Over 750 lighthouses and long-range lights are positioned along Canada’s coastlines, lakes, and various water bodies, assisting vessels in finding safe harbours. Beyond their primary function, these luminous structures act as historical guardians for nearby towns and cities, offering one of the finest opportunities to appreciate the beauty of nature.
With this in mind, we explored the nation to identify eight distinctive lighthouses that are definitely worth visiting.
Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, Peggy’s Cove, N.S.
Peggy’s Point Lighthouse. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
This vibrant red and white lighthouse is one of the most photographed in Canada, located in the fishing community of Peggy’s Cove, N.S.
A historical account from the 1900s suggests that Peggy’s Cove was named after a young woman named Margaret, commonly referred to as Peggy, who survived a shipwreck at Halibut Rock and eventually married a local resident. However, it is more likely named for its position in St. Margarets Bay.
The village itself offers much to discover, featuring a rugged granite coastline and colorful lobster boats.
West Point Lighthouse, West Point, P.E.I.
West Point Lighthouse. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
This iconic black and white lighthouse, standing at 21 meters, is the tallest on Prince Edward Island and offers stunning views of the Northumberland Strait and Cedar Dunes Provincial Park.
In 1987, an inn was established here, now featuring 13 rooms, including one within the tower. Despite accommodating overnight guests, an electric lantern continues to guide maritime traffic.
The lighthouse museum presents artifacts and tales from its 151-year history.
Fisgard Lighthouse, Colwood, B.C.
Fisgard Lighthouse. (Getty Images)
Constructed in 1860, Fisgard Lighthouse in Colwood, B.C., is the first permanent beacon on the West Coast, and its battery-operated light continues to assist mariners navigating the nearby waters.
This 17-meter tower, designated as a National Historic Site, is located on Fisgard Island at the entrance of Esquimalt Harbour. It is connected to the former coastal defense site Fort Rodd Hill via a causeway built in the 1950s.
From the lighthouse, visitors can gaze at the Juan de Fuca Strait and, on clear days, spot the snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains in Washington State.
Race Rocks Lighthouse, near Victoria in the Juan de Fuca Strait, B.C.
Race Rocks Lighthouse. (Getty Images)
This stone lighthouse, built in 1860, is the second oldest on the Pacific Coast. The striped beacon rises 24.4 meters above a small rocky island southwest of Victoria in the Juan de Fuca Strait.
Located within the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, this area is renowned for its sea lions, seals, whales, and even bald eagles.
Boat tours are available to observe the marine wildlife, and the reserve is recognized as one of the world’s top cold-water diving locations.
Ferryland Lighthouse, Ferryland, N.L.
Ferryland Lighthouse. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Perched on a grassy hill in Newfoundland, overlooking the Atlantic, Ferryland Lighthouse is a favored location for picnics and whale-watching.
In fact, packed lunches are made in the adjoining cottage, which was home to renowned local artist Gerald Squires and his family during the 1970s.
Cape Spear Lighthouse, St. John’s
Cape Spear Lighthouse. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
As the oldest active lighthouse in Newfoundland, Cape Spear is located at the easternmost point of North America. If you venture there at dawn, you could be the first on the continent to witness the sunrise.
Depending on the day, visitors may also glimpse whales or icebergs in the distance.
Continuing along the East Coast Trail will lead you to areas perfect for berry picking and stunning coastal views.
Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, Toronto
Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Constructed in 1808, Gibraltar Point Lighthouse on Toronto Island is the oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes and ranks among the city’s historic landmarks. Over the years, it has gained fame for its ghost story, drawing tourists and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
Various accounts suggest that the lighthouse’s first keeper, John Paul Radelmüller, either disappeared or was killed by a group of soldiers in 1815. Years later, another keeper discovered human remains nearby, although they were never confirmed to be Radelmüller’s, and some believe his spirit haunts Gibraltar Point.
As an added perk, if you visit the Island, the ferry ride offers one of the best views of Toronto’s skyline.
Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse, Gaspé, Que.
Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse. (Getty Images)
At 34.1 meters tall, this is Canada’s tallest lighthouse, situated on a cliff’s edge in Gaspé, Que. Constructed in 1858 following several shipwrecks in the perilous waters where the St. Lawrence River meets the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
For those unafraid of heights, ascending to the top provides a sweeping view of the gulf, where occasional whale sightings can occur, as well as the rugged cliffs of Forillon National Park.