Point Prim Lighthouse
Point of Interest
Member - Island East Tourism Group
- Type: Lighthouses, History and Culture, Points of Interest
- Phone:902-659-2768
- Website:http://www.pointprimlighthouse.com/
- Contact:Barbara MacRae
Description
View MorePrince Edward Island's oldest lighthouse, built in 1845, is a unique round brick structure and one, of only a few, brick lighthouses in Canada. Climb 80 feet above sea level for a magnificent view of Northumberland Strait and Hillsborough Bay. The lighthouse itself is 60 ft. (18.2 meters). Historic displays, guided tours and picnic area available. Visitor's are welcome to explore the interior and climb to the top. A Classified Federal Heritage Building.
A bit of history...Designed by Isaac Smith, who designed the provincial legislature, and built by Richard Walsh Built. The light sits on a body of land that juts out from the shore to mark the entrance to Hillsborough Bay. The light assists in traffic entering Hillsborough Bay , Nothumberland Strait and Charlottetown Harbour. This light was automated in 1969.
Point Prim is pristinely romantic. Outside your eye follows four perfectly aligned windows, like buttons on a crisp white shirt, up to the red light room on top. The walls are made of local brick and are 18” thick. Today the bricks are hidden under wooden strapping and shingles for protection and the brick construction can be viewed from the interior. The base diameter of the tower is 23 feet and the top diameter is 11 feet which makes a graceful taper.
Inside, there are three landings in the tower below the lantern deck. They are connected by straight runs of stairs and a wooden weight shaft down the centre of the tower.
OTHER NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Map of Attraction
