Old Cut Lighthouse

History

Long Point is a sand spit some 40 kilometres long that reaches far out into Lake Erie from the Ontario shore.^[2] In the nineteenth century a powerful storm broke through its base, opening a channel that let boats pass between the lake and Long Point Bay without sailing around the whole spit. The opening became known as the Old Cut, and a lighthouse was put up beside it.^[2]

The Lighthouse Directory dates the surviving lighthouse to 1879. It is a square pyramidal wooden tower about 15 metres (50 feet) tall, attached to a one-storey wooden keeper's quarters, painted white with red trim.^[1]

Sand that made Long Point also undid the cut. As the channel silted shut, the light lost its purpose, and it was taken out of service in 1916. Today there is only dry land where the channel ran.^[1,2] Wikipedia adds that boaters still use the northern part of the old cut to reach the bay and the cottages there.^[2]

The coast here had a darker reputation too. According to Wikipedia, some local residents in the mid-nineteenth century practised 'blackbirding', showing false lights in poor visibility so that ships trying to enter the cut would run aground, then looting the abandoned vessels.^[2]

After decommissioning the building became a private home and was much altered. New owners restored it in 1999 and 2000 to look close to its original appearance; the old lantern had long since gone, and the gallery now carries an open replica.^[1] It remains a private summer residence, so the site and tower are closed, but it stands just off county road 59 near the entrance to Long Point Provincial Park, where it is easy to see from the street.^[1]

How to see it

View from shore Best seen from a public park, beach or pier nearby.

Best public viewpoint

From the road: it stands just off county road 59 near the entrance to Long Point Provincial Park and is easily seen from the street.^[1]

Tower climbs

No public tower climbs have been offered, as far as our sources show.

Last verified

Last verified 2026-10

Access details last verified 2026-10. Hours, tours and ownership change. Check the operator before you go. Pier and breakwater lights can be dangerous in wind and waves; obey posted closures and never enter private or Coast Guard property.

Questions people ask

Can you visit the Old Cut Lighthouse?

Only from outside. It is a private summer residence, but it stands just off county road 59 near the entrance to Long Point Provincial Park and is easily seen from the street.

What was the Old Cut?

A channel that a nineteenth-century storm cut through the base of Long Point. A lighthouse marked it until the channel silted shut and the light was retired in 1916.