Prince Edward Island might be small, but don’t let the size fool you—we’ve got more lighthouses per square mile than anywhere else in North America. For a place you can drive across in an afternoon, we sure pack in a lot of charm (and coastal beacons).

Back in the day, the sea was our main road. Boats were how people got around, and lighthouses were as important as traffic lights are now. Before trains and cars came along, these sturdy old towers helped sailors find their way, and for many of them, a light on the horizon meant they were almost home.

A lot of our first lighthouses were built before PEI joined Confederation in 1873. You’ll notice they’re mostly wooden, made when timber was easy to come by. And while some have seen a few facelifts over the years, many still look just like they did back then – standing tall on the edge of the Island, keeping watch over the waves.

These days, lighthouses are more about pleasure than business. They’ve become little gems for road trippers, Instagrammers, and anyone who loves a salty breeze and a view you can’t beat. Some are open to visitors, with cozy gift shops, picnic spots, and volunteers happy to share a tale or two. The entrance fees help keep these places going, so future generations can enjoy them too.

In this guide, we feature 8 lighthouses in the Points East Coastal Drive region –  6 of which are open during the summer. Each one has its own story, its own charm, and a whole lot of Island character. So pack a lunch, gas up the car, and hit the road – we’ve put together a guide to help you find them and other fun stops along the way.

Download this complimentary lighthouse tour of eastern PEI by clicking HERE.

If you’d like more PEI itineraries, please visit our website at redearthadventures.ca