North American Lighthouse Adventures

The quaint and picture perfect town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine is the perfect site for the Two Lights State Park. The natural dramatic, abounding grasslands, and extreme rocky coast are the just the beginning of your Two Lights Lighthouse adventure. Maine’s extremely rocky coasts are legendary, and here you have 41 acres of this rocky coastline projecting out into the magnificent Atlantic Ocean. It is a short walk to the lighthouse, where upon arrival you will be far above the rocky coastline and wild surf, with amazing panoramic views of Casco Bay and the open Atlantic Ocean.

There are two lighthouses near by the park, and they provided the inspiration for the name of the Park. Two Lights State Park is close by both lighthouses, the Eastern Light is not open to the public, and is an active lighthouse. The light from this lighthouse is automated and can be seen for over 17 miles. The above lighthouse or Western Lighthouse has not been in operation since 1924. It is now a private home and is not open to the public. It was the subject for a famous painting, “Lighthouse at Two Lights.” This famous painting was painted by Edward Hopper. 

The rocky shores of Cape Elizabeth are rugged and filled with the aroma of fresh and beautiful wild roses growing in between the rocks. The freshness of the gentle ocean breezes coupled with the scent of wild roses fills the ocean-side with a hint of wonder and a touch of paradise. What a perfect location to spend your summers. Could it get anymore perfect than a rental cottage by the sea?

Cape Elizabeth, in Portland, Maine is known for it’s small cottages that are rented out for the summer months. Why not make this the year you smell the roses in Portland, Maine. Most of the seaside cottages are listed with the area realtors, and they specialize in short term rentals. 

Built in 1791, it is the oldest lighthouse in the State of Maine. Portland Head Lighthouse calls the town of Cape Elizabeth home. It sits along the magnificent rocky shores of Fort William’s Park. It is a major landmark and is owned by the town of Cape Elizabeth near Portland, Maine. The Park is open year around from sunrise to sunset.

Fort William’s Park is home to one of the nicest and most complete lighthouse museums. It is housed in the old keeper’s residence, where there are several lenses with the history behind each one. There is also a small gift shop located in the museum where special gifts from Maine can be purchased in season.

Portland Head has some of the most unique history found among lighthouses. Long before there was a lighthouse, Portland Head itself helped to protect the citizens of Cape Elizabeth. They were deeply committed to the idea that America needed to become independent of British rule. In the year 1776 the town residents posted a guard of 8 soldiers at Portland Head. In case the British were coming to attack, they would sound the alarm.

It was not until 1787 that the Massachusetts Legislature provided the first $750 dollars to begin construction of a lighthouse at the Head. In 1790, after the United States Government took control over all lighthouses, congress appropriated an additional $1,500 dollars to complete what had been started. The original lights were made up of 16 whale oil lamps that were lit for the first time on the 10th day of January in the year 1791. 

The Portland Head Light Fog Bell is proudly displayed outside of the lighthouse on a granite display. This is the original 1901 fog bell that was used at the lighthouse and weighs over 1,000 pounds. 

Eastern Maine, with all of it’s lighthouses, fishing villages, and fishing culture, is the perfect location for the Lost Fisherman’s Memorial. It brings to memory all those from Washington County, Maine and Charlotte County, New Brunswick, Canada who were Lost at Sea while fishing. This memorial in Lubec, Maine has 111 names currently who have perished in these waters or that called these two places home and perished in other waters where they were fishing. When the project is finished the website will give information about each of the deceased fisherman, some of their stories, and a small biography about each of the fisherman with a picture of each. This project gives honor to each of the deceased fisherman who lived in the cities, towns, and villages that are a part of this geographical area or who died while fishing in these waters. May each of these fisherman always be honored and remembered.

Seen in the photo is the Mulholland Lighthouse. This is directly across from the The Lost Fisherman’s Memorial in Lubec, Maine on Campobello Island. This lighthouse is not open to the public and is a part of the  Roosevelt Campobello International Park. Mulholland Lighthouse was built in 1885 to guide boats, ships, and freighters through the Lubec Channel that were coming or going to USA or Canadian ports. Visitors to Campobello Island are able to walk around the lighthouse grounds and view the outside of the lighthouse. There is a picnic area on the island for families to enjoy. It affords a perfect view of the picturesque village of Lubec. 

The charming fishing village of Lubec, Maine in the Passamaquoddy Bay is in the most extreme part of Northeast Maine. As of the last census taken, this picturesque village had 1359 year around residents. Northeastern Maine has long been a  favored area for the wealthy who desired to own summer cottages. 

While you are on the go, checking out Maine lighthouses and the surrounding sites, you might want to slow down and enjoy some fast food, Maine style. The ultimate in Maine fast food is the Lobster Roll served with lemon and french fries. This Lobster is served fresh from the sea, as is all the unique fish themed meals in Eastern Maine. If lobster is not your favorite fish, there is always a more traditional salmon dinner, or fish and chips is another fast food favorite. Whatever fish you choose, it will be fresh, and of the highest quality. 

Head Harbour (East Quoddy) Lighthouse had it beginnings in 1929 on the Northern end of Campobello Island in New Brunswick, Canada. The original wooden octagonal tower, as seen in the photo, was built on a slender rocky islet and stood fifty-one feet tall. It was the first lighthouse to be built in New Brunswick and is the oldest Canadian Lighthouse. This splendid lighthouse looked out proudly on Saint John Harbor, where she would be a guide for the ships coming into the docks. One of the most unique features of the lighthouse was the lack of communication. The only way to access this lighthouse was by boat until in 1830, when a road was built to connect it to Wilson Beach, a small community that was the closest to the Head.

