East Point Lighthouse
4.7(925)google
4.0(8)yelp
Scenic LookoutFamilyOutdoorPhoto SpotOcean ViewSecluded & UncrowdedHistoric BuildingCoast
Overview
The East Point Lighthouse is a lighthouse on Prince Edward Island, Canada. Built in 1867, it remains active and is nicknamed Canada’s Confederation Lighthouse. The 19.5 m octagonal wooden tower stands at the province's eastern tip and was automated in 1989.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1-1.5 hours
Best TimeAn extraordinary natural maritime monument whose remote marshland sunset views are legendary. Constructed in 1849 as the second-oldest lighthouse in New Jersey, position yourself on the wetland dunes between 5:30 PM and sunset on a clear day; the fading sun blankets the vast Delaware Bay and Maurice River confluence completely unhindered, casting intense crimson rays across the Cape Cod-style structure.
Getting ThereHidden away within a heavily isolated coastal marshland bend at 10 Lighthouse Rd, Heislerville. Personal vehicle travel via road trip is mandatory given its secluded southern Jersey wilderness setting. From NJ-55 South, transition onto NJ-47 S, turn right onto East Point Road, and follow Lighthouse Road straight until the gravel dead-ends into a free rustic surface lot.
Travel Tips
- Extremely isolated on a remote sand spit at the Maurice River mouth; the final 3 miles of access roads flood during high spring tides, making consulting local tidal charts mandatory before transit.
- The immediate coastal wetland setting suffers from a total cellular dead zone; dispatching rideshares or loading live digital routing is impossible, requiring offline-mapped GPS units.
- The perimeter salt marshes feature sharp burr-weeds and aggressive biting greenhead flies; high-top protective trail boots are required, and lingering outdoors at dusk should be avoided.
Reviews
Positive
- Perched on a remote cape of the Delaware Bay, the red-roofed structure against the isolated coastal wilderness makes for highly cinematic photos.
- Far from commercial beach towns, it remains rustic and calm, allowing you to listen to wind in the reeds and watch migratory birds on mudflats.
- The interior historical restoration is well-executed, and local historical society volunteers gladly dive deep into the 1849 building's tales.
- Provides a completely free dirt parking area and zero park entry fees, making it a priceless treasure for off-the-beaten-path road trippers.
Heads up
- The location is highly remote, surrounded by massive salt marshes along narrow backroads with absolutely no stores or commercial amenities nearby.
- Due to proximity to the wetlands, the density of aggressive mosquitoes and stinging greenhead flies is terrifying if you stand still.
- Interior hours are highly limited and sporadic (often limited to specific weekend afternoons); skipping online verification usually results in a locked door.
- Suffering from severe coastal erosion, the surrounding jetties look untidy, and the lacks advanced ADA pathways for elderly strolls.