The Light Tower

In July, 1895, the Department of Marine and Fisheries called for tenders for the construction of a light and fog-alarm station at Cabot Head. The main building consisted of a wooden dwelling house and light tower combined, painted white. The fog-alarm plant was constructed on the shore below and east of the light. The lantern atop the tower contained several parabolic metallic reflectors utilizing light produced by kerosene lamps. Manufactured by the Chanteloup Company, of Montreal, this “catoptric” apparatus was fixed to a rotating frame which, driven by a clockwork mechanism, cast a beam of white light, with three flashes fifteen seconds apart, then an eclipse of forty seconds.

Location

The historic Cabot Head Lighstation perches on the northeastern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, much as it has since 1896. Though operation systems have changed, this important navigational aid serves to guide vessels large and small on the Georgian Bay. The light itself now stands atop a steel, solar powered and automated tower. The lighstation and lightkeeper’s cottage remain vibrant and alive with activity, preserving the human and natural history of its beautiful, rugged coast. Cabot Head witnessed the heyday of the Great Lakes shipping and fishing, timbering and pioneering in the Bruce Peninsula’s remote wilderness. Today, visitors around the globe come to explore maritime history, and relive the pioneering spirit.

The Lighthouse

Established in 1896 to guide ships rounding Cabot Head, this Lightstation has served for decades as an important navigational aid to boaters on the often turbulent Georgian Bay. Today, the Cabot Head Lighstation has been returned to useful services as a historical local landmark, including museum, interpretive plaques, trails, picnic area, gift shop and art gallery.