West Point Lighthouse
150th anniversary for historic Island beacon
In 1875, construction of the historic West Point Lighthouse—nestled along the shores of the Northumberland Strait at the western tip of Prince Edward Island—was completed, and the lamp was lit in December of that same year. The Island’s tallest lighthouse had only two keepers—Lighthouse Willy (1875–1925) and Benjamin MacIsaac (1925–1963)—until electrification in 1963 ended the need for staff. Although the structure is no longer staffed by keepers, its majestic light still burns brightly over the Strait and the local community—a beacon to all.
In 2025, the West Point community, along with other locals and tourists alike, will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the lighthouse and its significance to the history of the province—particularly to the fishers and other seagoing vessels that have travelled the waters between the Island and New Brunswick over the years.
A full calendar of celebratory events will recognize the heritage, culture, and diversity of the lighthouse and the surrounding community through music, art, and storytelling. The celebration kicks off June 7 with an official opening ceremony at the lighthouse, featuring local and Indigenous performers entertaining dignitaries, special guests, locals, and tourists in attendance. Visitors will be offered free tours of the Lantern Room at the top of the lighthouse that day. An art exhibit featuring the West Point Lighthouse in various mediums will be on display at the Harbourside Centre, and that evening, local musicians Jamie Matthews, Kurk Bernard, and Joey Doucette will perform in concert.
The celebration continues throughout the summer months with a car show, live music concerts, a Canada Day bicycle parade, the Potato Blossom Festival (featuring a mini DiverseCity Festival, boat races, a gospel concert, fireworks, and more), daily storytelling at the beach, and a songwriting competition (submit by August 15 to alellis@edu.pe.ca). The Grand Finale on September 27 will feature the Clements Family Ceilidh, a local group with Indigenous roots.
The 150th anniversary events will conclude with the burial of a time capsule containing items that reflect the history, heritage, and culture of the West Point Lighthouse. It will be buried at the West Point Cenotaph and opened in 50 years, in 2075.