Take 5: Lighthouses of the North Shore
Sprinkled across the Lake Erie shoreline are more than 50 lighthouses, each with its own story to tell.
Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse
This 40-foot-tall round limestone structure was built in 1836 and reflects the imperial tower design popular at the time. It marks the entrance to the mouth of the Detroit River and entryway to the upper Great Lakes. Located on the southern tip of Bois Blanc Island in Amherstburg, the lighthouse is visible from the shore of the Detroit River. parks.canada.ca
Pelee Island Lighthouse
Built in 1834 on Lake Erie’s largest island, this 66-foot-tall lighthouse was constructed to guide vessels traveling the shipping route to the Detroit River. Located within Lighthouse Point Provincial Nature Preserve, the structure is accessible via a hiking trail that’s perfect for bird watching and includes a walk along the beach. pelee.com
Port Burwell Lighthouse
Standing 45 feet tall, this white, octagonal building is the oldest wooden lighthouse on Lake Erie’s Canadian shore. Built in 1840, it’s also one of the oldest and best-maintained lighthouses in Canada. Book a tour to take in the sweeping views of Port Burwell and Lake Erie from atop the iconic structure. bayham.on.ca
Mohawk Island Lighthouse
Located 2 miles off the mainland on Mohawk Island, this 59-foot-tall stone structure was built in 1846 to warn travelers of an offshore shoal. It features a cylindrical, tapered tower with a lighthouse keeper’s residence. Decommissioned since 1969, the tower can be seen from the end of Mohawk Point Road or Rock Point Provincial Park in Dunville. pc.gc.ca
Point Abino Lighthouse
Located in Fort Erie, this lighthouse was built in 1917 between the high and low water marks on the rocky shoreline of Point Abino. Standing 98 feet tall, the concrete lighthouse features classic detailing and consists of three structures — a tower, deck and fog alarm building. Limited tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis. forterie.ca
