Chantry Island - Southampton, Ontario

Chantry Island is located on Lake Huron, southwest of the mouth of the Saugeen River in Southampton, Ontario. The Island is home to the majestic Imperial Lighthouse, the Keeper's quarters and a boathouse that was built in the mid 1800's. Chantry Island is named after British sculptor Sir Francis Chantry. The island is surrounded by over 50 known shipwrecks, a testament to the rocky shoals and the deadly storms that make this area to be one of the most treacherous in the Great Lakes.

The lighthouse stands 86 feet above water level and was first lit on April 1st, 1859. The island is home to over 10,000 pairs of mating birds making Chantry Island a Canadian Wildlife Service migratory bird sanctuary. On the island there are many species of rare birds, including cormorants, black-crowned night herons, great blue herons and egrets.

Today, the lighthouse keeper's home has been restored and the island gardens have been replanted. Future plans for Chantry include the installation of interpretive centers on each floor of the keeper's house.

The Southampton Marine Heritage Society offers lighthouse tours of Chantry Island. The tour consists of a guided two hour visit with the opportunity to climb the lighthouse. You will also visit the Light Keeper's Cottage and see the various species of birds and lovely gardens.