Our theme for the month of June is “older and wiser.” Writers were asked to write a response to one of their previous pieces. Today, Isaac responds to his April 2024 post, “I’m Obsessed with ‘The Lighthouse.'”
Earlier this year, I wrote about my love for lighthouses and The Lighthouse (2019). In that post, I mentioned that my wife and I would be visiting Prince Edward Island to see its lighthouses (and to walk on the shores or in the fields or along the winding red roads of Prince Edward Island in a summer twilight when the dew is falling and the old stars are peeping out and the sea keeps its mighty tryst with the little land it loves). Since we’ve returned a few weeks ago from the maroon shores, I’ve had time to process which of its lighthouses one should seek out most fervently. I present to you:
The 100% Definitive Ranking of the Top Five Best Lighthouses of Prince Edward Island, Canada, In My Opinion
5. West Point Lighthouse
Featuring:
- Its iconic black and white stripes (almost all of the other lighthouses sport the Canadian red and white)
- The tallest of all the PEI lighthouses (69 feet!)
There’s many factors to consider when judging a lighthouse’s quality, but one is the opportunity for education (especially if you resonate with this). In contrast to most PEI lighthouses, West Point lighthouse keepers and their families ran a farm and were more connected to their local community/fisheries. They were expected to host the shipwrecked sailors for long periods of time, at one point even playing the organ for guests who came along. If that sounds like a lot of extra work for the same pay, you would be correct (this was corroborated in the West Point museum).
More fun facts about West Point:
- In its woods during prohibition, people made a camouflaged “Beer Hatch” (a big square hole in the ground) where they put mash (a beer “mixture”) in a barrel and it would slowly turn into beer via the heated lanterns nearby. Anything for a brewski, amirite?
- “Hundreds of people” throughout history have claimed to see a ship on fire, in need of rescue. But, when the rescuing ship got closer, the “Phantom Ship” disappeared… Certified Scooby-Doo Worthy™. Also, my Legend of Zelda Wind Waker homies would be familiar with this phenomenon.
- Big furry snake! Many people (weirdly, nine people in 1992) claimed to have seen an eighty foot long furry snake off of West Point’s shores. Perhaps it escaped from a nearby trash compactor.
4. Seacow Head Lighthouse
Featuring:
- Red cliffs to explore
- Gorgeous dandelions
Simply put, Seacow Head Lighthouse is a vibe. It derived its name from “the walrus, formerly abundant in nearby waters.” Besides having a delightful name, Seacow Head showcases a wonderfully moody atmosphere—perfect for reading or drawing in your electric blue camping chair. The cry of seagulls completes the picture of the white pillar framed by evergreens. This is the vanilla ice cream of Prince Edward Island lighthouses: incredibly solid.
3. Point Prim Lighthouse
Featuring:
- A working foghorn box you can try
According to PointPrimLighthouse.com, Point Prim was built in 1845 and is the “first and oldest lighthouse on Prince Edward Island and one of only a few round brick lighthouses in Canada.” No disrespect to Seacow Head, but this is kind of the premium version of that lighthouse. Taking in the view at the top of this “guiding beacon” feels like a VIP experience.
A fun fact about Point Prim:
- “On March 31, 1845 … 22 men traveled 16 miles over the ice in 10 horse drawn sleighs for the purpose of surveying the site for the intended lighthouse.” It’s so easy to romanticize the past!
2. Indian Head Lighthouse
Featuring:
- An eye-catching breakwater you can scramble upon
This one is only accessible by foot when the tide is low. Sick. It has a rare octagonal built-in base where the lighthouse keeper would live. Excellent. At the time of writing, the only way to get up close to the lighthouse is scampering across a rickety metal bridge with broken supports. Chef’s kiss.
The only problem with this lighthouse is that when you peer through its windows, it’s visibly derelict. City of Summerside, PEI, I volunteer to own and renovate this lighthouse.
1. St. Peters Harbour Lighthouse
Featuring:
- Magnificent rolling dune grass
Admittedly, this is the Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade pick. You know, at the end where he picks the correct chalice? “You have chosen…wisely,” etc.? This may not be the flashiest lighthouse, but it is my favorite. Wistfully nestled between dunes, no other lighthouse reminded us more of Michigan. Biased? Yes.
A fun fact about St. Peters Harbour:
- Eldon Drake, a World War II veteran, was the last keeper of the nearby range lights in 1963. If anyone’s writing a grimdark fantasy book, that’s a freebie from me to you.
Original artwork in the header image by Isaac DeBoer—depicting Blockhouse Point Lighthouse, PEI (honorable mention)
Isaac graduated Calvin in 2019 studying English, secondary education and recently finished being an English teacher for the past few years. He’s currently a resident director at Hope College while also taking classes so he can become an art teacher. Isaac loves movies and lighthouses more than most things.
