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23 of the Best Lighthouses in PEI That You Just Have to Visit


Lighthouses in PEI

One of my favourite things to do on our recent Epic East Coast Road Trip was to go lighthouse hunting. I love learning about their history, I love how each lighthouse is different, and let’s face it, they make for some pretty awesome photos! We were actually able to see a huge portion of the island in this way. As a result, we have put together a list of our favourite lighthouses in PEI that you really need to see.

Plan Your Prince Edward Island Getaway Using These Tools!

When you think about the fact that Canada has the world’s longest coastline, and is home to more lake area than any other country in the world, (we have 563 lakes larger than 100 square kilometres), then it should come as no surprise that Canada is also home to more than 750 lighthouses.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-East-Point-from-above
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Sander Meurs

What is the Purpose of a Lighthouse and Lighthouse Keepers?

The two main purposes of a lighthouse are to serve as a navigational aid to mariners and to warn boats of dangerous areas like reefs, perilous rocky coasts or shallow waters.

A lighthouse keeper (or lightkeeper) is a person who is responsible for taking care of the lighthouse. The care of the light and lens was especially important in the days when oil lamps and clockwork mechanisms were in use.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Panmure-Island-Light
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Brian McInnis

The lightkeepers were also responsible for the fog signal during periods of low visibility, caring for the weather station, as well as playing an important role in search and rescue.

However, once the lighthouses were converted over to electrical lights in the 1960s, the job of the lightkeeper became obsolete. Today, lighthouses have become almost completely automated, with timers, long-lasting LED lights, and superb sound systems for the fog horns.

How Many Lighthouses Are in PEI?

There are 63 lighthouses in PEI! With an average of one lighthouse every 55 km, Prince Edward Island is thought to have the highest concentration of lighthouses in North America.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-East-Point-sign

Of course, not all lighthouses are created equal! Out of the 63 lighthouses in PEI only 35 of them are still active. 9 lighthouses have been designated as heritage sites, 9 lighthouses are open for touring, and 7 lighthouses are privately owned.

23 of the Best Lighthouses in PEI That You Just Have to Visit

You could probably spend an entire week hunting for lighthouses in PEI! Because although the island is not very big, many of the lighthouses are in remote areas and are difficult to get to.

As such, you really need to have a plan! And while we didn’t have the time to see them all, we were able to make the most of our visit by mapping out the Lighthouses we wanted to see in advance and splitting them up according to regions.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Indian-Cove-at-sunset
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Alex Bruce

PEI can easily be broken up into three sections, which conveniently enough, have their own coastal drives with clearly marked signage on the road. This is actually one of the things we loved about the East Coast in general, the incredible signage for different driving routes.

Each Coastal Drive has its own assigned symbol, so you just have to decide which you would like to follow first: the North Cape Coastal Drive, the Central Coastal Drive, or the Points East Coastal Drive. We have sorted the lighthouses in this post into those three routes to make things easy for you.

North Cape Coastal Drive

The North Coastal Drive occupies the westernmost part of the island. We found this route required the least amount of time and had fewer amount of lighthouses than the others.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-North-Cape-Coastal-Drive

1. West Point Lighthouse

Built in 1875, the West Point lighthouse is not only one of the most recognizable lighthouses in PEI, but it is also the tallest at 20.6 metres (69 feet) tall. The unique tapered square shape and black and white striped paint definitely make it my favourite!

The West Point Lighthouse was manned until 1963 and was used to help navigate ships through the western entrance to the Northumberland Strait. Today, the lantern is fully automated, operating electronically.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-West-Point
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Paul Baglole

The West Point Lighthouse is also home to one of PEI’s most complete collections of Lighthouse information and memorabilia. The onsite museum has a ton of artifacts, displays and exhibits, telling the story of the community, the lightkeepers, the technology and the history of PEI’s most unique lighthouse.

Address: 364 Cedar Dunes Park Rd, O’Leary
Daily: 9am-8:30pm from June – September
Website

2. North Cape Lighthouse

Built in 1865, the North Cape Lighthouse helps to warn mariners away from the longest and rockiest shoal in North America. The lighthouse is 18.8 metres (62 feet) tall and is octagonal in shape.

