Port Credit Lighthouse Mississauga
The Port Credit Lighthouse is both a historic landmark and a popular tourist attraction in Mississauga, Ontario. It is the most photographed structure in the city, and is home to the Port Credit BIA.
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Today, boaters can see the iconic red and white lighthouse, with its beaconing light, from miles around. It’s an important part of the marine heritage of Port Credit.
Visiting the lighthouse is one of the top things to do in Mississauga.
Today’s lighthouse was built in 1991 to replicate an earlier lighthouse that was destroyed by fire in 1936. It is a working lighthouse visible from 15 miles out on Lake Ontario.
Located on the western bank of the Port Credit Harbour, where the Credit River flows into Lake Ontario, the lighthouse has distinctive nautical architecture.
It also situated in a very picturesque spot in the heart of the marina. Here you will see a large number of boats of all kinds, with plenty of action in the warmer months. The upstairs deck offers great views of the Credit River, Lake Ontario, as well as the beautiful harbour and village of Port Credit.
The Port Credit Lighthouse is a waterfront attraction that is easily accessible by car, by transit, by boat, or on foot, which is an added bonus. But there are a few things to keep in mind before you set off.
History
The very first lighthouse in the area was built in 1863 by a private individual named Fredrick Chase Capreol. He was an English businessman who was involved with railway development in northern Ontario.
Capreol had plans to industrialize the Credit River,and it is said that he built the first lighthouse at Port Credit in 1863 to attract business to the harbour.
This original lighthouse was maintained privately and served until being replaced by a government-built lighthouse in 1882.
The 1882 lighthouse was in service from 1882 – 1918. This version of the lighthouse was built at the end of a long pier on the east side of the harbour, and it played a significant part in Port Credit’s history, including being the staging point for a shipwreck rescue beginning on November 26, 1900 (the wreck of the Augusta).
After the shipwreck incident, the structure was renovated in 1904. Among other things, its height was increased.
This renovated 1904 version of the lighthouse was engulfed in a flood in 1908, and the long pier that provided access to it was washed away. At that point, the only way to access the lighthouse was via boat. It fell into disuse, and was eventually decommissioned in 1918.
The abandoned wooden lighthouse was destroyed by a fire in 1936.
Today’s lighthouse was opened in 1991. It is a replica of the 1882 structure.
The Lion’s Club of Credit Valley paid for its construction, and the new Port Credit Lighthouse was officially opened by Mayor Hazel McCallion on October 27, 1991.
Where is the Lighthouse Located?
- Address: 105 Lakeshore Rd W, Mississauga, ON
- Postal Code: L5H 1E9
- Phone Number: 905-278-7742
- Alternate Name: Port Credit Inner Channel Light (Coast Guard name)
Visitors can enjoy the lighthouse’s unique architecture and take a tour of the structure. There is no charge for admission.
Google reviews are very positive, averaging 4.6 out of 5, with hundreds of reviews given.
The building also serves as the home for the Port Credit BIA, a group dedicated to promoting tourism and the city’s waterfront. It is also a pumping station for the Region of Peel.
Today’s lighthouse is situated on the western shore of the Credit River, overlooking the harbour and marina.
A visit to the lighthouse is sure to make a lasting impression. Furthermore, from the base of the structure, visitors can also explore the town’s vibrant downtown, a bustling area that includes many independent shops and restaurants.
Port Credit Attractions
The lighthouse is the cherry on top of the sundae that is Port Credit. Port Credit has zealously maintained its small town charm throughout the years.
The marina and harbour where the Credit River and Lake Ontario meet is definitely the focal point for visitors to the area.
The Lighthouse in Port Credit seems a perfect fit to all the nautical activity in the area. It’s not a big structure, but its size seems to match the surroundings, and it definitely has a unique charm.
Once you are at the lighthouse in the heart of Port Credit, the wealth of possibilities for enjoying an afternoon here become evident. There are dozens of small shops, restaurants, pubs, ice cream parlours, parks, and walking trails, that are all within a few steps of the lighthouse.
There are two parks which are a stone’s throw from the lighthouse: Port Credit Memorial Park and J.C. Saddington Park. Both offer picnic and BBQ areas, plenty of open green space, children’s playgrounds, scenic vistas, and waterfront trails.
The lighthouse is also a convenient jumping off point for the many festivals and events that take place here throughout the year. Ribfest in June is a must-see, as is the Southside Shuffle Blues and Jazz Festival in September.
A little further afield, there is the very popular Port Credit Farmer’s Market that takes place on Saturdays from June to October. It features local organic produce and handicrafts, and it’s a fun place to shop at.
Mississauga Port Credit attractions draw visitors from all around the world, and the lighthouse is near the top of the list of things to see.
New Developments Near the Old Harbour
There are big changes happening just a few short blocks to the west of the lighthouse.
The city of Mississauga is currently developing a 72-acre piece of land called Brightwater. This large development will soon house several condo towers and provide a home for 5,000 new residents.
That’s a big change for a part of Mississauga that prides itself on preserving its small town character.
There seems to have been a lot of thought that has gone into the Brightwater Development, and hopefully it will enhance the neighbourhood, and not overwhelm it.
Conclusion
The Port Credit Lighthouse is a top landmark in Mississauga. It is both a historical landmark, and a tourist attraction on the Mississauga waterfront. It fits into the small town marina vibe that is so attractive to residents and visitors alike, and visiting it is one of the top things to do in Mississauga.
We definitely recommend a visit here.
Another great Mississauga attraction.
More neighbourhood info from Randy Selzer, Mississauga Realtor
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