Kingston Lighthouse
6 Yacht Club Ln, Kingston, ON K7K 5J4, Canada
Name and Location
Kingston Lighthouse is a historic beacon located on the shores of Lake Ontario in Ontario, Canada.
2. Construction and History
Built in 1858, Kingston Lighthouse is one of the oldest and most historic lighthouses in Ontario. Its construction marked an important milestone in Canada's maritime history, providing a vital aid to navigation for mariners traversing the treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
3. Architecture and Materials
The lighthouse stands at an impressive 30 meters (98 feet) tall, featuring a sturdy stone tower with a distinctive red-and-white striped pattern that has become synonymous with Canadian maritime heritage. The original Fresnel lens was replaced in 1969 with a modern optic, ensuring continued reliable service.
4. Light and Navigation
The lighthouse is equipped with a range of operational systems, including optical aids, radio beacons, and weather monitoring equipment. Its height and proximity to the St. Lawrence River ensure that its beam can be seen from a distance, providing crucial navigation assistance for mariners entering or leaving the river.
5. Accessibility and Visiting
Kingston Lighthouse is owned and operated by the Government of Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). A nearby interpretive center offers exhibits and guided tours, providing insight into the region's maritime history.
6. Notable Views and Landscape
The lighthouse is situated on the north shore of Lake Ontario, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the lake itself.
7. Anecdotes and Folklore
No anecdotal information available.
8. Technical and Operational Details
The lighthouse features a modern optic and a red sector light that rotates every 15 seconds. It also transmits radio signals to aid in navigation, ensuring safe passage for vessels. Weather monitoring equipment is installed on site, providing vital information on local conditions.
9. Further Information
Kingston Lighthouse has been recognized as a Heritage Lighthouse under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Details
| Name | Kingston Lighthouse |
|---|---|
| City | |
| Country | Canada |
| Coordinates | 44.2336304, -76.4504335 |
| Year of construction | 1858 |
| Historic significance | plays a crucial role in ensuring safe passage through the treacherous waters of the Great Lakes |
| Stories | vital aid to navigation in the Great Lakes, plays a crucial role in ensuring safe passage through the treacherous waters of the Great Lakes |
| Construction material | stone |
| Focal height | 98 |
| Tower height | 30 |
| Heritage status | true |
| Accessible | true |
| Landscape type | coastal |
| Guided tours | true |
| Facilities | toilets, café, gift shop |
| Nearby attractions | interpretive center |
| AIS Radar | true |
| Light characteristic | red sector light that rotates every 15 seconds |
| Automated | true |