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Lighthouses
Romance and Adventure
Lighthouses fascinate us. There is romance in these coastal beacons, manned by solitary keepers, that light the way for ships at sea though starless nights and winter gales. Travel to PEI was only possible by boat, from the earliest years of European settlement. Right up to the building of the Confederation Bridge in 1997 PEI was visited by ferries running to Woods Island in eastern PEI, and Borden Carleton in western PEI. Lighthouses were vital along the coasts.
Many lighthouse keepers were colourful characters. Sometimes generation after generation followed in the family tradition, as a son and then grandson took over the job. What must life have been like for those who guarded our shores. Such a heavy burden and lonely lifestyle for those responsible for the lives of the sailors navigating the waters around our crinkled capes and shores.
NCCD Lighthouses
Prince Edward Island’s lighthouses played a vital role in the life and economy of the newly settled land. As Islanders, we were dependent on the gifts the sea gave us. Fishing and shipbuilding were two of the most important industries in the early days of colonization. The only means of transportation to and from the Island were by boat and ferry. The sea is changeable and as it gives life, it takes it away too. The waters all around the Island are testament to sunken ships.
Lighthouse Architecture
Our lighthouses also tell a story with their architecture. You will notice two distinctive architectural styles: the colonial or “first-generation” structures were built before 1873. They were wooden, octagonal structures constructed when timber was abundant in this province. Our second-generation lighthouses tend to be gable-roofed structures with the addition of keepers’ houses.
Are you are a budding enthusiast or a self proclaimed “lighthouse lover” ? The fifteen lighthouses located on the North Cape Coastal Drive are sure to invite, educate, and take you to places otherwise unseen. Follow the links below and plan your trip of discovery to see just how enchanting these towering lights can be!
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246 Heather Moyse Dr., Summerside
101 Water St., Summerside
619 Water St. East, Summerside
511 Notre Dame St., Summerside
33 Summer St., Summerside
33 Summer St., Summerside
150 Heather Moyse Dr., Summerside
619 Water Street East
Summerside
719 Water St. East, Summerside
85 Spring St., Summerside
23 Main Dr. East, Miscouche
Baywalk Boardwalk
370 Water St., Summerside
75 Spring St., Summerside
130 Heather Moyse Dr., Summerside
618 Water St. East, Summerside
124 Heather Moyse Dr., Summerside
From Route 2 on the Central Coastal Drive (south shore) just east of Summerside, turn south onto Route 1A and drive for 10 km (6.3 miles). Turn right onto Route 171 (Callbeck Street), and then after 1.9 km (1.2 miles) turn right on Route 112 towards Lower Bedeque. Follow Route 112 to its end where you will see the Indian Head Lighthouse at the end of the breakwater. At low tide it is sometimes possible to walk out to the lighthouse.
231 Read Dr., Wilmot
Summerside
1209 Barbara Weit Rd.
Lower New Annan
1209 Barbara Weit Rd.
Lower New Annan
599 MacEwen Rd., Summerside
150 Heather Moyse Dr., Summerside
From Route 2 turn onto Water Street at Reads Corner. Turn left at the intersection with lights at MacEwen Road and Glover Shore Road. Turn onto Glover Shore Road and you will see it a short distance away on your right.
250 Water St., Summerside
Throughout Summerside
From Route 2, turn onto Water Street at Reads Corner. Continue heading west on Water Street until you reach a juncture with South Drive. At this point you will see this range light.
From Route 2 turn at Reads Corner onto Water Street. Continue heading west until you reach MacKenzie Drive. You can see it adjacent to the boardwalk.
Grounds open/tower closed.
Throughout Summerside
205 Prince St., Summerside
75 Spring St., Summerside Make the most of your visit with our itineraries! GO! - Taste
