Location The Western Islands Lightstation is located at 45 02' 04" N 80 21' 32" W, or Double Top Island, as it is know by name. Double Top Island is located in a chain of islands known as the Western Islands, which are located in Georgian Bay. |
|
|
HistoryLike all lighthouses built in Canada after 1867, the Wesern Islands lighthouse is built of wood. Built in 1895, the tower is one of the few octagonal towers built. Perched on a brick foundation, on a 60 by 200 yard rock in the middle of Georgian Bay, it has withstood the fury of Mother Nature for many years. The light, which still is exhibitted from the original tower to this day, was automated in 1966 and destaffed in 1967. At the height of its time, the site had a boathouse, a fog alarm building and a dwelling. It also has a dock and a helipad. |
|
|
My VisitAfter planning all winter, the convoy of boats departed at 0930 EDT on August 25, 2000. We made the trip out in 3 hours, in heavy swell. We arrived at the light, but were unable to dock due to the wave action. We headed for the North Group and Western Islands harbour. We stayed the night, only to find that we were weather bound the next morning. We finally got out at about 1930 EDT on the 26th of August. Our total sailing time on the return leg was also three hours, however we had to use engines for some of the trip, as the wind died out entirely. A surprise, since the anemometer at the light was reporting 26 knots only three hours earlier. |
|
|
Photographs of the Western Islands Lightstation |