The North Cape Lighthouse is actually one of three similarly-shaped, wood-framed towers including Seacow Head and Cape Jourimaine in New Brunswick. These three lighthouses are some of the oldest octagonal towers still standing in the Maritimes.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-North-Cape
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Sander Meurs

When the lighthouse was built, a small lightkeeper’s dwelling was also constructed. Then as a further add-on, a small wooden shed was built toward the cliff edge between 1890-1913.

The interior of the tower is unfinished, so it is not open to visitors. You can, however, easily drive up to the lighthouse to look around.

Address: Lot 1, Seacow Pond

3. Big Tignish Run Lighthouse

Built in 1881, the Big Tignish Lighthouse was decommissioned in 1997. In 2009, this charming lighthouse was relocated to Fishermen’s Haven Community Park and renovated after falling into disrepair.

Big Tignish is a small square pyramidal wooden tower. On the upper part of the seaward side of the tower, there is a non-functioning fog alarm. As well, the lighthouse no longer has a light after being put out of service.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Big-Tignish-Run

This lighthouse is unique in that it has a black stripe, known as a “daymark” painted horizontally across the centre. The rest of the tower is accented in the traditional red colour.

Adjacent to this tower is a monument dedicated to a fisherman who died at sea. There’s also an ice cream shop, children’s playground and access to a sandy beach located at this community park.

Address: Tignish Run, Tignish

4. Howard’s Cove Lighthouse

Howards Cove Lighthouse is located on the western shore of Prince Edward Island. It is perched on a cliff above the harbour in Howard’s Cove.

At only 5.8 metres (19 feet) tall, Howard’s Cove Lighthouse is one of the smallest lighthouses on the Island. Constructed in 1976, the lighthouse is a wooden, square pyramidal tower.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Howards-Cove

The square white tower with a red lantern is covered with cedar shingles and painted white with red trim. The white light, which still works, displays the unique signature pattern of a two-second flash followed by a four-second eclipse.

This lighthouse is located in an industrial-type area, a little bit off the beaten path.

Address: 82 Wharf Rd, O’Leary

5. Cape Egmont Lighthouse

Built in 1884, the Cape Egmont Lighthouse is still in use to this day. The pyramidal lighthouse stands over 40 feet tall and is located on the west coast of Prince Edward Island overlooking the Northumberland Strait and Fishing Cove Harbour.

The Cape Egmont Lighthouse originally included a lighthouse keeper’s residence and oil shed, however, they were both removed in 1958. Due to severe erosion of the cliff, the lighthouse was moved inland in April 2000.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Cape-Egmont
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Sander Meurs

Today, the Cape Egmont Lighthouse is the only light between the 46-mile-long stretch from the West Point Lighthouse to the Seacow Head lighthouse. The Cape Egmont Lighthouse continues to be an important visual and cultural landmark for its surrounding community.

This lighthouse is a little off the beaten path, in that you can drive to a point, but need to walk the last short stretch.

Address: 161 Phare Du Cap Egmont Rd, Wellington

6. Indian Head Lighthouse

Constructed in 1881, the Indian Head Lighthouse boasts one of the most unique shapes of all lighthouses in PEI. The rare octagonal-shaped wooden lighthouse can be found in Summerside Harbour, on the edge of a very long breakwater.

And this gorgeous structure is entirely octagonal, from the concrete base to the lantern. This includes a two-storey octagonal keeper’s residence as well!

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Indian-Head
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Stephen DesRoches

The extensive breakwater leading to the lighthouse was first installed in 1892 as a protective measure. Even so, most of the planks that lead up to the ramps have been washed away by the tides. In fact, at low tide, it is hard to reach the ramps at all.

At low tide, it is possible to walk out to the lighthouse, but during hide tide, you will find that the breakwater is washed over.

