the Lighthouse Brochure pdf

Tour
The Griffith Island Lighthouse, one of John Brown’s Imperial
Towers was built on the east shore of the Island in 1859. The
keeper’s house is near collapse, while the lighthouse structure
remains intact. The Island is privately owned and the light
station is maintained by the Coast Guard. It is only visible by
private boat from the
water. Access is not
permitted.
Lighthouse
Tour
1
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One of the most dramatic structures on the Bruce Coast, the
Cove Island Lighthouse has been marking passage between
Lake Huron and Georgian Bay since 1858. This Imperial
Tower structure built by John Brown is similar in style to those
at Point Clark, Chantry Island and Griffith Island. The tower,
original house, fog plant, workshop and keeper’s home make
up the light station today. The lighthouse can only be viewed
by private boat. Access to the island is restricted.
GRIFFITH
ISLAND
POINT CLARK
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Plan to spend a couple of hours on the island? Bring a lunch,
visit the museum in the Lightkeeper’s home, hike the trails,
explore the cave, climb to the observation deck, and swim in
the cool, clear
waters of
Georgian Bay.
KINCARDINE SOUTHAMPTON
Lighthouse
Built into the Kincardine harbour hillside in 1874 to service a
busy fishing, salt shipping industry, this octagonal wooden
tower is the only downtown lighthouse. The Kincardine
lighthouse sits 24.4 meters (74 feet) tall atop a two-storey
keeper’s house. Sailors, recreational boaters and commercial
fishersmen can see the now electrified working light from 30
kilometres away. The Kincardine Yacht Club hosts a marine
museum inside.
Tour
2
Range Light
Rich in history like the sea stacks along the shoreline,
the Flowerpot Island Lighthouse has been guiding ships
through this busy shipping channel for over a century. The
lighthouse was built on Castle Bluff in1897. Four years later a
keeper’s home was built down on the shore. In 1969 the
lighthouse was replaced with an automated steel tower.
Lighthouse
Lighthouse
Cove Island
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Tour
2
Chantry
island
2 BRUCE COUNTY
MUSEUM &
CULTURAL CENTRE
Tour
Lighthouse
The Imperial Tower on Chantry Island warned ships of the
surrounding dangers, while 2 smaller unmanned “Range
Lights” guided mariners safely in these waters.
Front Range Light was
originally built in
1903. Located on the
North pier, this
wooden structure is
now electrically
powered and houses
the foghorn used by
present day boaters.
Operates July 1st to Labour Day, 11am to
5pm daily.
Open late June to Labour Day. Hours of operation are daily
10am to 5pm (subject to change).
In 1985, a walkway was built for the public and for
wheelchair accessibility. Tobermory’s light still guides boats
through powerful currents, frequent fogs and numerous shoals
to the safety of Big Tub Harbour. The number of shipwrecks
offshore testify to the dangers of these waters. These waters
have become a mecca for scuba divers from all over the
world.
Constructed in 1885, Big Tub Lighthouse played
an important role guiding ships into the harbour from the
sometimes treacherous waters of Lake Huron and Georgian
Bay. The original structure was later replaced by the six-sided,
14 metre (43 foot) wooden lighthouse that is seen today.
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There are over 50 known shipwrecks surrounding Chantry
Island and its imperial tower. This is a testament to the rocky
shoals and deadly storms that make this area one of the most
treacherous in the Great Lakes. Chantry Island was first lit on
April 1, 1859. Home to over 25,000 pairs of mating birds,
Chantry Island is a Federal Wildlife migratory bird sanctuary.
The local Marine Heritage Society offers lighthouse tours,
which are the only way to access the island. Also, be sure to
check out the Range Lights that guide boats into the mouth of
the Saugeen River.
The Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre features an
extensive history of Bruce County and all it entails. From
storms creating shipwrecks to lighthouses and their keepers;
there is no end to what you will see and learn when it comes
to Marine Heritage. The museum is also the proud new home
of the Stokes Bay Range Light which now overlooks Fairy
Lake. It served as a beacon on the shores of Lake Huron on
the Bruce Peninsula for 107 years until it was one of many
chosen by the government to be dismantled. The BCM&CC
also offers adult and
children’s
programming,
exhibits, a rich history
of Bruce County and
a wonderful gift shop.
On the most northeastern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, perched
24 metres above Georgian Bay, the Cabot Head Lighthouse
has guided ships since 1896. Named in honour of explorer
John Cabot, the original tower was demolished in 1968 and
replaced with an automated light. In 1987 it became an
“unmanned” light. Since 1990, The Friends of Cabot Head
have restored the lightstation as a museum. The organization
also hosts an “Assistant Lightkeepers” program, supports local
artisans in the “Shipwreck Art
Gallery” and welcomes day
use visitors.
FLOWERPOT
ISLAND
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Tour
3
Washroom
4
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Gift Shop
Lighthouse
BIG TUB
Tour
*Under restoration
until 2014
Guided Tours
4
Tour
Excursions offered
throughout the
summer. Check
Tour office for times.
