Wood Islands Lighthouse: A Beacon of History

The Wood Islands Lighthouse, situated on the southeastern shore of Prince Edward Island, has been a guiding light for mariners since 1876. It was the second lighthouse built after PEI joined Confederation and is unique as the last on the island where the keeper and family resided in the attached dwelling.The lighthouse features a 54-foot square tower connected to a two-story home. Originally, the main level included a kitchen, sitting room, and two bedrooms, with four bedrooms upstairs. Over the years, the lighthouse played a vital role in aiding marine traffic in the Northumberland Strait and assisting fishing boats in Wood Islands Harbour. Since 1940, it has also served the Northumberland Ferries Limited.In 2009, the entire structure was moved 70 meters inland to combat coastal erosion. Today, the Wood Islands Lighthouse operates as a museum with eleven themed rooms, offering interactive exhibits about the history of lighthouses, the ferry service, rum-running, and the island's fishing industry. Visitors can explore a recreated 1950s-era kitchen and keeper's quarters, climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views, and shop for local crafts in the gift shop.