Canada’s vast coastline and inland waters are dotted with over 750 lighthouses and long-range lights that aid ships in navigating safely to shore. Beyond their navigational role, these historic beacons also stand as guardians of the past for nearby communities, offering a unique way to connect with nature. To help you explore the beauty and history they hold, we’ve curated a list of eight exceptional lighthouses worth visiting across the country.
Peggy’s Point Lighthouse in Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia, is a picturesque red and white structure that attracts numerous photographers. Legend has it that the village was named after a woman named Peggy who survived a shipwreck, but it’s more likely due to its location in St. Margarets Bay. The surrounding granite shoreline and colorful lobster boats make Peggy’s Cove a charming destination to explore.
In West Point, Prince Edward Island, stands the striking black and white West Point Lighthouse, the tallest on the island at 21 meters. Offering stunning views of the Northumberland Strait and Cedar Dunes Provincial Park, this lighthouse also boasts an inn with unique accommodations, including a room in the tower. The accompanying museum showcases artifacts and stories from its rich 151-year history.
Fisgard Lighthouse in Colwood, British Columbia, built in 1860, was the first permanent lighthouse on the West Coast. The 17-meter tower, a designated National Historic Site, continues to guide mariners with its battery-powered light. Located on Fisgard Island at the entrance of Esquimalt Harbour, the lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains in Washington state on clear days.
Race Rocks Lighthouse, near Victoria in the Juan de Fuca Strait, is a stone lighthouse dating back to 1860, making it the second oldest on the Pacific coast. Perched on a small rocky island, this striped beacon stands 24.4 meters tall within the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, known for its diverse marine wildlife and excellent cold-water dive sites.
Overlooking the Atlantic in Newfoundland, the Ferryland Lighthouse offers a scenic spot for picnics and whale-watching. The attached cottage, once home to celebrated artist Gerald Squires, prepares packed lunches for visitors, adding to the charm of this location.
Cape Spear Lighthouse in St. John’s, Newfoundland, is the oldest surviving lighthouse in the province, situated at North America’s easternmost point. Visitors can witness the continent’s first sunrise by trekking to this historic site before dawn, with a chance to spot whales or icebergs in the distance. The nearby East Coast Trail offers stunning coastal views and opportunities for berry-picking.
Gibraltar Point Lighthouse on Toronto Island, built in 1808, is the oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes and a renowned city landmark. Apart from its historical significance, the lighthouse is famous for a ghost story that lures tourists and paranormal enthusiasts. The ferry ride to Toronto Island provides a fantastic view of the city’s skyline.
Situated at the edge of a cliff in Gaspé, Quebec, Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse stands as the tallest in Canada at 34.1 meters. Built in 1858 following several shipwrecks in the area, the lighthouse offers a panoramic view of the St. Lawrence River meeting the Gulf of St. Lawrence, with chances to witness breaching whales and the rugged cliffs of Forillon National Park.
These remarkable lighthouses not only guide ships to safety but also offer visitors a glimpse into Canada’s maritime history and natural beauty.