Explore the Bruce Peninsula Lighthouses During Your Ontario Vacation

When you’re staying in one of our cottage rentals in Ontario, you’ll have the ultimate opportunity to get close to nature. If you want to learn about nature and explore the area’s history at the same time, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the incredible Bruce Peninsula lighthouses in the area! No matter where you’re staying along the Bruce Peninsula, you’ll be just minutes away from these fantastic attractions. 

overview of Ontario in the fall

Lion’s Head Lighthouse

Established in 1903, the Lion’s Head Lighthouse has a rich history over its century of existence. The lighthouse has had to be rebuilt several times over the decades because of extreme weather conditions. One of the biggest renovations came in 1969 when the lighthouse was automated and a metal post and light were installed. High school students actually built a replica in 1983, which is the lighthouse that draws tourists today. Visit Lion’s Head to check out the lighthouse and its iconic red light!

Flowerpot Island Lighthouse

Flowerpot Island is a popular destination for nature lovers, partially thanks to its status as part of the Fathom Five National Marine Park. The lighthouse here was actually pushed off of a cliff in 1969, and it was replaced later with a range light and steel tower, which is what stands at the site today. The Canadian Coast Guard and the Friends of Fathom Five were concerned about the light station deteriorating, and restoration efforts began in 1996.

Today, you can see the lighthouse while exploring the 4.3 kilometers of trail throughout the island.

Knife Island Lighthouse

The lighthouse in Knife Island is actually used by boaters from Knife Island, Lyal Island, and Stokes Bay. This harbor is considered quite difficult, but experienced sailors rely on this lighthouse for their exploration nevertheless. The history of this lighthouse dates all the way back to 1885, when the 50-foot lighthouse was erected on Lyal Island’s west shore. The lighthouse was automated in 1959 and has since been replaced by the steel navigational tower we see today.

Cove Island Lighthouse

In 1855, a small crew of about 20 men began construction on Cove Island Lighthouse. While the lighthouse was being constructed, the crew lit the island with a light on top of the unfinished tower. Throughout construction and once the lighthouse was complete, several different types of lights were used until it was given electricity in the 1950s. An underwater power cable was put into place in 1971, connecting Tobermory to Cove Island.

Big Tub Lighthouse

Sailors throughout Lake Huron and Georgian Bay were thankful for the construction of Big Tub Lighthouse in 1885. The structure that originally stood was built for around $650 and was eventually replaced by the lighthouse we see today, which is a 43-foot, six-sided wooden structure. After a few renovations, Big Tub Lighthouse looks good as new and is a landmark welcoming visitors to both of Tobermory’s harbours. Big Tub Lighthouse is surely one of the best things to do in Tobermory.

Plan Your Visit

The lighthouses on this list make for great family activities, and the area offers so many more. Contact us today to book and plan your Ontario Cottage rental vacation!

Cabot Head Lighthouse

Named to honor of the explorer John Cabot, Cabot Head Lighthouse has been guiding ships through Georgian Bay for more than a century. The original light went into operation in 1896 and served sailors until 1968, when the tower was demolished. It was restored 15 years later by the Friends of Cabot Head, and visitors today are welcome to walk through the lighthouse museum and interpretive trails.

Whether you stay in one of our Lion’s Head cottages, accommodations in Tobermory, or any of our other rentals along the Bruce Peninsula, you’ll always have access to these stunning lighthouses. You may even try to visit them all while you’re in town! Contact us today to learn more about all of our Bruce Peninsula cottages.

Contact

Please Contact david@cottagevacations.com with all owner-related questions
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Address: 3 - 10 Brunel Rd Huntsville ON P1H 2A9
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