Canada’s vast coastline and inland waters are home to over 750 lighthouses and long-range lights that play a crucial role in guiding ships to safety. Beyond their navigational function, these iconic structures also hold historical significance for the surrounding communities, offering a unique way to connect with nature.
Exploring the country, we have unearthed eight exceptional lighthouses that are sure to captivate visitors.
**Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, Peggy’s Cove, N.S.**
Situated in the picturesque fishing village of Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia, the vibrant red and white Peggy’s Point Lighthouse is a prominent landmark and a favorite subject for photographers. Legend has it that the cove was named after a young woman named Peggy who survived a shipwreck, though it’s more likely named after its location in St. Margarets Bay. The village itself boasts a stunning granite shoreline and colorful lobster boats.
**West Point Lighthouse, West Point, P.E.I.**
Standing tall at 21 meters, the black and white West Point Lighthouse in Prince Edward Island offers breathtaking views of the Northumberland Strait and Cedar Dunes Provincial Park. Converted into an inn in 1987, it now accommodates guests in its 13 rooms, including a unique room in the tower. The attached museum showcases artifacts and stories from its 151-year history.
**Fisgard Lighthouse, Colwood, B.C.**
Constructed in 1860, Fisgard Lighthouse in Colwood, British Columbia, is the West Coast’s first permanent beacon. The 17-meter tower, now a National Historic Site, continues to guide mariners with its battery-powered light. The lighthouse, situated on Fisgard Island at the mouth of Esquimalt Harbour, offers stunning views of the Juan de Fuca Strait and the snow-capped Olympic Mountains on clear days.
**Race Rocks Lighthouse, near Victoria in the Juan de Fuca Strait, B.C.**
Dating back to 1860, the stone Race Rocks Lighthouse is the second oldest on the Pacific coast. Standing at 24.4 meters on a rocky island southwest of Victoria, it is part of the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve known for its diverse marine wildlife and excellent diving opportunities.
**Ferryland Lighthouse, Ferryland, N.L.**
Perched on a grassy hill overlooking the Atlantic in Newfoundland, the Ferryland Lighthouse offers a popular spot for picnics and whale-watching. The adjacent cottage, once home to renowned artist Gerald Squires, prepares packed lunches for visitors.
**Cape Spear Lighthouse, St. John’s**
Located at North America’s easternmost point in Newfoundland, the Cape Spear Lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in the province. Visitors have the unique opportunity to witness the first sunrise on the continent and may even spot whales or icebergs in the distance.
**Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, Toronto**
The historic Gibraltar Point Lighthouse on Toronto Island, built in 1808, is the oldest on the Great Lakes and steeped in ghostly lore. The lighthouse, known for its paranormal associations, offers stunning views of Toronto’s skyline from the ferry en route to the island.
**Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse, Gaspé, Que.**
Standing at an impressive 34.1 meters on the edge of a cliff in Gaspé, Quebec, the Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse is the tallest in Canada. Constructed in 1858 following numerous shipwrecks in the area, it provides panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Forillon National Park’s rugged cliffs.
These remarkable lighthouses not only guide ships to safety but also offer visitors a glimpse into Canada’s rich maritime history and natural beauty.