Caribou Island Lighthouse


Caribou Island Lighthouse sits on the uninhabited Caribou Island in the eastern end of Lake Superior, south of Michipicoten Island. It lies entirely within the territorial waters of Canada although only about three miles from the international border between Canada and the United States. It is approximately long and approximately wide.
A dangerous reef stretches along the north and west shores of Caribou Island, and a shallow reef stretches beyond to the southwest to Caribou Island, lying only below the lake's surface. The unmanned lighthouse, which is owned by the Canadian Coast Guard, is located on a tiny adjacent island called Lighthouse Island a few hundred feet across and positioned west of the southern tip of the main island. When originally built, it was visible for and operated on a 30-second revolving cycle. Caribou Island is about off Agawa Bay on the east shore of the lake.

History

The present light was built in 1912, flashes white every 15 seconds and is tall. It is a hexagonal concrete tower with six flying buttresses. The structure is painted white, while the lantern, gallery and watch room are red. The lighthouse is located on a small island southwest of Caribou Island itself and about north of the international border. It is only accessible by boat or floatplane via a shallow, rocky harbour on the east side, or by helicopter via a landing area on the north side.

Keepers