Canada’s vast coastline, lakes, and waterways are safeguarded by over 750 lighthouses and long-range lights that aid ships in navigating to safety. Beyond their primary function, these iconic structures hold historical significance for the surrounding communities and offer a unique way to connect with nature. To explore some of the most remarkable lighthouses in the country, we have curated a list of eight must-visit destinations.
1. Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, Peggy’s Cove, N.S.
Known as one of Canada’s most photographed lighthouses, the vibrant red and white Peggy’s Point Lighthouse is nestled in the charming fishing village of Peggy’s Cove, N.S. Legend has it that the village was named after a shipwreck survivor named Peggy, although it is more likely named after its location in St. Margarets Bay. Visitors can also enjoy the picturesque granite shoreline and colorful lobster boats in the village.
2. West Point Lighthouse, West Point, P.E.I.
Standing tall at 21 meters, the black and white West Point Lighthouse offers a breathtaking view of the Northumberland Strait and Cedar Dunes Provincial Park. This historic landmark, which opened an inn in 1987, provides accommodation with 13 rooms, including one located in the tower. The lighthouse museum showcases artifacts and stories from its remarkable 151-year history.
3. Fisgard Lighthouse, Colwood, B.C.
Constructed in 1860, Fisgard Lighthouse in Colwood, B.C., is the oldest permanent beacon on the West Coast. Its 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 stunning views of the Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains in Washington state on clear days.
4. Race Rocks Lighthouse, near Victoria in the Juan de Fuca Strait, B.C.
The stone-built Race Rocks Lighthouse, erected in 1860, is the second oldest lighthouse on the Pacific coast. Perched on a small rocky island southwest of Victoria, the striped beacon stands at an impressive height of 24.4 meters. Situated within the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, this location is renowned for its diverse marine wildlife and is a popular spot for boat tours and cold-water diving.
5. Ferryland Lighthouse, Ferryland, N.L.
Perched on a grassy hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Newfoundland, the Ferryland Lighthouse is a favorite spot for picnics and whale-watching. The attached cottage, where celebrated artist Gerald Squires and his family resided in the 1970s, prepares packed lunches for visitors. The lighthouse offers a serene setting to enjoy nature and coastal views.
6. Cape Spear Lighthouse, St. John’s
Sitting at North America’s easternmost point, Cape Spear Lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland. Visitors can witness the first sunrise on the continent by trekking to this historic location before dawn. The area is also ideal for spotting whales and icebergs, with the East Coast Trail leading to scenic berry-picking spots and stunning coastal vistas.
7. Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, Toronto
Dating back to 1808, Gibraltar Point Lighthouse on Toronto Island is the oldest beacon on the Great Lakes and a prominent landmark in the city. Apart from its historical significance, the lighthouse is notorious for a ghost story that attracts tourists and paranormal enthusiasts. The ferry ride to Toronto Island offers spectacular views of the city’s skyline.
8. Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse, Gaspé, Que.
Toweringly impressive at 34.1 meters, Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse is perched on a cliff in Gaspé, Que., overlooking the treacherous meeting point of the St. Lawrence River and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Built in 1858 after several shipwrecks in the area, the lighthouse offers panoramic views of the gulf, where visitors can sometimes spot breaching whales and the rugged cliffs of Forillon National Park.