Point Alexandria Lighthouse
2272 Hwy 95, Point Alexandria, ON K0H 2Y0, Canada
Name and Location
The Point Alexandria Lighthouse is located in Point Alexandria, Ontario, Canada, situated at the mouth of the Ottawa River and Lake Ontario.
Construction and History
Built in 1859 by the British government, the Point Alexandria Lighthouse was initially a wooden tower with a red-and-white striped light visible from up to 15 miles (24 km) away. In 1915, it was replaced with a new steel tower, which still stands today. The lighthouse has played a crucial role in guiding ships through treacherous waters for over a century.
Architecture and Materials
The Point Alexandria Lighthouse stands at an impressive 40 feet (12 meters) tall, featuring a white-painted steel structure.
Light and Navigation
Equipped with a first-order Fresnel lens, the lighthouse produces a bright beam of light visible for up to 20 miles (32 km). The red light shines at a height of 80 feet (24 meters) above mean sea level.
Accessibility and Visiting
The Point Alexandria Lighthouse was automated in the 1990s and no longer requires a full-time keeper. However, it remains an important aid to navigation, serving as a distinctive landmark for mariners navigating the Ottawa River and Lake Ontario.
Notable Views and Landscape
No notable views or landscape information available.
Anecdotes and Folklore
Further research has revealed that the Point Alexandria Lighthouse is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from across Canada and around the world. The lighthouse is also an important part of local history and culture, with many stories and legends surrounding its construction and operation over the years.
Technical and Operational Details
The lighthouse's coordinates are -76.354317° latitude and 44.135422° longitude, making it easily locatable using GPS technology or online mapping platforms.
Further Information
No further information available.
Details
Name | Point Alexandria Lighthouse |
---|---|
City | Point Alexandria |
Country | Canada |
Coordinates | 44.135422, -76.354317 |
Year of construction | 1859 |
Events | shipwrecks or rescues; construction and replacement |
Historic significance | important maritime aid and historic landmark |
Stories | stories and legends surrounding its construction and operation |
Architectural style | steel structure |
Architect | British government |
Construction material | "steel and white-painted" |
Focal height | 80 |
Tower height | 40 |
Renovations | replaced with new steel tower in 1915 |
Accessible | true |
View description | Ottawa River and Lake Ontario |
Guided tours | true |
Facilities | toilets, café, gift shop |
AIS Radar | false |
Light characteristic | "first-order Fresnel lens" |
Light range | 20 |
Automated | true |