Address: Summerside Harbour

Central Coastal Drive

The Central Coastal Drive definitely took us the longest and had the most number of lighthouses to visit. As an added bonus, this route is close to many other attractions, great places to stay, as well as all the best restaurants in Charlottetown.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Central-Coastal-Drive

7. Victoria Seaport Lighthouse (Leard’s Range Lights)

Constructed in 1879, the Leard’s Front Range Lighthouse (also operated as Victoria Seaport Lighthouse Museum) is located in Victoria by the Sea. The lighthouse is a 10.7 metre (35 foot) high square pyramidal tower, that overlooks the Victoria Harbour and the Northumberland Straight.

The lighthouse is actually rare in that it houses two lights – Leard’s Range Front and the Palmer Range Rear. But in 2011, the Coast Guard decommissioned the Leard’s Range. So today, only the front light remains active as Victoria Harbour Lighthouse.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Victoria-Seaport-Leards-Range

Since 1990, the Leard’s Range Front Lighthouse has been operated as the Victoria Seaport Museum during the summer. The museum has information covering Victoria Harbour’s three sets of range lights, the keepers who cared for them, as well as the history of the village.

Visitors to the museum are even able to climb a ladder to the lantern, where they will not only be treated to wonderful views of Victoria Harbour but can also get a closer look at the tower’s two lights. In 2013, Leard’s Front Range Light was designated a Heritage Place.

We would definitely recommend a visit to the Victoria Seaport Lighthouse Museum, and while you are at it, be sure to stroll around the area. Not only is Victoria by the Sea a charming little town, but at one time, it was also one of the island’s busiest seaports.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Victoria-Seaport

Head over to the docks where you will find some cute little gift shops, as well as several restaurants serving incredibly fresh seafood. We would recommend the Lobster Barn for one of the best Lobster Rolls in PEI!

Parking is a little tricky, as there are very few spots in town. Your best bet is to park roadside and walk into town.

Address: 2 Russell St, Victoria

8. Cape Tryon Lighthouse

The Cape Tryon Lighthouse is located on Cousins Shore in the northwestern part of PEI. This unassuming wooden lighthouse, which stands 33.4 metres tall, is perched near the edge of a gorgeous sandstone cliff.

The original lighthouse was put into operation in 1905, but decommissioned in 1969. The current lighthouse is still active to this day and is tucked away on private property.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Cape-Tryon-front

We found Cape Tryon to be one of the most difficult lighthouses to reach. The lighthouse can be found at the end of a narrow old farm road that rambles between two rolling hay fields.

The dirt road is only wide enough for one vehicle, was filled with potholes, and surrounded by overgrown brush in some areas. If you encounter a vehicle coming in the opposite direction, it will be difficult to pull off the road to let them pass.

We watched vehicles have to back down the road to points where passing was possible. If you don’t have a high-clearance vehicle, this may not be the adventure for you.

Fun Fact: Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables writes about a beautiful lighthouse being built along a red sandstone cliff in her novel Anne’s House of Dreams.

Address: Cape Tryon Rd, French River

9. New London Range Lights

The New London Lighthouse is located in the northern part of PEI, across the bay from Cavendish. Constructed in 1876, the lighthouse is a narrow, two-story building standing 13.3 meters (43.6 feet) tall.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-New-London-Bay
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Brian McInnis

This lighthouse remains active today, although it is no longer being used as a summer home and rental space. The New London Lighthouse was given the designation as a Heritage Place in 2012.

You can find the New London Lighthouse just a short drive from the Anne of Green Gables Museum.

10. North Rustico Harbour Lighthouse

The North Rustico Lighthouse was constructed in 1876 and stands at 12.4 meters (41 feet) high. Although the lighthouse has been moved several times over the years and has undergone many updates and repairs, it is still a beloved fixture in the community.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-North-Rustico-in-the-evening
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Paul Baglole

North Rustico Harbour Lighthouse is one of the few Island lighthouses that has served as a summer vacation rental for years. Then, in 2013, North Rustico Lighthouse was recognized as a Designated Heritage Place.

The lighthouse is located not too far from the town of North Rustico and is accessible by car and trail.

