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West Sister Rock Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇨🇦Johnson Township, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About West Sister Rock Lighthouse

This hexagonal wood tower, standing 9 meters tall, was built in 1885 and first lit in the same year. The structure, painted white with a red lantern and gallery, has a focal height of 11.5 meters. Originally established on North Sister Rock, the lighthouse was moved to its present location on West Sister Rock in 1905. It emits a white flash every 4 seconds, visible for nearly 11 nautical miles. The lighthouse is situated on a small island off the northeast coast of St. Joseph Island.

Why it matters: The lighthouse guides vessels through a narrow passage west of Portlock Island. Its relocation in 1905 demonstrates adaptation to changing navigational needs.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
11.5m
Geographic Range
10.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1885

Significant events: originally built on North Sister Rock, relocated in 1905

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
De Tour Village(18.8 km)
ARLHS No.
CAN-528

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9m
Tower Shape
hexagonal
Tower Color
white
Material
wood

Structure: hexagonal wood tower with lantern and gallery, painted white; lantern is red

Location

City
Johnson Township
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Ontario
Sea Region
tiny island off the northeast coast of St. Joseph Island, guides vessels through a narrow passage west of Portlock Island
Latitude
46.3037°
Longitude
-83.9157°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify West Sister Rock Lighthouse at night?+
West Sister Rock 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 West Sister Rock Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
West Sister Rock Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is THESSALON MUNICIPAL at 15.4 NM to the E. Other ports served include De Tour Village (18.6 NM S), DRUMMOND ISLAND (19.1 NM S), Sault-Sainte-Marie (21.4 NM NW), Sault Sainte Marie (21.5 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is West Sister Rock Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, West Sister Rock 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 West Sister Rock Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near West Sister Rock 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.