You’re sure to be enchanted with the West Point Lighthouse. Built in 1875, it’s a lovely example of “second-generation” lighthouse architecture. At 67 feet, eight inches, from base to vane, it is also PEI’s tallest lighthouse. With its black and white stripes and distinctive gable-roof, plus the fact that it is set against the backdrop of red sands and dunes of the West Cape region, it is a spectacular sight. The West Point Lighthouse is also PEI’s only working lighthouse inn.
Called the first of PEI’s second generation lighthouses, West Point Lighthouse was the first of the Island’s square towers. Since it was built in 1875, only 8 Island lighthouses pre-date it. The West Point structure was originally painted white with broad red horizontal stripes; these stripes were changed to black since black is more fade-resistant and provides more contrast. From 1942-1945, the light was kept operational during the winter as a night-time guide for pilots at the British Commonwealth Air Training School. Run automatically from 1963-1982, the lighthouse has since been converted to an inn and museum.
While at the West Point Lighthouse be sure to visit:
Take Route 2 west to Route 14. Turn left on Route 14 at Coleman Corner. Once you pass the “Welcome to West Point” sign, it is less than 1 km to where you turn left onto Harbour Road.
At the West Point Harbourside Centre, turn right onto Cedar Dunes Park Road, which leads to West Point Lighthouse.
Alternate:
Continue on Route 2 past Coleman Corner until you reach the round-about. Turn left to O’Leary. Follow Route 142 until you reach a T intersection. Turn left and follow Route 14 until you reach Cedar Dunes Provincial Park, or Harbour Road..