11. Covehead Lighthouse

Covehead Harbour Lighthouse is home to PEI’s smallest and most charming lighthouse. Constructed in 1879, the 8.2-metre tall lighthouse services the entrance to the harbour in Queen’s County.

Because of the ever-shifting sandbars, Covehead Harbour Lighthouse has been moved and modified a few times since its original construction. Today, the local harbour authority still maintains the tower’s fog horn, which still sounds for three seconds when needed.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Coevhead

Covehead Harbour Lighthouse is pretty easy to find. Located just minutes from Stanhope Campground and Dalvay by the Sea, just follow the signs along the road.

The lighthouse is a short walk right off Gulf Shore Parkway, but there is little parking available. We were able to park roadside and easily walk to the lighthouse. Be sure to take the time to explore the adjacent white-sand beach and the wonderful sand dunes as well!

Address: 1430-1530 Gulf Shore Parkway, York

12. Malpeque Outer Range Rear Lighthouse

The Malpeque Outer Range Lighthouse is a small, unassuming wooden tower. Located in Malpeque, this 1897 structure was moved several times due to shifting channels and coastal erosion.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Malpeque-Range

The lantern features a window facing the sea, as well as a red daymark painted downward from the window.

This tower is located in the middle of a field, so it is not easily accessible. We took our photo from the main road.

Address: 115 Lighthouse Rd, Kensington

13. Seacow Head Lighthouse

Seacow Head Lighthouse was constructed in 1864 and is located in Fernwood, PEI. It is one of the three sister lighthouses built in the same tall, octagonal shape.

This historical lighthouse, which stands 18 metres high, is one of the oldest wood-framed towers in Atlantic Canada. Although it is no longer active, Seacow Head Lighthouse once aided in navigation for vessels passing through the narrowest point in the Northumberland Strait.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Seacow-Head-with-rocky-cliff
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Paul Baglole

This stunning lighthouse, perched on a striking red mud cliff, is actually quite famous in PEI. The Seacow Head Lighthouse was actually featured in many of the opening scenes of Road to Avonlea, which is the TV adaptation of the Anne of Green Gables books.

Address: 858Q+9R Fernwood, Lot 26

14. Blockhouse Point Lighthouse

Located in Rocky Point on the western side of the Charlottetown Harbour, the Blockhouse Point Lighthouse is the second-oldest lighthouse in PEI. Constructed in 1851, the tower stands at over 12.8 meters (42 feet) tall and sits approximately 17 metres (56 feet) above the water level.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Blockhouse-Point-up-close
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Paul Baglole

Blockhouse Point Lighthouse is a wooden square with a two-story Keeper’s house attached. The lighthouse remains in its original state, in that it has never been moved or restored.

The area that the Blockhouse Point Lighthouse sits on has historical significance, because it was a gathering spot for the Mi’kmaq community every summer season.

Address: 285 Blockhouse Rd, Rocky Point

15. Port Borden Pier Lighthouse

The Port Borden Front Range Lighthouse was built in 1917 and stands at over 12.8 meters (42 feet) tall. Located on the south shore of PEI, the lighthouse overlooks the Northumberland Straight and the Borden Harbour.

In 1997, the lighthouse was decommissioned when the Confederation Bridge opened to the public. The lighthouse was then relocated to the base of the bridge, where it is now a part of the Marine Rail Park in Borden.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Port-Borden-Pier

The lighthouse is fairly easy to get to, as it is minutes from where you would access the Confederation Bridge. The Marine Park is also home to a visitor’s centre, public washrooms, an old railway car, and wonderful views of the bridge. It’s definitely worth a quick stop!

Address: 228 Carleton St, Borden-Carleton

Points East Coastal Drive

The Points East Coastal Drive takes you along the eastern coastline of PEI. The drive was not as scenic as we had hoped, with very little to see between small towns. The lighthouses along this route are also fairly spaced apart, but for the most part, pretty accessible.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Points-East-Coastal-Drive

16. Point Prim Lighthouse

The Point Prim Lighthouse bears the title of being the oldest lighthouse in PEI. Constructed in 1845, it is actually one of the few remaining round brick lighthouses in Canada.

