Port Maitland Lighthouse

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Port Maitland sketch

Port Maitland sits at the mouth of the Grand River. During the second half of the 19th century, a feeder canal linked the Grand River to the second Welland Canal. According to William Warnick, who grew up on the river opposite the lighthouse and is currently researching the canal, the lock was rebuilt in 1904 and served the local area into the 1920's. (He mentions some unintentional local mistruths about the canal closing in the 1880's, and again in the 1900's. There are several references to the canal in operation well into the 1920's.) The lighthouse, originally established in 1830, marks the passageway from the Grand River to Lake Erie.

References (see links)

Great Lakes Lighthouses - American and Canadian, Oleszewski, p. 56

Select an image to enlarge

The West Pier

The Mouth of the Grand River

The East Pier

Directions: From Highway 3 in Dunnville, turn southwest onto Queen St (Niagara Region Route 3 - the trapezoidal sign), where you will immediately cross the Grand River. The lighthouse is on the west side of the river. Travel 0.7 miles and turn left on Dover Road (route 11). Travel 3.6 miles, and turn left on Kings Row. When you reach the river, turn right and follow the road to the park. The lighthouse is at the end of the pier in the park. (Penrose, p. 99) You can walk along the pier to the lighthouse. (Be aware that there are two route 3's in the area. The main route 3 is a provincial highway. The other is a county road.)

Thanks to William Warnick for providing additional information on the feeder canal. (September 2006)