Name and Location

The Phare de la Pointe-Mitis is a historic lighthouse located in Métis-sur-Mer, Quebec, Canada.

Construction and History

Built in 1872, the Phare de la Pointe-Mitis was designed to serve as a beacon for ships navigating the treacherous waters of the St. Lawrence River. The structure stands at an impressive 21 meters (69 feet) tall, with a white exterior that has been painted numerous times over the years. Its original Fresnel lens, installed in 1882, is still intact and operational today.

Architecture and Materials

The Phare de la Pointe-Mitis is a classic example of a Quebec-style lighthouse, characterized by its simple yet elegant design. The structure's rectangular base supports a tapered tower with a distinctive lantern room at the top. The lantern room houses the original Fresnel lens and serves as a focal point for the lighthouse's light.

Light and Navigation

The Phare de la Pointe-Mitis was originally equipped with a first-order optic, which emitted a white light every 7.5 seconds. In 1956, the lighthouse was automated, eliminating the need for a resident keeper. Today, the lighthouse is still an important navigational aid, serving as a vital reference point for mariners and recreational sailors.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can explore the lighthouse and its surrounding grounds, which offer stunning views of the St. Lawrence River.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape offers breathtaking views of the river, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and photographers.

Anecdotes and Folklore

No anecdotal information is available for this lighthouse.

Technical and Operational Details

The Phare de la Pointe-Mitis was originally equipped with a first-order optic, which emitted a white light every 7.5 seconds. In 1956, the lighthouse was automated, eliminating the need for a resident keeper.

Further Information

• * The Phare de la Pointe-Mitis is one of only a handful of lighthouses in Canada to retain its original Fresnel lens.
• * In 2019, the lighthouse was added to the List of Historic Lighthouses in the Canadian Heritage Database.