East Point Lighthouse, Cape Breton Island Travel Guide

4.6 (867)

Explore PEI's maritime history at the East Point Lighthouse, where the tides meet and stories of the sea come to life.

Home
Travel Guides
Canada
Cape Breton Island
East Point Lighthouse

Standing at the easternmost tip of Prince Edward Island, the East Point Lighthouse, built in 1867, marks the meeting point of the St. Lawrence and Northumberland Strait tides. Known as 'Canada's Confederation Lighthouse,' it's the only operating lighthouse from that era, offering guided tours, panoramic views, and a glimpse into maritime history.

A brief summary to East Point Lighthouse

404 Lighthouse Rd, Elmira, Prince Edward Island, C0A 1K0, CA
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 10 am-6 pm
Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
Thursday 10 am-6 pm
Friday 10 am-6 pm
Saturday 10 am-6 pm
Sunday 10 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring East Point Lighthouse.

Arrive early during peak season (June-September) to avoid crowds and secure parking.
Bring a jacket, as it can be windy at the top of the lighthouse.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby North Lake Harbour, known as the 'Tuna Capital of the World'.
Check out the Elmira Railway Museum nearby for a refreshing ice cream cone.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Explore East Point Lighthouse on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near East Point Lighthouse, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Souris, PEI, head east on Route 16. Continue for approximately 18 km (11 miles). Turn left onto Lighthouse Road and follow it to the end. Parking is available on-site, but can be limited during peak season.
Public Transport

While there isn't direct public transport to East Point Lighthouse, you can take a bus to Elmira and then take a taxi to the lighthouse. Taxi services are available in Elmira, with fares typically ranging from $20-$30 CAD for the approximately 10km (6 mile) trip.

Discover more about East Point Lighthouse

East Point Lighthouse, a stately wooden structure, has stood sentinel on PEI's easternmost point since 1867. Affectionately called 'Canada's Confederation Lighthouse,' it holds the distinction of being the sole surviving operational lighthouse built the year of Canada's founding. The 64-foot octagonal tower provides stunning panoramic views of the 'colliding tides' where the waters of the St. Lawrence River and Northumberland Strait converge.Visitors can climb the 67 steps to the top, explore exhibits detailing the lives of the lighthouse keepers who maintained the light from 1867 to 1989, and learn about the many shipwrecks off the coast. The treacherous waters around East Point made it one of the most challenging areas to navigate, leading to the relocation of the lighthouse on two occasions. The British warship HMS Phoenix was wrecked off East Point in 1882 because the lighthouse was not in the location indicated on maritime charts.Today, visitors can also browse the East Point Craft Shop located in the former fog alarm building, enjoy a picnic on the grounds, and admire the nearby East Point Wind Farm. The site provides a window into PEI's maritime past and natural beauty, making it a must-see destination on the Points East Coastal Drive.