As a coastal community the lighthouses of Prince Edward Island not only served the practical purpose of lighting the way home before the era of GPS navigation, they now offer a unique opportunity to those who visit. Prince Edward Island offers a variety of lighthouse tours ranging from the scenic to the informative.
As most are aware, lighthouses served as a navigational aid for sailors and the ships they captained. Lighthouses are towers that are positioned on sea shores, or even sometimes in harbours. They use a series of lamps and lenses to help guide navigating vessels on the high seas. Lighthouses are used to mark dangerous coastlines, steer ships away from hazards, mark safe entry points into harbours and assist in aerial navigation. With that in mind it is important to note how important lighthouses were to trade and commerce throughout human history.
PEI has a rich history and is the birthplace of confederation in Canada. It also has many historic lighthouses that were used to guide the ships delivering goods to and from Canada. PEI's lighthouses are classified in two ways "First Generation" (built before 1873) and "Second Generation" (those built following 1873). The difference between the two types is that first generation lighthouses have an octagonal shape and were constructed when timber was plentiful in the province. The second generation lighthouses are square shaped as by this point (post 1873) PEI's timber supply had been scarce because of the shipbuilding industry.
Lighthouse technology, although used less in modern times, employs a series of lamps and lenses to project light over large distances. This technology utilizes concentrated light from a single continuous source and magnifies and reflects it so that it can be beamed across open water. The first lighthouses were lit by candles, later by whale oil, then by the 1870's kerosene was typically used.
As an island PEI boasts over 40 historic lighthouses. Surrounded by both scenic red sand beaches and rugged cliffs touring the lighthouses provides wonderful insight into maritime life and well as a rich Canadian history. Since Prince Edward Island is surrounded by water you are never to far from the breathtaking views of the gentle island.
Related Articles
The Ultimate Canadian Travel Guide To An East Coast Adventure
By: Gentle Island | 02/10/2007 | Travel
Making the decision to visit any one of Canada's beautiful provinces or territories is easy, especially if you decide to spend your time on the East Coast. Canada's East Coast is made up of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and precious Prince Edward Island which exudes island hospitality and...
Vacation Rental Checklist
By: Gentle Island | 02/10/2007 | Travel
After you have decided that a vacation rental is the way to go for your annual family vacation, your next step is to be sure that you have all of the necessary items for a fun- filled trip. For the most part these home or cottage vacation rentals come equipped...
Prince Edward Island a Canadian Vacation Travel Destination
By: Amy Nutt | 06/07/2007 | Travel
If you're planning to travel to a Canadian vacation destination this summer, take a break from every day, and book passage for Prince Edward Island.
The Perfect Golf Vacation Awaits on Prince Edward Island
By: Amy Nutt | 06/07/2007 | Travel
There's no feeling that beats hitting a perfect shot. Except hitting a perfect shot against the perfect backdrop.
Myrtle Beach Time Share Cash Cow Revealed!
By: Victor Newton | 29/03/2006 | Travel
To be quite honest I'm going to let you in a little beach secret. You can always come to Myrtle Beach and recoup some of your vacation cost by checking out some of the resorts on what we call the Myrtle Beach Time Share.
Treat Yourself To A Romantic Vacation In Mexico
By: Jolana Klobouk | 28/10/2006 | Business
Looking for romantic vacation spots to spend some quality and romantic time with your loved one? Treat yourself to a romantic vacation in Mexico. It has a number of places where you can recapture the romance of your relationship.
Visiting Disney World? How to Ditch the Hotels
By: Art Gib | 24/01/2008 | Destinations
Millions of people visit Disney World in Orlando, Florida every year. And every year, the local hotels make billions of dollars from those millions of tourists. But while most tourists are rushing to get a room at crowded hotels that must be booked months in advanced, the smart traveler knows the secret to a stress-free Orlando vacation.
Summer Beach Vacation Travel Planning
By: Charles Cater | 22/04/2006 | Travel
What does it take to plan that summer beach vacation and what should we place as an emphasis in our packing. Through the years my wife and I have taken week long beach vacations. First as a married couple enjoying each others company then as a small family unit with two parents and one child, and now as a unit with two adults and two children. Along the way our travel planning has improved.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Travel Articles
What Can I Expect From A Visit To Australia?
By: MIKE SELVON | 20/08/2008
The 5.2 million tourists that visit Australia each year go there because they know they can get everything they want from one destination.
The Most Common Asked Timeshare Questions
By: MIKE SELVON | 20/08/2008
In this article you can lean the basics of a timeshare program and how it works for you along with the history and the benefits of owning a timeshare.
