On a beautifully sunny, but quite windy, spring day, we took a drive up along Lake Huron and found ourselves at the Point Clark Lighthouse National Historic Site. It wasn’t open but the lighthouse and shoreline were interesting enough for a look around.
This “Imperial” style lighthouse was built in 1859 and is 24 metres (78 feet) tall and made out of limestone. There are 6 of these towers built in the region but they are not the standard Canadian style, making them quite rare.
The lighthouse was actually one of six Canadian lighthouses to be on a Canadian stamp in 2009.
The top section of the lighthouse has a domed roof which protects the 12-sided lantern that still operates today, although it is now automated.
The lightkeeper’s home is close by and is now used as a museum, which is run by the municipality.
Nearby you can walk or swim at the beaches, although it was definitely too cold this early in the season, and very rough.
A small park with benches, a gazebo and some play equipment can also be enjoyed during your visit.
There is a parking lot and a boat launch at the site, I’m not sure if there are any docking or launching fees but the parking was free.
This was the second time we had visited the lighthouse but have never actually climbed the tower or been in the museum because we always seem to come off season. If you are interested in visiting the lighthouse and musuem, check their Museum and Tour Hours before planning your trip.
Sources:
Parks Canada – Point Clark Lighthouse National Historic Site – Point Clark Lighthouse National Historic Site. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/on/clark/index.aspx
Township of Huron-Kinloss, Ontario, Canada – Point Clark Lighthouse. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.huronkinloss.com/point_clark_lighthouse.cfm
