Rondeau Harbour Lights (Erieau)

History

Rondeau Harbour, sheltered behind the long sandy point of Rondeau, has been marked by lights since 1876.^[2] The village of Erieau sits at the harbour entrance, between Lake Erie and the bay, and two breakwaters lead ships in.^[2]

The older of the two present lights, on the east pier, dates from 1905. It is an open, square pyramidal steel skeleton tower about 11 metres (36 feet) tall, painted white, with a red lantern. The Lighthouse Directory notes that it was prefabricated by the firm of Gould, Shapley & Muir in Brantford, Ontario.^[2] For more than forty years it was the front light of the harbour's entrance range, a pair of lights a pilot lines up to stay in the channel. In 1947 the range was moved to the west side, and the keeper's house was sold and moved away as a private home.^[2] The Coast Guard's 2026 List of Lights shows a red flash every four seconds from 11 metres.^[1]

The west breakwater light followed in 1912: a square pyramidal concrete tower about 9 metres (30 feet) tall, with a small gallery but no lantern.^[2] Since 1947 it has been the front light of the entrance range, with a taller rear light behind it.^[2] It shows a green flash every five seconds from 11 metres above the water.^[1]

Both towers are closed. The east pier does not connect to shore, but it is easy to see across the entrance from the west breakwater, and the west breakwater itself can be walked in good weather, with parking nearby.^[2] As at any harbour mouth, keep off the breakwater when waves are running.

How to see it

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

Best public viewpoint

The west breakwater at Erieau, with parking nearby; in good weather it can be walked toward the west light, and the east pier light is easily seen across the harbour entrance.^[2]

Tower climbs

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

Operator

Canadian Coast Guard

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 to the Erieau lighthouses?

The west breakwater can be walked in good weather, according to the Lighthouse Directory; the east pier light is detached from shore but easily seen across the entrance. Both towers are closed.

Are the Rondeau Harbour lights still working?

Yes. The 2026 Canadian List of Lights shows the east pier light as Fl R 4s and the west breakwater light as Fl G 5s.