How many lighthouses are there on the Island and can we visit them?

Hi Chantale,

Prince Edward Island is home to 63 lighthouses. Given the proximity of one to another, PEI is one of the best places in Canada to explore maritime history and coastal scenery. While most can be viewed from the outside, nine historic lighthouses are open seasonally to visitors, and seven of them allow you to climb to the top for panoramic views of the coastline for a small fee.

• West Point Lighthouse
• Seacow Head Lighthouse
• Leard's Front Range Lighthouse (Victoria-by-the-Sea)
• Point Prim Lighthouse
• Wood Islands Lighthouse
• Cape Bear Lighthouse
• Panmure Island Lighthouse
• Souris Lighthouse
• East Point Lighthouse

Each lighthouse offers a unique experience. If I had to recommend a few favourites, these are my top three:

1. West Point is PEI's only black-and-white lighthouse, making it one of the most distinctive in Canada. It's also the only lighthouse on the Island where you can spend the night, as it is an inn.
2. The Wood Islands Lighthouse includes the keeper's residence, giving visitors a fascinating look at what life was like for lighthouse keepers and their families. The restored dwelling helps tell the story of PEI's coastal communities and maritime past.
3. Built in 1845, Point Prim is the oldest lighthouse on PEI and one of the few brick lighthouses constructed in Canada. Although the exterior is now covered with wooden shingles, visitors can still see the original brickwork from the interior.

For more information on visiting PEI's lighthouses, including hours of operation and special events, the PEI Lighthouse Society is an excellent resource.

Patty