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Where can lighthouse enthusiasts find lighthouses in Canada?
- Lighthouse fans will find a diverse selection of beautiful lighthouses all around Canada.
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What types of lighthouses are in Canada?
- Some are historic structures in remote places, while others have been transformed into popular museums, restaurants, and hotels.
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How can visitors explore Canada’s lighthouses?
- Plan a weekend getaway or a day trip and explore these fascinating lighthouses in Canada.
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1. Fort Rodd
Explore historic grounds and see coastal views on a quick weekend visit.
Hidden military bunkers and 19th century buildings are just a few of the attractions at Fort Rodd Lighthouse, a structure that sits atop Fort Rodd Hill. The lighthouse served as a coastal artillery fortress from 1895 to 1956. Aside from viewing the lighthouse, tourists can easily explore the barracks, military posts and gun batteries that are located on the property.
Fort Rodd Hill also has designated picnic areas and plenty of space for bird-watching, wildlife-spotting and photography. In the summer months, visitors can stop by the Canteen Building for some souvenirs and light refreshments. Fort Rodd Map
2. West Point Lighthouse
Admire striped tower and walk along nearby shores in summer.
Located on idyllic Prince Edward Island, the West Point Lighthouse was erected in 1875 and is currently the tallest lighthouse on PEI. During the early 1900s, the lighthouse served as a guide for pilots training at the nearby British Commonwealth Air Training Schools.
Today, West Point Lighthouse is now a museum, restaurant and hotel. The hotel features 13 guest rooms which are all housed within the lighthouse structure. Local attractions include the town of West Point, the beach boardwalk, Cedar Dunes Provincial Park and the West Point Marina. The hotel is open from June to September.
3. Peggy's Cove Lighthouse
Look at dramatic cliffs and enjoy iconic views on a romantic trip.
Peggy's Cove Lighthouse , also known as Peggy's Point, is located on the shores of Nova Scotia. It is the main attraction on the popular Lighthouse Trail scenic drive. The red-and-white lighthouse is currently used by the Canadian Coast Guard to mark the entrance of Margaret's Bay.
Built in 1868, the 49-foot-tall Peggy's Cove Lighthouse has been deemed one of the most recognizable lighthouses in the world. Visitors can walk around the base of Peggy's Cove Lighthouse and explore the granite outcropping that extends out toward the Atlantic Ocean, but tourists should use caution since storms and large waves can make the area unsafe.
4. Cape Spear Lighthouse
Visit Canada’s easternmost point and discover exciting coastal sights.
Unique among lighthouses, the Cape Spear Lighthouse is a short structure with a wide base. The lighthouse sits atop the Avalon Peninsula near St. Johns, Newfoundland, which happens to be the easternmost point of the North American continent.
The Cape Spear Lighthouse also marks a key spot on the East Coast Trail, a 340-mile-long coastal hike. Built in the early 1830s, Cape Spear Lighthouse underwent a restoration in 1955. The lighthouse is now known as one of Canada's National Historic Sites. Visitors can easily explore the base of the lighthouse and take photos of the dramatic scenery that surrounds the site.
5. Lighthouse on the Green
See this charming structure and walk peaceful paths in spring.
Lighthouse on the Green, also known as Fredericton's Lighthouse, is located on the banks of the St. John River. The lighthouse is an ideal destination for a day of family-friendly fun. At the on-site restaurant, visitors can enjoy a variety of scrumptious seafood dishes along with fresh-made ice cream.
After lunch, guests can climb to the top of the Lighthouse on the Green to see panoramic views of the St. John River and the town of Fredericton. During the summer, the lighthouse is open everyday, and during the fall, winter and spring months Lighthouse on the Green operates on weekends only.
6. Covehead Harbour Lighthouse
Look at sand dunes and enjoy seaside views on a relaxing retirement outing.
Located on Prince Edward Island, Covehead Harbour Lighthouse sits inside Prince Edward Island National Park. Erected in 1879, the lighthouse is still used to guide ships near the mouth of Covehead Harbour to this day. A plaque on the lighthouse commemorates the victims of the Yankee Gale, a powerful storm that took the lives of 150 people in 1851.
The wreckage of nearly 100 ships was strewn across the beach following the unexpected tragedy. Today, visitors can walk around the perimeter of the 26-foot-tall lighthouse, take photos of the dramatic coastline and swim in designated areas along the beach. Map
7. Fisgard Lighthouse
Discover British Columbia’s oldest lighthouse and explore historic interiors on an affordable trip.
Fisgard Lighthouse is known for being the first lighthouse built on Canada's western coast. Constructed in November of 1860, the lighthouse was managed by keepers until its light was automated in 1929. Exhibits inside the lighthouse provide information about shipwrecks in the area, the lives of Fisgard Lighthouse keepers and the inner workings of a 19th century light.
There are also designated spots near the lighthouse for picnicking, photography, bird-watching and wildlife-spotting. In addition to these activities, tourists can enjoy watching the variety of boats that pass through the Juan de Fuca Strait. Adventurous visitors can also join a scuba diving tour in the waters beyond the Fisgard Lighthouse. Map
8. Pointe Riche Lighthouse
Walk along rugged cliffs and admire sweeping ocean views in fall.
Pointe Riche Lighthouse is located on the Port au Choix Peninsula, an arm of land that juts out into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The land has a rich history which includes being home to Indians as well as English, Basque and French explorers.
One of the main attractions on the peninsula is the octagon-shaped Pointe Riche Lighthouse. Constructed entirely out of wood, the lighthouse has stood above the Gulf of St. Lawrence since 1872. It first belonged to the French who occupied the Newfoundland area but ownership was transferred to the Canadian Government in 1904. It is one of the many lighthouses along Canada's eastern coast. Map
9. Cape Jourimain Lighthouse
Visit this scenic spot and explore nearby nature attractions with family.
Cape Jourimain Lighthouse is located on a picturesque peninsula in New Brunswick, Canada. The lighthouse is well-known because of its unique history. From 1870 to 1949, four members of the Bent family served as keepers at Cape Jourimain.
Although the Cape Jourimain Lighthouse is generally accessible to visitors, the Cape Jourimain Nature Center is relocating it to protect the structure from ongoing coastal erosion. As of early 2016, the relocation project is ongoing. The Cape Jourimain Nature Center hopes that the move will preserve the lighthouse for future generations.
10. Pictou Lighthouse
See the coastal landmark and enjoy quiet views on an easy stop.
Pictou Lighthouse is known for its distinct Scottish flair. The lighthouse was built in 1889, and its first keeper, Alexander Fraser, was paid $120 a year to man the lighthouse and to guide ships through the Pictou Harbor.
Pictou Lighthouse underwent some renovations in 1896 that involved building two quaint light towers that stood less than 50 feet tall. Today, the lighthouses are managed by the Canadian Coast Guard and are not accessible to the public. However, it's possible to get a glimpse of the two towers from the nearby Harbour Light Campground.
Map:
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Fort Rodd
- 2. West Point Lighthouse
- 3. Peggy's Cove Lighthouse
- 4. Cape Spear Lighthouse
- 5. Lighthouse on the Green
- 6. Covehead Harbour Lighthouse
- 7. Fisgard Lighthouse
- 8. Pointe Riche Lighthouse
- 9. Cape Jourimain Lighthouse
- 10. Pictou Lighthouse