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

Thunder Bay Main Lighthouse

Fl Red 5s🇨🇦Thunder Bay, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Thunder Bay Main Lighthouse

Constructed in 1937, this cylindrical wood lighthouse stands 9.5 meters tall at the end of Thunder Bay's north breakwater. The structure features a red lantern and gallery atop a two-story keeper's house, painted white with red trim. Its light emits a single red flash every five seconds, visible for nearly 12 nautical miles. In 2021, Canadian Lighthouses of Lake Superior initiated lease negotiations, leading to a restoration and repainting project in 2022 and 2023. The lighthouse remains operational, maintained by the Canadian Coast Guard.

Why it matters: This light guides vessels safely into Thunder Bay's main harbor and is a significant local landmark due to its visibility from the downtown waterfront.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl R 5s
Focal Height
15m
Geographic Range
11.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1937

Significant events: Canadian Lighthouses of Lake Superior negotiated lease in 2021, partially restored and repainted in 2022-23

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Thunder Bay(1.4 km)
USCG No.
7-16915
ARLHS No.
CAN-595

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with red trim, lantern red
Material
wood

Structure: square cylindrical wood light tower with lantern and gallery, centered on the roof of a 2-story wood keeper's house

Location

City
Thunder Bay
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Ontario
Sea Region
Located at the end of the north breakwater sheltering the city's main harbor
Latitude
48.4323°
Longitude
-89.1961°

Nearby Vessels

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

Find Thunder Bay Main 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 Thunder Bay Main Lighthouse at night?+
Thunder Bay Main 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 Thunder Bay Main Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Thunder Bay Main Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Fort William at 2.4 NM to the SW. Other ports served include Port Arthur (2.4 NM SW), Thunder Bay (2.4 NM SW), Grand Portage (34.7 NM SW), Red Rock (47.7 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Thunder Bay Main Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Thunder Bay Main 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 Thunder Bay Main Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Thunder Bay Main 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.