Lighthouses standing majestically on a shoreline or an island conjure up images of romance and adventure. As picturesque as they are, their flashing lights served a necessary, practical function for mariners of the past. The waters of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay can be treacherous--many an unfortunate ship didn't weather the storm, even with the aid of a lighthouse beacon!

Bruce County's shoreline is dotted with lighthouses, large and small, evidence of the importance of lake transportation. Four of the six famous "imperial" lighthouses are here, constructed of dolomite limestone and granite. Most of the other lighthouses are of frame construction with the signature red tower housing the light at the tip.

Each had its own lightkeeper, whose job included refueling the light, trimming wicks, adjusting the flame height, lens polishing, and scraping the ice from the outside windows. Many were known to save lives from ships wrecked during violent storms. Glimpse into the life of these often forgotten heroes in the keepers' homes adjacent to several Bruce Coast Lighthouses.

• Request a Package
• The Lightkeepers
• Imperial Lighthouses
• The Tour
• Lighthouses Map
• Click on a picture to the left to view that Lighthouse