Pointe-au-Pere Lighthouse

The Pointe-au-Pere Lighthouse

The Pointe-au-Pere Lighthouse, located at the estuary of the St. Lawrence, near the town of Rimouski, played a pivotal role in the history of navigation on the river. This lighthouse was erected in 1909. It's one of the tallest lighthouses in Canada. In fact, it's the third to be built on this site.

The actual lighthouse is 108 feet tall. It is built in a characteristic shape, with eight concrete buttresses to support a slender central cylinder, which was replaced by an electronic lighthouse in 1975.

Today, the lighthouse keeper's house is home to several exhibits dedicated to the Canadian maritime history and the role of Pointe-au-Pere pilot station. On the second floor, guests can see how the first aqualung dives were made to explore the wreck of the Empress of Ireland, in 1914. The RMS Empress of Ireland shipwrecking recorda are documented here.

The foghorn shed presents the evolution of aural aids to navigation that replaced the light from the lighthouse when weather conditions made it impossible for mariners to see.On the site, you can also see extraordinary underwater images. A lovely gift shop, located on the first floor, features a wide range of products. Note than from late June to early September, the engineer's house is home to a snack bar that serves healthy bites as well a great coffee.

The site is part of the Site historique maritime de la Pointe-au-Pere - Museum of the Sea. The RMS Empress of Ireland shipwrecking is documented in the station building. A guided tour will take you to the top, where you can admire the fabulous view.

Don't forget to visit the city of Rimouski and its numerous attractions, including the Regional Museum of Rimouski and the Lamontagne House. Explore the Bic National Park, located just 30 minutes away. You can also visit St. Narcisse and see the Canyon des Portes de l'Enfer or Hell's Gate Canyon or just enjoy a peaceful seaside stroll in Sainte-Luce.