Canada’s coastlines, lakes, and waterways are safeguarded by over 750 lighthouses and long-range lights, aiding ships in reaching safe harbors. These iconic structures not only steer ships but also preserve the history of the cities, towns, and villages they overlook.
Exploring the country, we have curated a list of eight distinctive lighthouses worth visiting:
1. Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, located in Peggy’s Cove, N.S., is a picturesque red and white beacon with a rich history tied to a shipwreck survivor named Peggy. The surrounding fishing village offers a charming experience with its granite shoreline and vibrant lobster boats.
2. The West Point Lighthouse in West Point, P.E.I., stands as the tallest lighthouse on Prince Edward Island at 21 meters. Providing stunning views of the Northumberland Strait and Cedar Dunes Provincial Park, this black and white beacon offers an inn experience with 13 rooms, including one in the tower.
3. Fisgard Lighthouse, situated in Colwood, B.C., was constructed in 1860, becoming the first permanent lighthouse on the West Coast. Designated as a National Historic Site, this 17-meter tower continues to guide mariners through the surrounding waters, offering panoramic views of the Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains in Washington state.
4. Race Rocks Lighthouse, near Victoria in the Juan de Fuca Strait, B.C., is a historic stone lighthouse standing at 24.4 meters tall on a small rocky island. The lighthouse is part of the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, known for its diverse marine wildlife and exceptional cold-water dive sites.
5. Ferryland Lighthouse in Ferryland, N.L., perched on a grassy hill overlooking the Atlantic, is a popular spot for picnics and whale-watching. The lighthouse grounds also include a cottage where renowned artist Gerald Squires and his family resided in the 1970s.
6. Cape Spear Lighthouse in St. John’s, Newfoundland, is the oldest surviving lighthouse in the province and sits at North America’s easternmost point. Visitors can witness spectacular sunrises, spot whales or icebergs in the distance, and explore berry-picking grounds along the East Coast Trail.
7. Gibraltar Point Lighthouse on Toronto Island, built in 1808, is the oldest beacon on the Great Lakes. Renowned for its ghost story, the lighthouse attracts tourists and paranormal enthusiasts intrigued by the mysterious disappearance of its first keeper, John Paul Radelmüller.
8. Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse in Gaspé, Que., stands as the tallest lighthouse in Canada at 34.1 meters, perched on a cliff overlooking the treacherous waters where the St. Lawrence River meets the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The lighthouse offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the gulf and Forillon National Park’s rugged cliffs.
These remarkable lighthouses not only illuminate the way for ships but also offer unique experiences and captivating histories for visitors to discover.