Kincardine Lighthouse and Museum

Built to service a busy fishing and local salt shipping industry in Kincardine during the 1800's, it's the only lighthouse built right downtown". The harbour was home to or industries which required a safe harbour for shipping products in and out of Kincardine. Salt was mined at the harbour; lumber and furniture companies and fishing boats needed a safe port. The Kincardine lighthouse sits 24 metres (74 feet) on top of a two- story keeper's house. The eight-sided tower rests on a stone foundation. Above the rear-entrance door, the year 1880 is inscribed in the cornerstone. The three levels of the lighthouse are joined by almost perpendicular well worn staircases totaling 69 steps, climbed at least twice daily by past lightkeepers. Barrels of kerosene, used to fuel the lamp, were hoisted up these stairs by the keepers. The tower is capped by a iron lantern and balcony, painted in the familiar "lighthouse red". The first lamp had shutters rotated by weighted chains to make the light flash. In 1922, the lamp became electrically powered and, today, large lenses rotate around a 500- watt bulb. Sailors, recreational boaters and commercial fishers can see the now electrified working light from 30 kilometres. Today, the keeper's house and tower are home to a marine museum. Drop by for a visit.