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Discover Tibbetts Point Lighthouse, Where Lake and River Meet

posted by Teresa Farrell at 2018-04-03 16:07:00

W hile there’s plenty to do and see up and down the St. Lawrence River, no trip to this region is complete without a stop in the small town of Cape Vincent. The town’s slogan—“Where the lake and the river meet”—is an accurate descriptor of what makes this place special. You can see for yourself at Tibbetts Point Lighthouse.


Situated on a rocky outcropping that marks where the Lake Ontario ends and the mighty St. Lawrence River begins, the lighthouse served as an essential marker for river captains as they navigated their ships through the narrow passage between the lake and the river. The lighthouse has seen countless seasons, ships, residents and visitors since it was established in 1827. For almost two centuries, countless ship captains—and, during prohibition, bootleggers running liquor from Canada--were directed though the passage safely by its light and the later addition of an all-weather foghorn. A traditional Fresnel lens is still used to provide the lighthouse’s light beacon today; it’s one of only 70 of its kind in the world, and the only one still operating on Lake Ontario.


Tibbetts Point Lighthouse became fully automated in 1981, and today serves as a tourist attraction and historic landmark as much as a working lighthouse. While visitors are not permitted to the top of the tower, the fog signal building is open to the public, where the original foghorn equipment remains alongside the components of the current system, and a variety of charts and information panels adorn the walls. Just outside lies a telescope on the point that visitors can use to track the progress of ships up and down the river, search out nearby islands and landmarks, and get an up-close view of the seaway as they gaze into Lake Ontario’s endless horizon.


The on-site Visitor’s Center, run by the Tibbetts Point Lighthouse Society, provides an interactive history experience and a wealth of information on the lighthouse and the area itself. Overnight visitors can stay in the original 1827-built caretaker’s quarters, which is now Tibbetts Point Hostel, an official, endorsed member of Hostelling International since 1984. Whether or not you’re spending the night, though, make sure to stay for the sunset—at this juncture of river and lake, it’s a beautiful sight and sure to become a highlight of your visit. 

 Photo credit: Teresa Farrell 

 

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