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Griffith Island Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇨🇦Georgian Bluffs, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Griffith Island Lighthouse

This cylindrical stone tower, standing 20 meters tall, was built in 1858. It is situated on the northeast point of Griffith Island, off Cape Commodore, near the base of the Bruce Peninsula. The lighthouse features a lantern and gallery and emits a white flash every 4 seconds, with a focal height of 31 meters providing a geographic range of 15.5 nautical miles. A 1-1/2 story stone keeper's house, attached to the tower, has been in ruins since its abandonment in 1955. The lighthouse remains operational, though its remote location makes access difficult.

Why it matters: As one of the Imperial Towers designed by engineer John Brown, this lighthouse was important for guiding vessels through Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
31m
Geographic Range
15.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1858

Significant events: Keeper's house abandoned in 1955, keeper's house collapsing into ruins

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Wiarton(12.0 km)
ARLHS No.
CAN-216

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
20m
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
Georgian Bluffs
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Ontario
Sea Region
Northeast point of Griffith Island, off Cape Commodore, at the east side of the base of the Bruce Peninsula, on Lake Huron and Georgian Bay
Latitude
44.8506°
Longitude
-80.8913°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Griffith Island Lighthouse at night?+
Griffith 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 Griffith Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Griffith Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Wiarton at 12 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Owen Sound (16.1 NM S), Meaford (19.5 NM SE), Thornbury (26.1 NM SE), Collingwood (35.1 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Griffith Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Griffith 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 Griffith Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Griffith 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.