And although the harsh weather took its toll on the lighthouse, necessitating it to be covered in wooden shingles only two years after construction, you can still see the brick from the interior.

Standing 18.2m tall, Point Prim is definitely one of the prettiest lighthouses in PEI, and one of our favourites. Not only can you visit inside the lighthouse, but there is also a really cool gift shop as well as washrooms onsite.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Point-Prim

Point Prim Lighthouse is located about 42 minutes southeast of Charlottetown. It is easy to get to with plenty of signs to guide you along the way.

And just before you get to the Lighthouse, you will come across the Point Prim Chowderhouse. This quaint little restaurant sits right at the waters’ edge and has a fantastic little outdoor patio in the summer.

If you have the time, be sure to drop in for their infamous chowder and fresh seafood. You will not be disappointed!

Address: 2147 Point Prim Rd, Belfast
Daily: 10am-6pm, June to September
Website

17. Wood Islands Lighthouse

Constructed in 1875, the Wood Islands Lighthouse can be found on the southeastern shore of PEI in Wood Islands. The lighthouse stands at 15.2 metres high and features a 360-degree observation deck.

Today, this active lighthouse is open for daily tours. The six-room, two-storey keeper’s dwelling also houses a nautical gift shop and the Fishery and Coast Guard Museum.

Wood Islands lighthouse, Prince Edward Island
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / John Sylvester

In addition to the lighthouse and attached keeper’s dwelling, you will also find 2 Harbour Range lights on site. Although they have been decommissioned as lights, the buildings now house the Seconds By The Sea shop, as well as an Amateur Radio station.

The Wood Islands Lighthouse is located adjacent to the Wood Island Ferry Terminal, right off the Trans Canada Highway.

Address: 173 Lighthouse Rd, Belle River
Daily: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm; Tours 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Website

18. Cape Bear Lighthouse

Built in 1881, Cape Bear Lighthouse is 12.2 metres tall and is located at the southeastern tip of PEI. This three-story structure is a typical example of second-generation lighthouse design.

Cape Bear lighthouse is also home to one of seven Marconi Wireless Stations established by Marine and Fisheries in 1905-06. It is said that this is where Thomas Bartlett heard the first distress signal from the Titanic as it sank off Newfoundland in 1912.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Cape-Bear

Cape Bear is open for tours and offers incredible views of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island. Even from the grounds, you will have beautiful views of Island beaches and sandstone cliffs.

Cape Bear Lighthouse is definitely off the beaten path. Although the roads are paved, and there are a few houses nearby, you are pretty much in the middle of nowhere!

Address: 42 Black Brook Rd, Murray Harbor

19. Panmure Island Lighthouse

Constructed in 1853, Panmure Island Lighthouse was the first wooden lighthouse built on Prince Edward Island. The purpose of this lighthouse was to guide heavy shipping traffic in the eastern regions of the province.

This lighthouse is particularly stunning, in that it sits near a picturesque white sand beach while overlooking lush green pastures. Today, Panmure Island Lighthouse has been refurbished back to its original state and has been designated a historical site.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Panmure-Island
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Emily O’Brien

The lighthouse offers tours to the very top of the tower, where visitors are treated to panoramic views of the ocean. Located on the lower level of the lighthouse, you will find the Sand & Sea Gift Shop, filled with a variety of locally-made gift items and souvenirs.

This Lighthouse is definitely off the beaten path, but well worth the visit. We would recommend spending the day at the adjacent beach, as it really is gorgeous!

Address: 62 Lighthouse Rd, Montague
Daily: 10am – 5pm, June until September
Website

20. Souris East Lighthouse

Constructed in 1880, Souris East Lighthouse is a wooden three-storey tall tower, with the typical white paint and red accents. The main purpose of this lighthouse is to guide the ferry and other vessels between Souris and the Magdalen Islands.

This working lighthouse has a fixed-white light installed in the lantern room at 85 feet above the water and can be spotted from all points seaward.

