Prince Edward Island (PEI) is home to over 60 lighthouses, each telling a unique story of the island’s nautical history and coastal charm. With its rugged coastline and rich maritime heritage, PEI boasts one of the highest concentrations of lighthouses in Canada. Many of these historic structures are still active, guiding ships safely through the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Northumberland Strait.
Famous Lighthouses in PEI
1. West Point Lighthouse
📍 Location: West Point, PEI
🔹 One of the most famous lighthouses on the island, known for its distinct black-and-white stripes.
🔹 Built in 1875, it is now a working lighthouse, museum, and inn where visitors can stay overnight.
🔹 Offers stunning sunset views and a sandy beach nearby.
2. Point Prim Lighthouse
📍 Location: Belfast, PEI
🔹 Built in 1845, this is PEI’s oldest lighthouse and the only round brick lighthouse in Canada.
🔹 Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of Hillsborough Bay.
🔹 Nearby Point Prim Chowder House is a great place for seafood lovers.
3. East Point Lighthouse
📍 Location: East Point, PEI
🔹 A classic red-and-white lighthouse, built in 1867.
🔹 Marks the meeting point of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Northumberland Strait, where the waters create strong tidal currents.
🔹 Visitors can climb to the lantern room for breathtaking views.
4. Panmure Island Lighthouse
📍 Location: Panmure Island, PEI
🔹 PEI’s oldest wooden lighthouse, dating back to 1853.
🔹 Overlooks the stunning Panmure Island Beach, one of PEI’s best-kept secrets.
🔹 Offers guided tours and a small gift shop for visitors.
5. Covehead Harbour Lighthouse
📍 Location: Prince Edward Island National Park
🔹 A picturesque lighthouse sitting on the golden dunes of Cavendish Beach.
🔹 Perfect for photographers and nature lovers looking for an iconic PEI view.
🔹 Easily accessible and great for sunset photography.
6. Cape Bear Lighthouse
📍 Location: Cape Bear, PEI
🔹 Built in 1881, this lighthouse is famous for being the first in Canada to receive the distress signal from the Titanic in 1912.
🔹 Offers guided tours and a museum showcasing its historic connection to maritime radio.
7. North Cape Lighthouse
📍 Location: North Cape, PEI
🔹 Located at PEI’s northwestern tip, this lighthouse sits near the longest natural rock reef in North America.
🔹 Home to the North Cape Wind Energy Centre, where visitors can learn about renewable energy.
Activities & Experiences
- Lighthouse Tours – Many lighthouses allow visitors to climb to the top for breathtaking views.
- Stay Overnight – The West Point Lighthouse Inn offers a unique lighthouse stay experience.
- Photography Hotspots – Perfect for capturing coastal landscapes, sunsets, and maritime history.
- Museums & Gift Shops – Several lighthouses have small heritage museums and souvenir shops.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer (June–September) – Most lighthouses are open for tours, and the weather is perfect for sightseeing.
- Fall (October) – Fewer crowds, beautiful autumn colors, and cooler temperatures.
