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
East Point Lighthouse is one of the best-known attractions in PEI. This wooden lighthouse was built in 1867 by William MacDonald, his two sons and a blacksmith using, amongst other tools, a portable saw. MacDonald was nick named the “Barn Builder” and was well known for building such large structures. This is the only 1867-built lighthouse still standing and so can be called Canada’s Confederation Lighthouse.
The lighthouse is octagonal in shape and stands 19.5 metres (64 feet) tall; there are 67 steps to the top. The lighthouse has been moved twice, in 1885 and 1908. In 1885, it was proven that the navigational charts of the time were incorrect, resulting in the wreck of the ship HMS Phoenix, so the lighthouse was moved from about 800 meters (half a mile) down the south side to the Point. In 1877, there were 61 metres (200 feet) of land in front of the lighthouse but by 1908, erosion was quite advanced. The same year, the fog alarm building (now the craft shop) was constructed, and erosion was beginning to take its toll. Erosion continues, at a rapid pace, and is a concern today on Prince Edward Island.
Inside the Lighthouse are many artifacts from earlier years when it was a manned Lighthouse. These artifacts include lamps and lenses of previous eras. Look for the display of the 1000-watt bulb! On the second floor, the wall to the left of the door is a point of major interest. During renovations, workers began scraping down the white-washed wall and found several signatures under the white-wash. Some of these have been traced back to the wreck of the HMS Phoenix and other signatures trace from 1877.
On the fourth floor, at one time, weights were raised and lowered through the floor that turned the gears for the lantern at the top. Nine to thirteen liters (2-3 gallons) of whale oil were used to provide the energy for the rotation of the lantern. Other types of lanterns and lights were used over the years, including coal and kerosene. Electricity was installed in 1957 and the light became a mercury vapour bulb which could be seen for approximately 56 kilometers (35 miles). There are also some examples of telecommunication tools like an old Marconi radio.
East Point Lighthouse Reviews