Not too long after the road was built, they had a storm with major surges bringing the water level around the lighthouse to about 25 feet, as reported by the Saint John Courier Newspaper (April 10, 1930). The first Keeper, John Snell, lost everything around the lighthouse that wasn’t tied down, this included his years worth of firewood, his boat, barn, and even his cow. However the cow somehow landed on a neighboring island and was returned.

This beautiful white lighthouse, with a red cross on one side,  still stands proudly and is included on most boat lighthouse tours. Until 1986, Head Harbour (East Quoddy) Lighthouse was a working lighthouse. In 1988 it was officially taken off the books and in 2000 the Friends of the Head Harbour (East Quoddy) Lighthouse was formed to preserve this historic lighthouse for future generations. 

While on your lighthouse adventure in Northeastern Maine, don’t forget to stop for some Wild Blueberry Pie. The flavor is sweet and scrumptious. It is a favorite desert in Northeastern Maine, where the blueberry’s grow wild in the forests that line the sandy beaches that are filled with rocks, where the wild roses love to grow. Nothing is better than this wild blueberry pie, unless you might add some ice cream on the plate. So come on out and enjoy another specialty of Northeastern Maine. 

On the other side of the island stands West Quoddy Head Lighthouse that guides ships through the Quoddy Narrows in Lubec Maine. This bright candy-stripped lighthouse can be seen for miles from it’s perch on the far most eastern point of the mainland of the United States. Just imagine the perfectly spectacular sunrises out across the sea. The current tower was built in 1858, replacing the original tower that had been built in 1808.

There is an amazing seasonal gift shop on the first floor of the historic keepers residence. You will find history, displays, short films, and unique artwork from the locals for sale. This is a not a for profit shop and is overseen by the Lightkeeper’s Association. You will find it open from Memorial Day till early November. Usually just before it closes for the winter, the Coast Guard will give tours of the facility. The interior of the lighthouse is generally not open to the public.

Quoddy Head State Park is open for visitors during this same time of the year. Here you will find bogs to investigate,  the Coastal Trail for those who like to hike, and rocky beaches to discover. During the whale season, you will often  see them coming up for air. There are picnic tables for family get-togethers, and some of the most gorgeous views around.

For a quiet self guided tour of the Lubec Lighthouses, gift shops, and surrounding area, you will want to include Quoddy State Park. As a bonus are all the perfect views and sunrises. 

The mornings are cool and inviting as a fine misty fog gently accents the coastal area of Lubec, Maine. The enormous rocky cliffs define the area with the native grasses growing along side. On days when the fog lifts early in the morning, you can see the beautiful sunrises, though most often you can only see from places that are a little higher. The fine coastal mist flies through the air with the surf from the passing waves. What a beautiful area to have your morning coffee. 

Before leaving Maine, be sure to swing by one of the local fish restaurants for a delicious seafood feast. There is nothing like a fresh seafood platter consisting of  some of the best lobster and clam pots that you will ever eat. These are mouth-watering temptations that are hard to pass up.  Though if you do decide to pass this one by, there are plenty of other seafood delicacies on every menu. 

Along the Inside Passage, at the end of Campbell Island, is one of the nicest lighthouses in British Columbia, Canada. When you come to Dryad Point, you are at the crossroads of Lama Passage and Seaforth Channel. It was originally called Turn Point, but was re-named when the construction began in 1899 to avoid any mix ups between a lighthouse named Turn Point in the San Juan Islands. The name Turn Point seemed perfect for the lighthouse, since the ships coming up the inside passage were required to make a really sharp turn in order to continue their trip up the Inside Passage.

The area is known for its rich First Nation history and is the home of the Heiltsuk Native Band. The first keeper of the lighthouse, Captain Carpenter,  was himself a member of the First Nations and his wife was the daughter of Chief Kaiete.In 1901 a hand foghorn was added that was needed to answer the fog horns on the ships. 

In 1903 the light received a red sector so that it wasn’t so bright for those ships that were trying to make the sharp turn as they continued up the Inside Passage. In 1919 the current lighthouse, a concrete structure was built to replace the old wooden structure. 

Looking out on the Pacific Ocean on Cape Disappointment is the North Head Lighthouse. Since 1856 there had  been a lighthouse on Cape Disappointment. The Cape Disappointment Lighthouse went into service in 1856, but it was latter determined that another lighthouse was needed on the other side of the Cape. The “Graveyard of the Pacific” was still claiming too many ships. The new North Head Lighthouse was placed on the spur that is known as North Head. The lighthouse takes it’s name from its location.

Today, this beautiful lighthouse looks out over the treacherous waters where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. There are no more keepers, as the lighthouse is totally automated. But the views of the Pacific Ocean, the Long Beach Peninsula, the Northern Oregon Coastal region, and the Columbia River Bar are breathtaking. 

If you want to have an adventure where the shores are often quite rugged, and the beaches rocky, then check out these delightful lighthouse destinations. They are only a sampling of the many lighthouses found in North America, but may be some of the most interesting. Though each lighthouse has it’s own personality, they all are accompanied by an intriguing adventure. 

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