Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, is home to over 60 picturesque lighthouses, each playing a vital role in the island’s maritime history. These coastal sentinels have guided sailors for centuries, warning them of treacherous waters and rocky shores.
Among the most famous is West Point Lighthouse, known for its striking black-and-white striped design and its role as PEI’s tallest lighthouse. It now operates as an inn, offering guests a unique stay by the sea.
Another notable landmark is Point Prim Lighthouse, PEI’s oldest lighthouse, built in 1845. It features a rare cylindrical brick design, offering breathtaking views of the Northumberland Strait. East Point Lighthouse, located at the island’s easternmost tip, remains a popular tourist attraction with its rich history and panoramic scenery.
These lighthouses stand as cultural symbols, preserving PEI’s maritime legacy while providing visitors with stunning coastal vistas and a glimpse into the island’s seafaring past.
Above: Wood Islands Lighthouse, Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Above left: Wood Islands Lighthouse; Above centre and right: Cape Bear Lighthouse, Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Above: East Point Lighthouse, Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Above: Shipwreck Point lighthouse, Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Above: Covehead Harbour, Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Above: New London Range Lighthouse.
Above: Cape Tryon Lighthouse, Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Above left and right: Point Prim Light Station, Prince Edward Island, Canada; Centre: Sunset over the Atlantic from Point Prim Light Station.
Above: Point Prim Lighthouse.
Above: Point Prim Lighthouse.
Need to know
Getting there
Prince Edward Island has regular flights from most major Canadian cities with Air Canada. If you will be visiting from the East, we would recommend transferring through Toronto, Montreal or Quebec. Air Canada has regular flights between London and the three aforementioned cities.
Charlottetown Airport is located just 7km North of Charlottetown with plenty of easy options to connect you to the city centre. Regular buses will take you to downtown for $2, or a taxi for $25 to $30.
Best time to go
The best time to visit PEI is during the summer months of May to September, when the island is in full swing. The island is beautiful during summer with the warm weather and never-ending beaches, but this does bring the crowds. We visited in Autumn and whilst some things had closed for the season, the low crowds and beautiful fall colours more than made up for it.
Where to stay
We would recommend basing yourselves in Charlottetown, it’s a vibrant capital with a good central location, making most of the Island accessible in a day trip.
We stayed at the 4-star Rodd Charlottetown on Kent Street. A modern hotel with a touch of PEI flair and perfectly located, making the majority of Charlottetown sights and restaurants walkable.
There are plenty of hotels and B&B options in Charlottetown and throughout the island. Book early if you plan on coming in summer, as rooms get booked up quickly. Outside of the summer months, you may find accommodation slightly harder to come by outside of Charlottetown.
Must-pack items:
If you’re visiting during the summer months, you can expect temperatures of 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, so you should be fine with your usual summer gear. It is a North Atlantic Island, though, so there is always a chance of rain and wind, so packing a lightweight waterproof and windproof jacket would be recommended.
If you go any other time of the year, we probably won’t need the shorts and will most definitely need a warm coat.
How to do it:
The best and easiest way to discover Prince Edward Island is by car. Giving you the complete freedom to explore the islands’ Lighthouses at your own pace. During the summer months, a host of tour operators such as Prince Edward Tours offer day tours to visit the lighthouses.
Outside of summer, your only real option is to rent a car. There are a host of car rental operators, both local and international, with prices averaging around CAD$ 100 per day.
Anything else:
There is no shortage of things to see and do on Prince Edward Island, but one thing that should not be missed is an Oyster lunch at the Sea Rocket Oyster House on Queen Street, Charlottetown.
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