Prince Edward Island’s tallest range
In 2020, the lighthouse was moved 100 feet from the eroding shoreline where it risked falling into Boughton Bay, and major renovations were completed. Our not-for-profit organization aims to preserve and maintain this historically designated landmark for generations to come.
Today it is home to the Platinum Garden, honouring the Queen’s 70-year reign, and is one of the Island’s most iconic places to stay.
The Platinum Garden at Annandale Lighthouse
On Thursday, 11 August 2022, Her Honour Antoinette Perry, the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island, officially unveiled the Platinum Garden honouring Queen Elizabeth II’s historic 70-year reign as Queen of Canada.
As part of Annandale Picnic Day, the afternoon featured a food vendor (The Pizza Box), a rock painting station, free tea, coffee and cake, and an opportunity for the local community to come together and socialize after two difficult years of pandemic-living. It was also the first time Annandale Lighthouse was (ever) opened to the public, and attendees were able to see the recent renovation up close - including the newly installed Lighthouse Keeper’s Inn inside the structure.
PLEASE NOTE: Public access days to the lighthouse and garden will be advertised and made available each year. Unless otherwise posted, please refrain from approaching the lighthouse as it is surrounded by private property, and often occupied by guests. Though access is limited, this also makes the lighthouse and garden special to visit, and more effectively brings our community together on designated days.
Moving a Tower
Watch the video below to see how Annandale Lighthouse was moved 100 feet from the shore in middle of winter.
Old Light, New Life
The difference a year makes. The video below shows Annandale Lighthouse newly clad, in a better location and in its 120th year as a community beacon!
Credit: Alec McGrath, PEI Lighthouse Series
Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act:
Statement of Significance
Annandale Rear Range Lighthouse
Annandale Rear Range Lighthouse is a 19.8 metre (65 feet) tapered, wooden tower which guides vessels into the Boughton River from the Northumberland Strait. It was constructed in 1901 to replace the original 1898 lighthouse which was destroyed by a gale in 1900. The lighthouse is located on the eastern side of Juniper Point, near the fishing village of Annandale, Prince Edward Island.
Heritage Value
Historical values
The Annandale Rear Range Lighthouse is a very good example of the development of the aids to navigation system in Prince Edward Island. The treacherous waters of this area of the Northumberland Strait resulted in a number of shipwrecks and the establishment of lighthouses helped to safeguard mariners.
The lighthouse is a very good example of the socio-economic development of the village of Annandale. At the turn of the 20th century, the Island lacked a land transport route, with goods such as potatoes being exported by water. The lighthouse supported the shipbuilding, fish processing and the fishing industry, the latter which remains active today.
Architectural values
The Annandale Rear Range Lighthouse is a very good example of an elongated, wooden, utilitarian lighthouse design. Its unusually tall height and slender profile make it the tallest range light on Prince Edward Island. It is notable for its pleasing proportions and its use of the traditional red and white Canadian lighthouse colours. It has no permanent foundation, which allows it to be moved if necessary due to shoreline erosion or a realignment of the range.
Community values
The Annandale Rear Range Lighthouse stands at the shoreline of Juniper Point, near the entrance to the Boughton River and in proximity of a number of homes. Its height, distinctive proportions, and red and white colours make it visible from all vantage points in the village of Annandale. The lighthouse reinforces the maritime setting of this coastal location and remains a valued symbol of the local community.
2020 Renovations
Lighthouse
Keeper’s Inn
This suite is on secluded property: part of an original Prince Edward Island farm shared with its original homestead.
Inside the newly renovated building, this suite includes a partitioned bathroom with a full bath, shower, and vanity, a kitchenette with appliances, queen sized bed and sitting area.
Enjoy the sunrise in the morning and a bonfire at night just feet from the water and under the stars while overlooking wharf lights in the distance.
This accommodation is one of the Island’s most unique stays, and its funds help preserve this historic lighthouse and the grounds around it. Please visit the link (Airbnb) for more details.