Souris Harbour lighthouse, Prince Edward Island
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / John Sylvester

Souris East is pretty unique, in that it is the only lighthouse on PEI that allows visitors on its balcony. And if you love sea glass, there is also a pretty impressive collection displayed on its second floor.

Souris East Lighthouse charges $5 for a tour of the lighthouse, or you can choose your own donation amount for a self-guided tour.

Address: 134 Breakwater St, Souris

21. East Point Lighthouse

Known as “Canada’s Confederation Lighthouse”, the East Point Lighthouse was built in 1867 and is still actively used today. This five-storey, colonial-style lighthouse stands at 19.5 metres (64 feet) high and was one of our favourite lighthouses in PEI to visit.

Made from heavy timber with a quaint shingled exterior, this iconic lighthouse offers visitors incredible views over the rocky cliffs to where the Northumberland Straight meets the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-East-Point

The best part of the East Point Lighthouse is how much it has to offer for visitors. Aside from the wonderful views, there are 5 floors of artifacts, portraits of lightkeepers, gears and weights used to run the lantern in the old days, not to mention a gift shop and picnic tables available on the grounds.

Admission to East Point is a little steeper than the other Lighthouses in PEI, but worth the money if you are interested in learning more about the history of these incredible towers. The cost is $6.90 for adults, $4.60 for kids and $17.25 for families.

Address: 404 Lighthouse Rd, Elmira
Daily: 10am to 6pm, from June – September
Website

22. Shipwreck Point Lighthouse

Originally built in 1913, the Shipwreck Point Lighthouse was 11.5 metres tall. The tower was a typical two-storey square structure, housing the keeper’s quarters on the lower level.

Located in the Naufrage area of PEI, the lighthouse was built due to the numerous shipwrecks that were occurring in the area, beginning in 1719 with the arrival of the European settlers.

Fun Fact: “Naufrage” is the French word for shipwreck.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Shipwreck-Point
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Sander Meurs

In 1967, a new Shipwreck Point lighthouse was built slightly west of its original location. This lighthouse is octagonal in shape and stands at a height of 13.5 metres tall.

The new Shipwreck Point Lighthouse is one of only two concrete lighthouses in PEI. The original 1913 lighthouse is now privately owned.

Address: 15 Lighthouse Rd, Souris

23. St. Peter’s Harbour Lighthouse

St. Peters Harbour Lighthouse was constructed in 1878 and stands at 10.4 metres tall. The lighthouse has been relocated several times, migrating up to 150m further inland, due in part to PEI’s ever-changing coastline.

Today, the lighthouse is located on the North Shore of PEI and sits at the entrance of St. Peters Bay. The lighthouse has also been designated as a heritage site because of its architectural and historical integrity.

Just a heads up, St. Peter’s Harbour Lighthouse is not easy to get to. The long dirt road is narrow in some parts and filled with potholes and deep puddles.

Prince Edward Island Facts - St. Peter's Harbour Lighthouse

We would not recommend taking this road unless you are driving a high-clearance vehicle. Once you reach the end of the road, you will need to walk up through an overgrown pathway to the top of several sand dunes, before actually reaching the lighthouse.

We found the views of the water, as well as the lighthouse to definitely be worth the effort, however. If you are making the trek out to this lighthouse, set aside some time to also enjoy the adjacent beach!

Address: 302 Lighthouse Rd, Morell

Which Lighthouses in PEI Can You Enter?

Out of the 63 lighthouses in PEI, there are 9 that you can enter and tour. Generally, the lighthouses are open seasonally from about June until September. There are a few that are open longer with one (Souris Lighthouse) being open all year long.

Many of the lighthouses that are open to tour, will allow you to look around the small museums located at the base of the towers. But for the most part, you will be charged a small fee to enter and climb the tower.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Wood-Islands
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Paul Baglole

In some cases, at West Point Lighthouse, for example, both the views from the top as well as the interesting displays in the tower, make that fee well worth your while. Below is a list of lighthouses in PEI that are open for tours:

  • West Point 
  • Tignish Run
  • Leard’s Front Range Light (Victoria by the Sea)
  • Point Prim 
  • Wood Islands
  • Cape Bear
  • Panmure Island
  • Souris
  • East Point

Can You Stay in a Lighthouse in PEI?

