point abino lighthouse

After about five years of waiting, I finally got a chance to see this lightstation in July of 2014. It is indeed a shame that the light is located within the grounds of the Point Abino gated community, but it's also worth noting that the community predates the lightstation - and in fact, the reason the lighthouse and keeper's house are so beautiful is so that they would be in keeping with the existing architecture. The Point Abino Light Preservation Society (PALPS) offers guided tours of the lighthouse (the keeper's house was unfortunately sold off by the town to pay for the renovations to the light) on the second and fourth Saturdays of June through September. The tour costs $6 and is well worth it - I would happily have paid twice that. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and the tour provided plenty of time for wandering around, as well as picture-taking.The lighthouse is incredible. Mind you, I'm a fool for lighthouses, but this one really is something special. It looks like a tiered cake, thanks to the recent structural and exterior restoration, and the views (both of the light, and from the light) are fantastic.The tour starts when you meet the minibus at the marina, just outside the gated community. The bus takes you to the lighthouse, so en route you get to marvel at some of the lovely old summer homes. You get off the bus very near the lightkeeper's house; the individual who purchased the house is apparently averse to people taking pictures of the dwelling, so make sure you bring your telephoto lens! The lighthouse is located at the end of a rocky point but the path is paved and easy to walk (there are stairs, though). Once at the light, you can explore most of the interior, although access to the actual tower isn't allowed - I have no idea why, since the stairs are even more accessible than the Port Colborne light, where you ARE allowed up into the tower. I would love to see the third-order Fresnel lens up there - maybe next year? Worth noting, also - the two huge pressurized air tanks on the main floor of the light, once used to power the fog horns.The interior of the lighthouse is roomy and bright , at least on the sunny day we were there. I can only imagine what it's like on a stormy November day - the big windows would provide awesome storm views. I highly recommend a visit to the Point Abino Lightstation. Even if you aren't a lighthouse nerd, you'll be impressed by the structure and the incredible views.

Could not enter the gated community....so never had the opportunity to visit. Very disappointed...was looking forward to seeing this historic building...