Lighthouse commands special attention
The Journal Pioneer|Eric McCarthy|June 16, 2009
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.
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.
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 …
... more [truncated due to possible copyright]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.