East Point Lighthouse, built in 1867, is known as Canada’s Confederation Lighthouse and is located at the most eastern tip of PEI. The lighthouse stands an impressive 64′ high with five flights (67 steps) of winding stairs. Once at the top, you will enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the “colliding tides” – The Atlantic Ocean, Northumberland Strait, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

East Point Lighthouse was once of the busiest aids to navigation for the deep-sea traffic, inshore and offshore fishery.  The history of shipwrecks off the coast proves this area as being one of the most difficult to navigate, due to the three reefs mentioned above.
In 1882, the British warship “HMS Phoenix” was shipwrecked off East Point, due in part to the location of the lighthouse. Captain Grenfell’s charts placed the lighthouse at the tip of East Point when it had been built a half-mile further down the coast.
For navigators relying on the light at night, this would have been enough to turn a close but safe course around the reef into a trip right onto the rocks. The “Phoenix” was certainly not the first vessel to discover this, but it was the most famous.
A year later, the lighthouse was moved to match its’ location on the maritime charts.   In 1908, due to erosion, the lighthouse was moved again to its present site, using horses and a capstan. The light station consisted of the lighthouse, fog alarm, radio, beacon station, and an oil shed. In 1885 an addition was built onto the fog alarm, and in 1965 a dwelling was constructed on the site.

The light was put into operation during the winter months of 1940-1945 and used as an aid to the local flying schools. East Point Lighthouse, following a trend set by Government, was automated in 1989, and has been run using electricity ever since.
Interesting fact: All five lighthouse keepers have passed away and all are buried in the same graveyard!

The light station consisted of the lighthouse, fog alarm, radio, beacon station, and an oil shed. In 1885 an addition was built onto the fog alarm, and in 1965 a dwelling was constructed on the site.

East Point Lighthouse is open daily, June – September, 10 am – 6 pm and offers guided (and self-guided) tours, where you will enjoy many storyboards with historical information. Visit our website for admission prices. Onsite you can shop at our local gift shop and relax at our picnic area while enjoying the breathtaking view. We look forward to welcoming you.