Port Maitland Lighthouse

History

Port Maitland grew at the mouth of the Grand River, on the eastern stretch of Ontario's Lake Erie shore. In the canal era the river mouth was tied into the Welland Canal system, and ships heading there had to pass the shoals off nearby Gull Island, now Mohawk Island, whose own lighthouse of 1848 was built to guide them in.^[2] A light station was set up at the river mouth in 1846.^[3]

The present tower dates from 1898. It is a square pyramidal wooden structure about 12.5 metres (41 feet) tall, painted white, with a lantern and gallery in green.^[3] Towers like this, of timber on a broad square base, were cheap to build and stable in high winds, which is why so many Canadian harbours used them.^[4]

In 1921 the lighthouse became the front light of a range. A second, taller light stood behind it, and a pilot lining up the two knew he was on the safe course into the river. The range was discontinued in 2000 and the rear light demolished.^[3]

The light is still lit, now as a private aid to navigation. The Canadian Coast Guard's 2026 List of Lights gives it a green isophase light, two seconds on and two off, from 15.1 metres above the water, on a white square tower with a green upper part.^[1]

Unlike the offshore lights farther along this shore, Port Maitland is easy to reach. The tower stands at the end of the west pier, off regional road 11 south of Dunnville, and the pier can be walked; the tower itself is closed.^[3] Piers are exposed to waves, so stay off them in rough weather.

How to see it

Grounds open You can walk to or around the lighthouse; the tower itself is closed.

Best public viewpoint

The west pier at the mouth of the Grand River in Port Maitland, off regional road 11 south of Dunnville; the pier can be walked to the tower.^[3]

Tower climbs

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

Operator

Private aid to navigation

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 walk out to the Port Maitland lighthouse?

Yes. The Lighthouse Directory says the west pier can be walked to the tower, though the tower itself is closed. Keep off the pier in wind and waves.

Is the Port Maitland light still active?

Yes, as a private aid to navigation. The 2026 Canadian List of Lights shows Iso G 4s at a focal height of 15.1 metres.