The Magnificent Churches Of Milan
By: Steve Kevin | 20/08/2008
Milan is one of the most modern cities in Italy. It is a city famous for its shopping being home to many of the signature Italian brands such as Ferragamo, Christian Dior and Armani. In every corner in Milan, you can find a fashionable boutique that attests to the city's...
Experiencing the Florentine Renaissance
By: Steve Kevin | 20/08/2008
Florence is perhaps best known for the being the site of the Renaissance. This important period in history paved the way for a rebirth of the arts, architecture and literature in Italy and spread throughout the whole of Europe. Today, Florence still contains the evidence of the brilliant piece of...
Fun and Excitement at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
By: Steve Kevin | 20/08/2008
Bristol is considered to be the world's centre for ballooning. Because of its reputation for producing some of the world's largest and most durable balloons, it is not a surprise that it also hosts Europe's largest hot air balloon festival. As many as 100 balloons can fly at the same...
Thailand Holidays - a Delightful Destination
By: Luki Johnson | 20/08/2008
Thailand with its scenic beauty and remarkable hospitality is considered as the 'land of smiles' and is surely a delightful destination for that memorable vacation.
New Zealand Bed and Breakfast
By: Mike O Brien | 20/08/2008
New Zealand Bed and Breakfast accommodation is available in almost every town and city plus many rural areas the length and breadth of New Zealand. B&B accommodation will help enhance your stay in our scenic wonderland.
College Students: Things to Think About While Travelling
By: Tom Tessin | 20/08/2008
Students have many travel options in regards to overseas destinations. Several students prefer studying overseas in nations such as Europe, Australia, U.S.A, and London. Students may travel abroad not only for studies, but also for working purpose. Sometimes, they even prefer traveling for vacation or holiday or even for adventure...
More from Gentle Island
Vacation Rental Checklist
By: Gentle Island | 02/10/2007 | Travel
After you have decided that a vacation rental is the way to go for your annual family vacation, your next step is to be sure that you have all of the necessary items for a fun- filled trip. For the most part these home or cottage vacation rentals come equipped...
The Ultimate Canadian Travel Guide To An East Coast Adventure
By: Gentle Island | 02/10/2007 | Travel
Making the decision to visit any one of Canada's beautiful provinces or territories is easy, especially if you decide to spend your time on the East Coast. Canada's East Coast is made up of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and precious Prince Edward Island which exudes island hospitality and...
Golf Vacations In Beautiful Pei
By: Gentle Island | 02/10/2007 | Travel
Not only is Prince Edward Island's landscape a feast for the eyes but there is something for all golf enthusiasts, regardless of skill level. Canada's smallest province has gained the reputation of being the country's number one golf vacation spot, not just once, but twice! PEI boasts over 26 courses...
A Recipe For The Perfect Maritime Vacation Includes Pei Lobster
By: Gentle Island | 11/05/2007 | Travel
A Prince Edward Island vacation is not a vacation at all without succumbing to the succulence offered up by a maritime lobster feed unlike any you're likely to find anywhere else.
Lobster is not so much a part of Prince Edward Island life as it is a fact of Prince...
Prince Edward Island Casts A New Light On Fishing In Canada
By: Gentle Island | 09/05/2007 | Travel
Prince Edward Island is the smallest province in Canada, yet this tiny gem, a perfect jewel of nature boasts some of the largest and best fishing opportunities for a summer vacation and most are pulled from the sapphire blue waters that surround it. Below the surface, a little deeper...
Discover The Magnificent Beaches Of Prince Edward Island.
By: Gentle Island | 07/05/2007 | Travel
Warm up to the idea of a Prince Edward Island beach vacation this summer. On this Gentle Island you'll discover the beach vacation of your dreams.
Here, every day brings a chance to walk hand in hand along miles and miles of sandy coastline, enjoying magical stretches of white, champagne,...
A Golf Vacation To Rival Hilton Head
By: Gentle Island | 01/05/2007 | Travel
Imagine an island golf destination that has been voted number one in its nation - not once, but twice in a row. Imagine more than 26 golf courses on that island. Imagine vistas of white, champagne, pink and red beaches; or ocean waters extending far, far beyond the horizon. Imagine...
Bicycle Tours Through Prince Edward Island Summer Season
By: Gentle Island | 01/05/2007 | Travel
The smallest province in Canada presents big, big opportunities for bicycle tours. Bicycling PEI will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Prince Edward Island sometimes seems to have been tailor made for a bicycle tour vacation. Picture-perfect postcard coastlines, rolling hills, miles and miles of beaches and lush farmland...
Travel 
