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Otter Island Lighthouse

86WM4W6M+M8

Name and Location

The Otter Island Lighthouse stands tall in Heron Bay, Ontario, Canada, situated on a small island in Lake Superior.

2. Construction and History

Built during the late 19th century, this lighthouse serves as an aid to navigation for mariners traversing Lake Superior. Its original construction is not well-documented, but it has played a crucial role in maritime history, serving generations of mariners.

3. Architecture and Materials

The Otter Island Lighthouse features a sturdy tower constructed from traditional materials such as brick and stone. The architectural style is characterized by its simple yet effective design, with a distinctive red-and-white striped pattern adorning the lighthouse's upper portion.

4. Light and Navigation

Equipped with a Fresnel lens-powered light source, the lighthouse emits a white beacon with a range of approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles). The light characteristic is Fl(3)W.15s, signifying a flash of three seconds followed by a pause of 15 seconds.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Unfortunately, the lighthouse is not open to the public for visits or tours due to its remote location and sensitive environmental surroundings. Its accessibility is restricted, with no designated visitor hours or facilities.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape and environment are notable for their stunning natural beauty, featuring vast expanses of water, rocky shores, abundant wildlife, and plant life. Visitors can explore Heron Bay's scenic hiking trails and enjoy lake views from nearby vantage points.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

Unfortunately, there are no recorded local folklore or unique anecdotes associated with the Otter Island Lighthouse. Its significance lies in its role as an aid to navigation rather than any specific stories or legends.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was originally operated manually by keepers but has since been automated to reduce maintenance costs and improve safety. The Canadian Coast Guard manages the lighthouse as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure safe navigation and environmental protection in Canada's waters.

9. Further Information

For further information on lighthouses in general or specific historical events, please consult relevant sources such as the Canadian Coast Guard, the Canadian Hydrographic Service, or reputable online archives.

Details

NameOtter Island Lighthouse
CityHeron Bay
CountryCanada
Coordinates48.1116533, -86.0667327
Year of constructionlate 19th century
Eventsrole in maritime history
Architectural stylesimple yet effective design
Construction materialbrick and stone
Tower height11
Accessiblefalse
Landscape typerocky shores
View descriptionstunning natural beauty, with abundant wildlife and plant life
Guided toursfalse
Nearby attractionsThunder Bay Museum, Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area
Light characteristicFl(3)W.15s
Light range20
Automatedtrue