Lighthouses of Prince Edward Island Scenic Drive

3.5 hours | Charlottetown | Y Y G - 3 3 0
Average Guest Rating
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$ 89.95

Points of Interest

  • Charlottetown
Wheelchair Accessible, Moderate activity

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Located in the southern part of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and separated from the mainland by the Northumberland Strait, Prince Edward Island is dotted with lighthouses: 50 in all! On this easy half-day tour, three different lighthouses point the way to a fascinating exploration filled with history, culture and fantastic photo opportunities.

The townsfolk of Charlottetown, the capital city, take particular pride in the past and your friendly local guide will fill you in on the role it played as the birthplace of Canada's confederation. It all comes alive on Great George Street which is a virtual time capsule of the town's early days. It has been lovingly preserved from the Great George Hotel and the Province House National Historic Site of Canada to Saint Dunstans Basilica, Gainsford House, Founders Hall and more. And just a breath away, Victoria Row and Queen Street complete the link between yesterday and today.

Your first stop will on your itinerary is the dramatic Prim Point Lighthouse set against a wild, windswept landscape. Built in 1845, it is the first and oldest lighthouse on Prince Edward Island and one of only two round brick lighthouses in Canada. Standing just over 60 feet tall from foundation to weathervane, it consists of five levels all of which are connected by a series of wooden steps. Tarry at the lighthouse, photographing it from your ground level vantage point or step inside to climb to the breathtaking panorama at the top.

The next stop is the Wood Islands lighthouse. This charming structure was completed in 1876. It consists of a 52 foot square pyramidal wood tower with lantern and gallery, rising from one end of a 1-1/2 story wood keeper's house. The building is painted white with red trim and the lantern and keeper's house roof are red. The keeper's house is used as a crafts shop and visitor center, so a stop here is sure to provide you with ample opportunities to capture stunning photographs and to shop for souvenirs of your time on Prince Edward Island.

Completing your Prince Edward Island lighthouse experience is in Victoria Park from where you can view and take pictures of Brighton Beach Range Front Lighthouse. Built in 1890, the light shines directly at the entrance to Charlottetown Harbour and a photo stop provides you with spectacular views in all directions.

Construction began on the first set of Brighton Beach Range Lights in 1889, and the beacons were put into operation on the opening of general navigation in 1890. A second pair of range lights was established on "Haszard's farm" at the same time, and together these two sets of lights helped mariners navigate a thirty foot channel through Hillsboro Bay and into Charlottetown Harbour.

During your return drive to your ship in Charlottetown, you'll be able to soak up even more of the beautiful countryside. Prince Edward Island, of Anne of Green Gables fame, boasts stunning scenery rightfully earning it the title of the "garden province" of Canada.

Special Notes:

Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Child Price:

12 & under reduced