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Gros Cap Reef Lighthouse

Fl Red 5s🇨🇦Sault Ste. Marie, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Gros Cap Reef Lighthouse

This white, skeletal steel tower, standing 18 meters tall, was built in 1953 to mark the southwest edge of Gros Cap Reef. It guards the entrance to the St. Marys River from Lake Superior. The light is displayed from a skeletal mast atop a 3-story keeper's quarters. A red flash is shown every 5 seconds, visible for nearly 13 nautical miles. The structure is built on a concrete crib designed with a knife-edge prow to break up ice. It is located approximately 10.5 kilometers from Sault Ste. Marie.

Why it matters: The lighthouse warns mariners of the Gros Cap Reef and is essential for guiding vessels into the St. Marys River, a critical shipping lane for traffic bound for the Soo Locks.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl R 5s
Focal Height
18m
Geographic Range
12.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1953

Significant events: Built 1953

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Sault-Sainte-Marie(10.5 km)
USCG No.
7-14495
ARLHS No.
CAN-565

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
18m
Tower Shape
skeletal
Tower Color
white with red trim
Material
steel

Structure: structure: the light is displayed from a skeletal mast mounted on the roof of a 3-story keeper's quarters

Location

City
Sault Ste. Marie
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Ontario
Sea Region
Located on the southwest edge of the Gros Cap Reef, guarding the entrance to the St. Marys River from Lake Superior.
Latitude
46.5116°
Longitude
-84.6152°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Gros Cap Reef Lighthouse at night?+
Gros Cap Reef displays the characteristic Fl Red 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Gros Cap Reef Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Gros Cap Reef Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sault Sainte Marie at 11 NM to the E. Other ports served include Sault-Sainte-Marie (11.4 NM E), CEDARVILLE (32.8 NM SSE), Brevort (34.4 NM SSW), Mackinac Island (40 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Gros Cap Reef Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Gros Cap Reef 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 Gros Cap Reef Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Gros Cap Reef 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.