons and egrets.
Toronto Island, Ontario
The Gibraltar Point Island Lighthouse is the oldest landmark in Toronto, dating all the way back to 1809! Visit the lighthouse on your next trip to the Toronto Islands: Ferries depart downtown Toronto on a regular basis throughout the summer season.
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Perched on a break-wall, Thunder Bay’s harbour lighthouse was built in 1940, and is visible from the city’s waterfront.
Prescott, Ontario
If these walls could talk … This structure has been a windmill AND a lighthouse, and is an important Canadian landmark, as the site of the 1838 Battle of the Windmill. Today, it makes the perfect stop-off on a paddle on the St Lawrence River.