WEST POINT - West Point's heart doesn't beat; it beacons.
Built in 1875 and first lit in May, 1876, West Point Lighthouse continues to serve as a navigational aid, alerting mariners they are coming close to Prince Edward Island's western shore.
But this landmark is so much more now. Any trip to West Point, by vehicle, boat or along its sandy shore, is deserving of a stopover at this proud landmark.
It's a place to eat and sleep, a place to find unique crafts and to learn about the community's history and legends.
The lighthouse, as depicted in the Journal Pioneer's masthead, is a source of pride for the residents of this fishing and farming community.
The tapered tower - the tallest of that design in P.E.I. - is maintained as a museum. There's a bedroom on one level, reminiscent of the first 88 years before electrification when it was necessary to employ light keepers. Only two people served in that capacity in West Point.
Since 1983 the West Point Development Corporation has been operating the lighthouse as a tourist attraction. Attached to the distinctive tower are eight more guest rooms and a
65-seat dining room. A craft shop operates next door.
At 20.6 metres, the tower, with its distinctive black bands on the three sides facing the water, is the tallest structure along the coast. It is, however, dwarfed by the 80-metre towers in the nearby West Cape wind farm.
This wind farm is still growing; some of the towers haven't been completed. A trip to West Point and area this summer or fall might find huge cranes at work fitting the tops in place.
Situated next to the lighthouse is Cedar Dunes Provincial Park and Campground, and just up the shore is West Point Harbour where another development corporation property, the West Point Harbourside Centre, is located.
It offers a convenience store, public laundry facilities, community centre and an upstairs guestroom overlooking the harbour.
By water, West Point is just 19 kilometres from New Brunswick, making it an ideal location for boaters to gather. A unique lighthouse points the way.
Lighthouse commands special attention
- Published on June 16th, 2009
- Published on June 21st, 2010
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Eric McCarthy
WEST POINT - West Point's heart doesn't beat; it beacons.
Built in 1875 and first lit in May, 1876, West Point Lighthouse continues to serve as a navigational aid, alerting mariners they are coming close to Prince Edward Island's western shore.
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Comments
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- Click
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:07:12
?West Point Light
Nearly 30 years have passed since we partied here at night
We teenagers gathered atop near the circling light
There was an odd old lock on the downstairs door
The boys would jimmie it open and we would climb floor by floor
In those days some of the walls were smashed in and beat
The old lights majesty was clearly in retreat
A group in the community gathered to meet
There had to be something done , the Lighthouse we needed to keep
Years have passed and the faces in that group have changed a bit
But the passion lives on and the Light remains lit
There are many that need to be extended great thanks
The community lists very high in those lofty ranks
But also included in the helpful list
Are past and present Islanders involved in politics
With combined efforts from without and within
The West Point Light keeps revolving
Nearby communities hold our spirit in esteem
Our focus revolving around that strong beam
We shall ever keep our passion burning
And keep this old West Point Light turning.
July 29, 2003 -
- Just
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:06:31
While the West Point Lighthouse is certainly a beautiful spot, this article is poorly written, especially the paragraph that begins with This wind farm... .
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- westiner
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:06:19
cute tales...of folklore...made my day
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- captain ahabe
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:05:14
ayyyyy...i ve had me boots up dem steps and shut the light off so's i could run dat burnin ship aground and fetch me some gold
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- G.H.O.S.T
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:05:01
Sooooooo, yer da young uns what was messin round wit me lighthouse, taught ayed never catch ye little buggers but ayes gotcha now, hee hee heeeeeeeee.........boo.
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- PATRICK
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:03:50
We are a bunch of NB boaters and every year we attend Lighthouse Festival Weekend, 3rd Sunday in July, best kept secret on the Island.
Plenty of seafood, friends and ;;pop;; and a goodtime is had by all!!!
Captain Pat
'WOODEN DREAM of it'
SHEDIAC BRIDGE -
- Often
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:03:23
Ahh don't forget the good ole west point days where the fights, beer and music are plentyful. Also the locals love to come outta the woodwork for a good ole weekend of partying, west point style. Ice in the cooler, wood on the fire and beer in the belly. O yeah the light house is in the back round somewhere.
