Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, Lighthouse at Gibraltar Point on Toronto Islands, Canada
Gibraltar Point Lighthouse is a hexagonal brick tower with a red lantern top standing on one of Toronto's islands near Lake Ontario's entrance. The structure rises prominently from the landscape and is set among the natural surroundings of the island group.
The structure was built in 1808 when the Upper Canadian government authorized its construction for shipping safety on the Great Lakes. Its longevity makes it one of the oldest standing lighthouses that still marks this critical waterway.
The lighthouse stands as a landmark that connects visitors to the maritime traditions of the Great Lakes, showing how this place shaped navigation along the Ontario shoreline. Its presence on the islands reinforces the area's role as a gateway between the city and the water.
To reach the lighthouse, take the ferry to Toronto Islands and walk through the island pathways to find it. Wear sturdy shoes for uneven ground and check weather conditions before heading out, as the route is exposed to the elements.
The first keeper of the tower disappeared under unclear circumstances, with bone fragments discovered at the site many years later. This unresolved mystery adds to the intrigue surrounding the place and its earliest days.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