Interior Access
Lighthouse
CABOT HEAD
Tour
Lighthouse
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Experience the exhibit gallery, showcasing a full-size
lighthouse, flowerpot, cliff, black bear, rattlesnake &
shipwreck exhibits. Watch an amazing parks movie or
climb the Lookout Tower.
pc.gc.ca
PARKS CANADA VISITOR CENTRE
Accessible By Boat
Tour
Built in 1859 to warn sailors of the shoal extending 3.2
kilometres offshore, its elegant proportions and limestone
exterior are typical of the six “Imperial” towers built in the
region, a lighthouse style rarely seen elsewhere in Canada.
Acquired by Parks Canada in 1967 to commemorate the vital
role of lighthouses in navigation on the Great Lakes, it still
serves its primary function - an aid to navigation. The light
keeper’s dwelling, built at the same time as the lighthouse,is
now operated as a museum by the Township of Huron-Kinloss.
A breathtaking vista is your reward for climbing 114 stairs up
the winding staircase at the Point Clark lighthouse.
The information in this brochure was deemed accurate at the time of printing.
Individual facilities reserve the right to alter operational times and admission prices.
All water based activities are weather dependent.
Copyright Bruce County Tourism 2013
www.brucecoastlighthouses.com
or 800-268-3838
For Complete Tour Information
From Hwy 6, follow Dyer’s Bay
Road east. Proceed right at
T-intersection and drive slowly
through the cottage community
of Dyer’s Bay; follow the shore
road all the way to the
lightstation. Option: Park at the
Municipal Parking lot on top of
the hill (left hand side) and
cycle to the lighthouse (14 km
return).
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Tour Boats
operate from
May to
Thanksgiving
Lighthouse
museum open July
& August & by
chance during the
rest of the season.
The store and lighthouse
are open May 1st to
Thanksgiving - 10am
- 7pm.
Admission Fee
4
Cape Croker
Lighthouse
SITE INFORMATION
Tour
3
(Neyaashiinigmiing)
The first Lighthouse at Cape Croker was built in 1898 to
protect ships from a nearby shoal. The original structure was
replaced by the existing tower, which is made entirely of
concrete. It was the first light station in Canada to have the
fog plant and lighthouse powered by electricity. It is also one
of only three lighthouses on Georgian Bay that had a Fresnel
lens. The original lens is now displayed at the Bruce County
Museum and Cultural Centre, in Southampton. Please respect
local culture when visiting this site. Cape Croker is home to
the Chippewas of Nawash. The lighthouse is not available
for tours but can be photographed.
LION’S HEAD
Lighthouse
Set beneath the majestic Niagara Escarpment, this little
lighthouse has endured more hardship than the mariners it
guided. The first light was established in 1903 and was
rebuilt several times due to the harsh conditions of Georgian
Bay. When it automated 1969, the attractive structure was
replaced with a metal post and light. A group of high school
students built a replica model that stands proudly today. The
light once again guides boats safely into this beautiful port.
From Hwy 6 follow Bruce
Road 9 east at
Ferndale to Lions Head. Turn
left and follow signs to harbour.
Open:
Monday - Saturday,
10am - 5pm,
Sunday & Holidays,
1pm - 5pm.
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Knife & Lyal
Island
Range Light
Rocky shoals and islands in the Stokes Bay area made marine
navigation very difficult. In 1885 a 17.3 metre (50 foot)
wooden range light was erected on the west shore of Lyal
Island. The light was eventually automated in 1959 and
replaced by the present day steel navigational tower.
Additional navigational aids were required in these waters
and a lighthouse was built on nearby Knife Island. The Knife
Island lighthouse still stands but a steel tower light is in use
today. Access to these sites is
best suited to the experienced
canoeist or kayaker. The
relatively shallow waters of
Stokes Bay can provide for
a great daytrip (weather
permitting).
Open seasonally only
during tour boat season.
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Tour
Tour
Point Clark to
Kincardine
Paisley to
Southampton
1
2
Distance: 72km
Start your tour at Point Clark Lighthouse. This drive features the shoreline of Lake
Huron between Point Clark and Kincardine. This area is known worldwide for its
dramatic skies and stunning sunsets. Enjoy them from one of the many lighthouse
jetties or docks in towns all the way up the coast.
While at the Point Clark Lighthouse visit the museum and climb to the top of the
26.50-m-high limestone tower. On a calm day you can actually see the
dangerous shoals under water that lake freighters have to navigate around. Keep
in mind that Point Clark Lighthouse is under restoration until 2014. You can still
view the restoration of the Point Clark Lighthouse.
Distance: 25km (not including the boat tour)
Start your venture in Paisley at the historic Fire Hall. Paisley
is home to artist studio’s, a trestle bridge and Nature’s
Millworks located in a 19th century mill. Be sure to spend
some time to stop and watch the salmon spawning by the
bridge beside Back Eddies Cafe, best time is in the fall.
