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Big Tub Lighthouse

F Red🇨🇦Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Big Tub Lighthouse

Also known as: Big Tub (Lighthouse Point, Tobermory)

Built in 1885, this hexagonal frame tower stands 12.5 meters tall at the end of Big Tub Road, marking the tip of the Bruce Peninsula. Painted white with red trim, its lantern is also red. The light emits a fixed red signal, visible for 11.3 nautical miles. The grounds were improved in 1985 with a new walkway. The structure sustained heavy storm damage in 1987 and again in November 2019, with repairs completed in summer 2020. While the site is accessible, the tower itself remains closed to the public.

Why it matters: This lighthouse serves as a landmark for vessels entering and exiting Big Tub Harbour, its fixed red light aiding local maritime traffic.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F Red
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
Red
Raw Code
F R
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1885

Significant events: Grounds improved and walkway installed in 1985, heavily damaged by storm and repaired in 1987, damaged by storm in November 2019 with repairs in summer 2020

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12.5m
Tower Shape
hexagonal
Tower Color
white with red trim

Structure: hexagonal frame tower with lantern and gallery, painted white with red trim; lantern is red

Location

City
Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Ontario
Sea Region
Located at the end of Big Tub Road, which circles Big Tub Harbour from the ferry terminal, standing at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula.
Latitude
45.2576°
Longitude
-81.6726°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Mindemoya(36.5 km)
ARLHS No.
CAN-549
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Big Tub Lighthouse at night?+
Big Tub displays the characteristic F Red. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Big Tub Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Big Tub Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 4 nearby ports. The closest is Mindemoya at 35.3 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Wiarton (38.3 NM SE), Killarney (43.1 NM N), Little Current (44.9 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Big Tub Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Big Tub Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Big Tub Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Big Tub Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.