Battle Island Light

Battle Island Light is a white octagonal concrete tower standing on the western tip of Battle Island in Lake Superior. The structure reaches about 43 feet (13 meters) tall and features a red lantern mounted at its peak.

A wooden lighthouse was first built in 1877 to guide ships across the lake. Between 1915 and 1916, it was replaced by the current concrete structure to handle increased shipping traffic in the region.

Charles McKay dedicated 36 seasons as the lighthouse keeper, maintaining the essential navigational aid through changing weather patterns and maritime conditions.

The lighthouse operates fully automatically and can be viewed from the water since the island itself is not accessible to visitors. The best views of the structure come from a boat or ship passing nearby on the lake.

In 1953 a moose arrived on the island and caused such disruption that the lighthouse keepers had to arrange its relocation. This unusual event remains an odd chapter in the tower's history.

Location: Unorganized Thunder Bay District

Operator: Canadian Coast Guard

GPS coordinates: 48.75177,-87.55740

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:20