Silver
Lake
Head north to Kincardine along Lake Range Dr. past Boiler Beach. You will see
the Boiler from the wreck of the Erie Belle, which currently sits on the shoreline.
The Kincardine Lighthouse, an octagonal wooden tower built into the harbour’s
hillside features a marine museum. The adjacent beach has a boardwalk with
interpretive signs on local shipwrecks. In the summer on Saturday nights, watch
the Kincardine Pipe Band marching down Queen Street.
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The Ripley loop crosses numerous local artisan galleries and Mennonite farms. Be
sure to stop in at I.C. Greenhouses and check out the nursery and many
greenhouses. They really know how to decorate indoor and outdoor gardens.
2
Kilometres
Ready to cool off? Stop in at Holyrood General Store. They are known for their
gigantic ice cream cone. You will leave questioning how they get all that ice
cream on one cone.
Head north on Bruce Rd 3 to Southampton, which is the
home of four lighthouses: Chantry Island Lighthouse, Front
Range Light, Saugeen River Light and most recently, the
Stokes Bay Range Light at the Bruce County Museum and
Cultural Centre. Take some time and visit all four! Enjoy
the outstanding views of the sandy beach shoreline and the
deep blue waters of Lake Huron on the 15 minute boat ride
to the island. During your two hour guided tour on Chantry
Island, you will have the opportunity to climb to the top of
the Imperial Lighthouse for extraordinary views of the island
and beyond.
transported to Southampton in December 2009. In April
2010 it was moved to its home at the Bruce County
Museum & Cultural Centre. Volunteers have spent
hundreds of hours restoring it.
While you’re here, experience the Bruce County Museum
and Cultural Centre’s “Ghostly Guardians of the Bruce
Coast,” a lighthouse exhibit which shines the spotlight on
the stories of Bruce Coast’s marine heritage.
Take a side trip and drive to Chantry View Dr. to check out
the Chantry Island Viewing Platform. You can also rent a
bike or stroll south along the North Shore Trail. The
winding trail travels along the Lake Huron shoreline and
offers a beautiful spot to catch the sunset for your viewing
pleasures.
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Stop in at Fairy Lake where you will get the best view of
Stokes Bay Range Light. The wooden watch room was
saved from destruction when the Canadian Coast Guard
made the decision to decommission it, and it was
Take a detour and sample the local cheese at Pine River Cheese, known for their
delicious cheese curds. Be sure to sample their flavoured cheese curds, especially
the Spicy Thai cheese curd.
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2
Kilometres
Tour
Tour
Lion’s Head to
Cape Croker
Cabot Head to
Tobermory
3
4
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2
Kilometres
Distance: 48km (not including the boat tour)
Distance: 49km
Start your tour at Cape Croker. Take this journey through the First Nations
territory to a secluded lighthouse on Georgian Bay. Detour down Park Road to
Cape Croker Indian Park. The Niagara Escarpment as its backdrop, this
gorgeous campground features nature trails, a boardwalk and canoe rentals. At
its entrance, Sydney Bay Store and Cafe includes Indian Tacos, bannock and
Ojibway crafts. Be sure to have your lunch over looking Sydney Bay.
Avid Explorer? Check out Greig’s Cave and take a hike through 3.5km of rugged
forest trails and explore 10 ancient limestone caves. Head north to Lion’s Head.
It’s a great place to complete your tour. The setting is gorgeous on the turquoise
water of Isthmus Bay. There’s a lovely sand beach, quaint lodging as well as a
few dining options to suit your taste.
On Saturday mornings check out the Farmers’ Market where you can purchase a
wide range of local products. There is also a Bayside Astronomy Program at the
marina Friday and Saturday nights where you can learn all about the night sky.
Start your tour at Cabot Head Lighthouse where you
can go inside to get a glimpse of life as a lighthouse
keeper. Get out and stretch your legs while taking a
stroll on the trail to Wingfield Basin where you will see
spectacular views of Georgian Bay. If you’ve got an
eye for birds, bring binoculars to spy on the flocks here
at Wingfield Basin.
LEGEND
Tour 1
Point Clark to Kincardine
Distance: 72km
Head north on Highway 6 towards Tobermory. Stop
in at Parks Canada Visitor Centre, and climb the tower
to look out on the island. Check out the interactive
exhibits including a lighthouse exhibit.
Tour 2
Paisley to Southampton
Distance: 25km (not including the boat tour)
Just north of Highway 6 is the Big Tub Lighthouse,
known as one of the top SCUBA diving locations in
Canada.
Tour 3
Visit Little Tub Harbour for the unique boutique shops,
candy shop and great restaurants. From here you can
take a glass bottom boat tour to Fathom Five National
Marine Park to visit Flowerpot Island, Cove Island and
the shipwrecks in Big Tub Harbour. Flowerpot and
Cove Island both host their own lighthouses.
Tour 4
Lion’s Head to Cape Croker
Distance: 49km
N
Cabot Head to Tobermory
Distance: 48km (not including the boat tour)
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0
2
Kilometres
4