Historical Boat Tour to Chantry Island

One of the more unique things to do along the Lake Huron coast is a guided tour to Chantry Island Lighthouse & Keeper’s Home.

These small-group excursions – offered from June to September – provide a relaxed and informative experience in Southampton, Ontario, an historic harbour community in the Town of Saugeen Shores.

Your Adventure Includes

• Check-in at the Tour Base, followed by dockside orientation with your captain, two guide/crew members and up to nine guests.

• 20-minute scenic boat cruise through “the Gap,” where your guide shares photos and insights on the historic Long Dock.

• Landing on Chantry Island, starting with a visit to the replica rescue shed and rowboat – similar to those once used in lifesaving efforts for mariners on stormy Lake Huron.

• Exploring the beautifully restored 1850s keeper’s cottage, complete with period furnishings, artifacts, and surrounding gardens, offering a glimpse into how lighthouse families lived offshore. A restored outdoor privy is available if needed.

• Climbing 107 steps up the lighthouse with brief pauses at each level for your guide to share additional facts and historic photos about the imperial tower and the island. Upon reaching the lantern room, enjoy panoramic views of the bird sanctuary and Lake Huron coastline. Perfect for picture taking!

• The return boat trip includes insights on a unique local shipwreck, along with a mariner’s view of two historic 1903 Range Lights coming into alignment – still helping guide vessels safely into Southampton Harbour.

  You’ll return to shore at this oldest port on the Bruce County coast with new friends, photos, and memories of this Chantry Island experience.

Cost:

$40 per person, plus tax, for this small-group guided experience. Proceeds support the volunteer work of the non-profit Marine Heritage Society in maintaining the island buildings, tour boat, and delivering these excursions.

Tickets are available online or in-person at the Tour Base. You can also contact Tour Base volunteers by email at info@chantryisland.com or phone at 519-797-5862. Advance bookings are strongly recommended.

Details:

• Inclement weather may result in cancellation; the Tour Base team will offer to reschedule or refund.

• Guest cancellations or rescheduling require 24 hours’ notice for a refund.

• Please arrive at the Tour Base 20 minutes before your scheduled departure.

• Children require a ticket, must be at least 4 feet tall, and be accompanied by an adult.

• The tour is similar to a moderate hike and requires a reasonable level of mobility and fitness.

• Proper footwear is required such as running shoes or sturdy sandals with a heel strap. No flip flops allowed.

• Pets are not permitted due to the island’s status as a protected bird sanctuary.

• Review further participation requirements prior to booking.

About Chantry Island

In the mid-19th century, the Great Lakes were busy trade routes for mariners. As the number of sailing ships and steamers grew, the waters took a toll, with 50 charted wrecks recorded off Southampton’s rocky coast – many of them shown on this map. These challenges led to the construction of key navigation and safety features, including the lighthouse, Long Dock, range lights, storm basket weather signals, and more, also illustrated here.

Given the need for safer navigation, authorities commissioned the construction of the Chantry Island Lighthouse, completed on April 1, 1859, to help guide vessels through the surrounding shoals.

The tower rises 86 feet above Lake Huron, with the structure itself extending approximately 80 feet from base to lantern. At the top, the lantern room originally housed a Fresnel lens – an advanced optical system of its time – imported from Paris, France.

The light was initially a fixed beam, fueled over the years by sperm whale oil, colza, coal oil, kerosene, and acetylene. Light Keepers maintained the beacon through all conditions, often living on the island with their families from 1859 until 1954. With the introduction of electricity in 1954, the role of the Light Keeper came to an end. The keeper’s dwelling at the base of the tower gradually deteriorated due to neglect, vandalism, and exposure to the elements.

In 1997, the non-profit Marine Heritage Society began restoration work on the Keeper’s Cottage through the efforts of dedicated volunteers. The project was completed in 2001. To learn more, please visit the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage Restored page for additional details and a video. The downloadable book We Were Here by Marine Heritage Society co-founder Mike Sterling further explores the many challenges, solutions, and the power of volunteerism that continues to this day. Click here to see the book and download it: View & Download

About the Bird Sanctuary

In 1957, the Canadian Wildlife Service designated Chantry Island as a Federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary, protecting the many species that nest and rest there. It is the largest sanctuary of its kind between James Bay and Point Pelee.

During the spring breeding season, approximately 50,000 birds – including chicks – can be found on the island. Species include Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Herring Gull, Ring-billed Gull, and Double-crested Cormorant. Waterfowl such as Mallard, American Black Duck, Gadwall, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, and American Wigeon also nest on the island.

As a protected migratory bird sanctuary under the Canadian Wildlife Service, access to the island is restricted. Landing requires authorization, which is provided through the guided tours to the Lighthouse & Keeper’s Home, with the number of visitors permitted each day strictly limited.              

Chantry Island Lighthouse Tours – 2026 Schedule