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Gibraltar Point Lighthouse

F Red🇨🇦Toronto, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Gibraltar Point Lighthouse

Gibraltar Point Lighthouse is a hexagonal stone tower located on the southwestern point of Centre Island, which shelters Toronto's inner harbor on the Great Lakes. Built in 1808, it stands 19 meters tall, with its focal height at 20 meters. The tower's original height of 16 meters was increased in 1832. It emits a fixed red light. The first keeper of this lighthouse died under mysterious circumstances in 1815. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is the oldest in Ontario and on the Great Lakes, serving as a key navigational aid for vessels entering Toronto's harbor for over 150 years.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F Red
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
Red
Raw Code
F R
Focal Height
20m
Geographic Range
13.2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1808

Significant events: height of the tower was raised from 16 m (52 ft) in 1832, first keeper died mysteriously in 1815

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
19m
Tower Shape
hexagonal
Tower Color
gray stone
Material
stone

Structure: hexagonal stone tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Toronto
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Ontario
Sea Region
southwestern point of Centre Island, which shelters the city's inner harbor, on the Great Lakes
Latitude
43.6136°
Longitude
-79.3852°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Toronto(1.0 km)
ARLHS No.
CAN-199
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Gibraltar Point Lighthouse at night?+
Gibraltar Point 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 Gibraltar Point Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Gibraltar Point Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Toronto at 1.6 NM to the NE. Other ports served include ETOBICOKE (5.8 NM WSW), Mississauga (6.9 NM WSW), Port Credit (8.3 NM WSW), Clarkson (12.2 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Gibraltar Point Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Gibraltar Point 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 Gibraltar Point Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Gibraltar Point 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.