East Point Lighthouse
East Point Lighthouse has the distinction of being “Canada’s Confederation Lighthouse” as it was built in 1867 and is the only Lighthouse that is still operating today.
We welcome you to visit our lighthouse and enjoy a guided tour to learn about the history of this 64-foot structure (with an impressive 67 steps) along with our 5 lighthouse keepers who manned the light from 1867-1989. While here, you can enjoy the beautiful ocean view where the mighty tides of the St. Lawrence and Northumberland Strait meet, enjoy a picnic on our grounds, browse through crafts and gifts at East Point Craft Shop, which is just next door. And for nature lovers, you’ll want to take time to enjoy our bird watch tower, which has a terrific vantage point to spot rare and common birds, as East Point is known as a hot spot for migrating pelagic birds.
East Point Lighthouse Facts
1st Floor
Built 1867 by William MacDonald, the lighthouse is 64 ft. tall and there are 67 steps to the top. It has survived 2 moves. The lighthouse designer is unknown, though it bears a very strong resemblance to the North Cape light tower designed by Hon. Alex Anderson.
2nd Floor
This floor houses artifacts from earlier years at East Point Lighthouse. These artifacts include lamps and lenses of previous eras.
3rd Floor
There are portraits of the keepers from 1867 to 1989, when the lighthouse was decommissioned and the last keeper retired.
4th Floor
This floor shows where weights were raised and lowered through the floor that turned the gears for the lantern at the top. 2-3 gallons of whale oil was used to run the energy for the rotation of the lantern.
5th Floor
The Lantern Room. This floor depicts the fantastic panamoric view from this point – the beautiful beaches, the converging tides, the 3 tides off East Point and the East Point Wind Farm.
East Point Lighthouse Reviews
I love that there are a few different things going on at this location! You can take a tour of the lighthouse and learn about its history, shop the gift shop for keepsakes and locally made goods, and now there’s stellar ice cream worth making the trek for.
I would definitely add it to my must-see list for PEI.
