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McNab Point Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇨🇦Saugeen Shores, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About McNab Point Lighthouse

Also known as: McNab Point (Southampton Harbour Range Rear)

The McNab Point Lighthouse, a square pyramidal wooden tower, was first lit in 1877. It was originally situated on the north side of Horseshoe Bay but was relocated to its present location at the tip of the peninsula south of Horseshoe Bay in 1901. The tower stands 8.5 meters high, with its light reaching a focal height of 31 meters. For a period, the light was covered in white aluminum siding, which led to the underlying wood rotting. Following a lease in 2008, the Marine Heritage Society restored the structure, removing the siding and returning it to its authentic appearance. The lighthouse was recognized as a Heritage Lighthouse in 2012.

Why it matters: This structure guided vessels navigating Southampton Harbour and marked the geographic feature of McNab Point. Its journey from an active aid to navigation to a restored heritage site highlights local dedication to preserving maritime history.

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
1877
Heritage Status
Heritage Lighthouse 2012

Significant events: relocated in 1901, range discontinued in the 1950s, deactivated in the early 1970s, reactivated in 1974, covered with white aluminum siding in 1988, underlying wood rotted, Marine Heritage Society leased and restored in 2008, recognized as a Heritage Lighthouse in 2012

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Port Elgin(1.7 km)
ARLHS No.
CAN-643
Wikidata
Q45324544 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8.5m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
red
Material
wood

Structure: square pyramidal wood tower with lantern; lantern painted red

Location

City
Saugeen Shores
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Ontario
Sea Region
originally on the north side of Horseshoe Bay south of Southampton, relocated to McNab Point, the tip of the peninsula south of Horseshoe Bay, located in an area of vacation homes
Latitude
44.4724°
Longitude
-81.3926°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify McNab Point Lighthouse at night?+
McNab Point 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 McNab Point Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
McNab Point Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Wiarton at 19.9 NM to the NE. Other ports served include Owen Sound (20.8 NM ENE), Hanover (26 NM SE), Amberly (28.9 NM SSW), Meaford (34.8 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is McNab Point Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, McNab 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 McNab Point Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near McNab 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.