Haunted lighthouse: Discover one of Toronto’s oldest ghost stories.

Built in 1808, the Toronto Islands’ Gibraltar Point Lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse on the Great Lakes and the second oldest in Canada. It’s also the setting of a centuries-old ghost story retold on this Haunted Canada coin.

Its first keeper, John Paul Radelmüller, tended the beacon through fierce gales and even the turmoil of the War of 1812. But according to legend, on a blustery night in January 1815, the dedicated keeper mysteriously vanished from his post without a trace. Some say he met a violent end, his remains buried near the stone tower he so carefully maintained, and that his spirit never left the tower. Since then, visitors have reported strange lights, unexplained footsteps, and even a shadowy figure—like the ghostly silhouette that appears on this coin under black light.

Haunted Canada: Some stories glow brighter in the dark.

Good to know

Haunted Beacon! The follow-up to 2025’s Lady in White coin, the 2026 edition brings you a centuries-old ghost story set at Toronto Islands’ Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, where, legend has it, the ghost of its first keeper haunts the site.

Glow in the dark. The ghost story is brought to life by black-light paint technology that, when activated, reveals a glowing lighthouse and a shadowy figure wandering the grounds on a dark and stormy night.

Where folklore meets history. This coin brings to life one of Canada’s most chilling tales—a centuries-old ghost story from Toronto’s Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, where legend whispers of eerie lights, phantom footsteps and a keeper’s spirit that never left.

Black-light flashlight included. A black-light flashlight (included) activates the glowing effect on your coin’s reverse.

Portrait mode. The coin’s rectangular shape is unique, and the portrait orientation works well with this vertical lighthouse scene.

A popular theme. Whether it’s a ghost encounter or a famous UFO sighting, Canadian tales of the paranormal are a hit with collectors! Similar-themed coins have all sold out quickly.

A good story and a fun collectible. If you enjoy ghost stories, this coin is for you! Bold and colourful, its design makes for a great all-ages gift or addition to any collection, and a fun way to share your interest in coins.

Includes serialized certificate. The Royal Canadian Mint certifies all of its collector coins.

No GST/HST.

Did you know?

Built in 1808 and expanded in 1832 with an addition to the top of the tower, the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse remains largely unchanged. Although the structure stands in its original location, the shifting shoreline and silt deposits have pushed the waterline it once illuminated to roughly 100 metres away. It was decommissioned in 1958 and transferred to the City of Toronto, where it has since been maintained as a historical landmark.

Behind closed doors

“For this design, I leaned further into the ‘haunted’ theme, aiming to capture the eerie mood of the night when the event is said to have occurred. Muted tones set the stage—the dark waters, the ominous sky, and the dense fog all work together to create a sense of foreboding. Under black light, the composition transforms dramatically, revealing the ghostly figure of the lighthouse keeper and flashes of lightning across the sky—elements that provide a striking contrast to the subdued background. The result is a coin that evokes a compelling sense of mystery and darkness, fully immersing the viewer in the haunting legend it represents.”

– Patrick Bélanger, Artist

“The disappearance of John Paul Radelmüller in 1815, the first keeper of Toronto’s Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, remains one of the city’s oldest unsolved mysteries. Records indicate that two soldiers stationed at the British Garrison (now known as Fort York) across the harbour stood trial for Radelmüller’s murder, but both were acquitted due to lack of evidence. The lighthouse and ghost depicted on this coin received official recognition in 1958 when the Ontario Archaeological and Historical Sites Advisory Board placed a plaque on the structure noting the site was haunted.”

– Dr. Hillary Walker, Historian, City of Toronto

About the design

Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a black Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a black beauty box. A black-light flashlight is included.

The reverse design by Canadian artist Patrick Bélanger presents a nighttime view of the Toronto Islands’ Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, beneath a stormy sky. Traces of history—the keeper’s cottage and surrounding fence, both long gone—linger in the mist, recalling the lighthouse as it stood in 1815, when its first keeper vanished without a trace. Once activated, black-light paint technology reveals a luminous beacon on a stormy night and a ghostly silhouette—perhaps the missing lighthouse keeper, quietly checking that the lantern he once tended still stands watch. The obverse features a wave pattern behind the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.

By placing an order, customers acknowledge and agree that if a product is out of stock after an order has been placed and payment has been processed, the order for that product will be cancelled and a refund will be issued; no substitute product will be provided. Some items may not be exactly as shown. Items available while quantities last. Canada Post reserves the right to limit purchase quantities on certain items. © 2026 Royal Canadian Mint. All rights reserved.

Product # 246311

$20 Fine Silver Coin - Haunted Canada: Gibraltar Point Lighthouse (2026)