East Point Lighthouse Travel Guide

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.