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Christian Island Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇨🇦CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Christian Island Lighthouse

This cylindrical lighthouse, constructed from stone, reaches a height of 18.5 meters, with its lantern positioned 19.5 meters above the water. The structure is painted white, and its lantern is red. First illuminated in 1859, the lighthouse was taken out of service in 1922. Its original lantern was removed during World War II, and the station was reactivated in 1965. The current lantern was put in place around the year 2000. It is situated on a peninsula's edge, near Penetanguishene.

Why it matters: As the initial lighthouse erected on Georgian Bay, it served as a primary navigation aid for early maritime traffic and indicated a dangerous peninsula.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
19.5m
Geographic Range
13NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1859

Significant events: deactivated in 1922, original lantern removed during World War II, reactivated in 1965, present lantern installed around 2000

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
18.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
stone

Structure: round limestone tower with lantern and gallery, painted white; lantern is red

Location

Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Ontario
Sea Region
first lighthouse built on Georgian Bay, located at the end of a sharp peninsula at the southeastern tip of Christian Island
Latitude
44.7866°
Longitude
-80.1561°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Penetanguishene(9.2 km)
ARLHS No.
CAN-136
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Christian Island Lighthouse at night?+
Christian Island displays the characteristic Fl White 4s. 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Christian Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Christian Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Penetanguishene at 9.6 NM to the E. Other ports served include Midland (10.4 NM ESE), Victoria Harbour (16.7 NM E), Collingwood (17.5 NM S), Thornbury (19 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Christian Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Christian Island 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 Christian Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Christian Island 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.