Lyal & Knife Island Lighthouse
Located on Lyle & Knife Island - Stokes Bay Bruce Peninsula

The Lighthouses of Stokes Bay. Midway up the Bruce Peninsula, the Lake Huron coast opens to form the once busy fishing and logging community of Stokes Bay. Rocky shoals and islands make the approach into Stokes Bay a formidable venture. To help vessels find their way to safety, in 1885 a 17.3 metre wooden lighthouse was erected on the west shore of Lyal Island, which is known locally as Big Island. Captain John McKay, a colourful figure from schooner days, was the first keeper. His life was arduous. The Big Island lighthouse was cold, his salary inadequate, and the island infested Massasauga rattlesnakes. Captain McKay kept the light on Lyal Island until 1922 when he was awarded the Imperial Long Service Medal for 37 years of faithful service. The Lyal Island light was automated in 1959. Without a keeper, it was vandalized before it was torn down in the late 1960's and replaced by a steel navigational tower. Additional navigational aids were required in these waters and a range light was built on nearby Knife Island. The Knife Island range light still stands but a steel tower light is in use today. Access to these sites is best suited to the experienced canoeist or kayaker. The relatively shallow waters of Stokes Bay can provide for a great daytrip (weather permitting) More information on the Lights of Stokes Bay Here

Tower Height: 57 Height of Focal Plane: 51 Characteristic and Range: Flashing white every 20 seconds, visible for 12 miles Description of Tower: White, square, pyramidal wooden tower with a red polygonal lantern, rising from the front of a white, rectangular dwelling. This light is not operational Date Established: 1885 Date Deactivated: c. 1965-70 Date Automated: 1959 Current Use: Destroyed. Keepers: Captain John McKay, (1885-1895); Walter Knight (30 years)

Stokes Bay is located just west of Hwy 6 from Ferndale along the Lake Huron shoreline. The lights are located on islands offshore and are only accessible by boat.

home I fishing I beaches I cycling I hiking I orchids & wildflowers I gardens I birds I skiing I snowshoe I
snowmobile I camping I packages I accommodations I spas & wellness