Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Cove Island Lighthouse

Fl White 5s🇨🇦Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cove Island Lighthouse

Also known as: Cove Island (Isle of Coves)

Built in 1858, Cove Island Lighthouse is a cylindrical stone tower standing 24 meters tall, with the light positioned at a focal height of 31 meters. The structure includes a round limestone tower topped with a lantern and gallery, attached to a 1-1/2 story stone keeper's house. It emits a white light with one flash every 5 seconds, visible for 15.5 nautical miles. The lighthouse is situated at Gig Point on the northern corner of Cove Island, marking the primary channel entrance to Georgian Bay from Lake Huron. It is one of six original Imperial Towers constructed for Lake Huron.

Why it matters: As the most complete of the original Imperial Towers, Cove Island Lighthouse retains its original fog signal building, boathouse, and assistant keeper's houses, highlighting its architectural and historical significance.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
31m
Geographic Range
15.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1858

Significant events: Cove Island Lightstation Heritage Association formed in 2005, memorandum of understanding signed with Coast Guard, volunteers cleaned tower and painted keeper's house, $200,000 restoration announced in May 2015

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Mindemoya(31.6 km)
USCG No.
7-12675
ARLHS No.
CAN-149

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
24m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
stone

Structure: round limestone tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a 1-1/2 story stone keepers house

Location

City
Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Ontario
Sea Region
Located at Gig Point on the northern corner of Cove Island, marking the entrance to the main channel into Georgian Bay from Lake Huron.
Latitude
45.3268°
Longitude
-81.7350°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Cove Island Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Canada, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Cove Island Lighthouse at night?+
Cove Island displays the characteristic Fl White 5s. 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 Cove Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cove Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Mindemoya at 30.4 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Killarney (39.5 NM NNE), Little Current (40.3 NM NNW), Wiarton (43.2 NM SE), Gore Bay (46.8 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cove Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cove 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 Cove Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cove 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.