Discover 12 of PEI’s Iconic Lighthouses

Prince Edward Island’s lighthouses are a fusion of Maritime history and breathtaking coastal views. Starting from Charlottetown, this guide covers the most enthralling and picturesque lighthouses on the Island, along with drive times from the downtown core for easy planning. Travel across PEI to see our magnificent lighthouses at your own pace, alone or in good company!

1. BRIGHTON BEACH RANGE FRONT LIGHTHOUSE

Drive Time: 5 minutes

Located in Charlottetown just steps from downtown, this quintessential lighthouse is a perfect introduction to PEI’s coastal charm. Nestled beside Victoria Park, it’s a Charlottetown staple for a leisurely stroll and a harbour view, especially at sunset!

PRO TIP: Grab an ice cream at Kiwanis Dairy Bar

2. POINT PRIM LIGHTHOUSE

Drive Time: 45 minutes

History lovers, start the car! Check out PEI’s oldest lighthouse that stands proudly at Point Prim’s water’s edge. Built in 1845, this beauty still features the original round brick design, a trait only a handful of lighthouses in Canada exhibit.

PRO TIP: Enjoy a bowl of mussels and the ocean view at Point Prim Chowder House

3. WOOD ISLANDS LIGHTHOUSE & MUSEUM

Drive Time: 45 minutes

Located near the Wood Islands ferry terminal with service to Nova Scotia, this lighthouse doubles as a museum. Scale the 54 steps to the top for a panoramic ocean view and learn about PEI’s history through interactive and unique exhibits.

PRO TIP: Pop into Treena’s Takeout for incredible home-cooked food

4. PANMURE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE

Drive Time: 1 hour

This 4-story wooden lighthouse is the oldest of its kind on PEI and still serves as a navigational aid for both recreational and fishing vessels. Sitting near a beautiful sandy beach, it’s the perfect place to have a picnic or enjoy a seaside walk.

PRO TIP: Scope out local artisan goods at the on-site gift shop

5. CAPE BEAR LIGHTHOUSE & MARCONI STATION

Drive Time: 1 hour

Located along the red cliffs of Murray Harbour, this is a historical landmark that’s famous for receiving distress signals from the Titanic. It offers a mix of fascinating history and striking coastal views of the Northumberland Strait.

PRO TIP: Drop into The Signal Shop, the on-site gift store for handmade crafts

6. SOURIS HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE

Drive Time: 1 hour

Overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the town of Souris, this lighthouse is renowned for its stunning sunsets. Visitors can climb to the lantern room and walk out to the balcony to soak up the panoramic seascape views.

PRO TIP: Grab a bite at 21 Breakwater, a family-run restaurant known for its local ingredients

7. EAST POINT LIGHTHOUSE

Drive Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Situated at PEI’s easternmost tip in the village of Elmira, this octagonal-shaped lighthouse features many original artifacts and provides panoramic views of where the Gulf of St. Lawrence meets the Northumberland Strait.

PRO TIP: Don’t miss the bird watch tower where you can spot rare and common birds.

8. NORTH RUSTICO LIGHTHOUSE

Drive Time: 40 minutes

Located in the fishing village of North Rustico, this classic lighthouse sits on the edge of Rustico Bay. It’s a great spot for photos and is close to the town’s boardwalk, restaurants, deep sea fishing excursions, and cute shops.

PRO TIP: Grab a gourmet ice cream at Cricker’s Creamery or lunch at Blue Mussle Cafe.

9. CAPE TRYON LIGHTHOUSE

Drive Time: 1 hour

Cape Tryon Lighthouse offers magnificent views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence from its striking cliffside location. Although access can be limited, it’s worth the adventure to experience the unforgettable scenery.

PRO TIP: Discover why everyone is raving about North Shore Canteen in French River

10. VICTORIA RANGE LIGHT & SEAPORT MUSEUM

Drive Time: 35 minutes

This charming lighthouse is definitely a classic “Instagrammable” moment. Drop in along your travels as you peruse the adorable shops, tasty restaurants, and art galleries in the area.

PRO TIP: Try the hand-dipped chocolates at Island Chocolates or pop into Coach House Antiques.

11. SEACOW HEAD LIGHTHOUSE & CAFÉ

Drive Time: 1 hour

This lighthouse features sweeping views of the Confederation Bridge. It also appeared in several episodes of the television series “Road to Avonlea” and was even home to one of the series’ main characters, Gus Pike.

PRO TIP: Visit the on-site ice cream shop for a cool treat on a hot day!

12. WEST POINT LIGHTHOUSE INN & MUSEUM

Drive Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Located at the northwestern tip of PEI, this lighthouse is one of the most unique on the Island. Covered in black and white stripes, it’s bursting with nautical character. Walk the sandy shores of West Point, stay overnight in the lighthouse inn, or dine at their restaurant.

PRO TIP: Soak up the folklore of the area by spending a night in the lighthouse inn.

Exploring the lighthouses of Prince Edward Island is like stepping into a postcard—each one with its own story, charm, and coastal view. Whether you’re chasing history, scenery, or just a peaceful escape, PEI’s lighthouse trail is a journey worth taking! So grab your cameras and head out to see the beauty for yourself!

Planning on staying a while? Check out our amazing selection of accommodations. Curious about what else to do around Charlottetown? Don’t miss an adventure over on our events page.

Follow along on social @discovercharlottetown and tag us during your stay to help share the Charlottetown love!