You can imagine my delight when I discovered that not only can you go inside some lighthouses in PEI, but you can actually spend the night in one! West Point Lighthouse is Canada’s first Inn at an active lighthouse!

You can stay in either the Tower Room, the Keeper’s Quarters, or one of 11 seaside suites that are attached to the lighthouse. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at West Point and would definitely recommend it to anyone who is a fan of lighthouses, or even just quirky accommodations.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-West-Point-with-Inn

The Inn is available seasonally, with bookings from June through September. Onsite parking and a home-cooked breakfast are also included in your stay.

Lighthouses in PEI – FAQs

We have put together a list of lighthouse-related frequently asked questions, for those looking to learn as much as possible about these iconic buildings.

Why are Canadian lighthouses red and white?

After looking at photos of all these gorgeous lighthouses, you may be left wondering why they all seem to have the same colour pallet of red and white. It’s not just a patriotic Canadian thing!

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Victoria-Seaport

Turns out, the contrast of red against a white backdrop makes lighthouses far easier to spot for ships that are out at sea. There are, however, a couple of lighthouses in PEI that have strayed from this trend.

Both West Point and Big Tignish lighthouses have made the switch to black striping on white. The reasoning behind the colour black is that black was thought to be more resistant to colour fading.

Which PEI lighthouses are National Historic Sites?

As we mentioned earlier, there are 9 lighthouses in PEI that have been placed on a national heritage list by Parks Canada. These lighthouses will now be preserved under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act, ensuring that they will be around for people to enjoy for years to come.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Cape-Tryon-Heritage-sign

The 9 lighthouses include:

  • The Brighton Front Range in Charlottetown.
  • Annandale Rear Range near Annandale.
  • Cape Bear in Murray Harbour.
  • Cape Tryon Lighthouse in Park Corner.
  • Covehead Harbour Light.
  • Northport Rear Range.
  • Panmure Head Lighthouse.
  • Point Prim Lighthouse.
  • St. Peters Harbour in St. Peters Harbour.

Are there any active lighthouses on PEI?

There are about 35 active lighthouses on PEI that still play a role in aiding marine navigation.

Lighthouses-in-PEI-West-Point-sunset
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Stephen DesRoches

What is the most famous lighthouse in PEI?

As the oldest wooden lighthouse on the island, Panmure Island Lighthouse is the most famous lighthouse in PEI.

What is the tallest lighthouse in PEI?

At 69 feet tall, West Point is the tallest Lighthouse in PEI.

Where is the oldest lighthouse on PEI?

Constructed in 1845, Point Prim is the oldest lighthouse in PEI. In fact, Point Prim lighthouse was built nearly 30 years before Prince Edward Island even joined Confederation!

Lighthouses-in-PEI-Point-Prim-with-family

Tips for Visiting Lighthouses in PEI

  • Even though there are 63 lighthouses in PEI, many of them are not open to the public and are on private land.
  • Remember, for any lighthouse that you are able to enter for a visit, expect to pay a fee to go up in the tower. You may be allowed to enter the base of the tower for free, as often there is a small museum inside.
  • Not all public lighthouses are easily accessible. Many are down uneven dirt roads that can become challenging when muddy, snowy or icy. You will want to have a vehicle with higher clearance.
  • Many of the lighthouses in PEI are pretty far from towns and amenities. Keep this in mind and plan accordingly for fuel, washroom breaks, water and snacks, especially when travelling with kids.
Lighthouses-in-PEI-St-Peters-Harbour-roadway
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Nick Jay

Final Thoughts on the Best Lighthouses in PEI

With so many gorgeous lighthouses on PEI, you should definitely try to squeeze a few into your visit. And whether you have a few specific ones that you want to see, or you just want to pack as many into a visit as you can (like we did!), we can guarantee, you will not be disappointed.

Which of the lighthouses in PEI would be at the top of your bucketlist to visit?

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