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Explore the lighthouse trail!

Thunder Bay Main Trowbridge Porphyry Shaganash Lights

Porphyry Pt. and Sleeping Giant snow clad in the distance.

Thanks to everyone who visited the lighthouse this past season and learned more about lighthouse history, enjoyed the panoramic views and onsite programming.

Light keeper’s and their family also had amazing life experiences operating these lighthouses since 1873!

Living on an isolated volcanic Porphyry Island, pummelled by Lake Superior in view of the Sleeping Giant, echo’s of yesteryear’s coureur de bois, mineral hounds, fisherman and lumber barons! Most are gone now, but the lighthouse stories still celebrate their history today. 

Visitors can come spend the day or as stay longer as a host light keeper or as a lighthouse navigator. There’s lots to learn onsite at the light keeper’s dwellings. 

Visiting Porphyry Island on a book tour with Archie’s Charters.

Adventure Lighthouse Tour:  Every Sunday & Thursday take a tour of historic Porphyry Island Lighthouse and experience firsthand the life and adventure of a Lake Superior light keeper. Climb aboard a charter and into Sleeping Giant country dotted with amazing islands in turquoise waters. From the lights highest point, take in a breath-taking view of Black bay. Experience the Gordon Graham Gallery and mini museum and learn about previous keepers. For the 2020 season bookings can be made late February. 

Getting there is half the fun!

Become a Host Keeper Program:  Hop on our lighthouse supply charter and be a keeper of the light for a one-week term at Porphyry Island Lighthouse. Spend time at this exciting destination and experience the life of a light keeper. Volunteers meet visitors daily, provide tours, do daily chores and help visitors navigate the lighthouse site. During time off explore Islands, swim, snorkel, hike to the black sands beach or take in constellation-filled nights. 

Lighthouse saying “if it moves, oil it. If not, paint it!”

Volunteer for a day, a week: Work with others, develop skills, and build your network. Join the lighthouse team and contribute to preserve our lighthouses. Volunteers to Join us in May 30, 2020 for our annual Porphyry Island Clean-up and two weeks later on June 13 at Trowbridge Island Lighthouse. 

Volunteering takes many forms.

Guest House Rental:  Living in the light keeper’s dwelling connects you to the amazing history of Porphyry Point Lighthouse, but getting there is half the fun. Located on Porphyry Island, 40 km east of Thunder Bay, this homestead offers a unique perspective of the life of a light keeper and their family. With running water, hydro and a propane stove & fridge, this rustic dwelling has what you need to further explore this unique destination. The three-bedroom dwelling has a working kitchen, with an ice box and can accommodate six. Step outside and go for a hike, play on the front lawn or venture along the shoreline. Stay for one night or several. Includes our mini museum, Gordon Graham Art Gallery, tower climb, nature walks, sandy beach and guided tour.  2020 Season inquiries?

Lego it up and have fun!

Join and become a Member: As a member of the Canadian Lighthouses of Lake Superior Inc. (CLLS) you will actively support the preservation of Canada’s Lighthouse heritage, stories and buildings. Each membership helps with CLLS’s ability to preserve and share the story of lighthouses on Lake Superior. Membership includes event invitations, a quarterly newsletter, volunteer opportunities and more.

Being part of something that builds longterm friendships!

    “A cross between the Galapagos Islands and an east coast lighthouse” – Rebekka Redd visit to Porphyry Island 2019.