Name and Location

The West Point Lighthouse is located in Port-Menier, Minganie Regional County Municipality, Quebec, Canada.

Construction and History

The West Point Lighthouse was constructed in 1878 and has been guiding mariners through treacherous waters for over 140 years. It played a crucial role in guiding vessels during the late 19th century, when several shipwrecks occurred near the lighthouse site.

Architecture and Materials

The West Point Lighthouse is a fine example of mid-19th-century architecture, featuring a traditional lighthouse design with a cylindrical tower and a lantern room. The structure is made of stone and brick, ensuring its durability in the harsh maritime environment.

Light and Navigation

The original light characteristic was a fixed white beam every 5 seconds, with a range of approximately 19 kilometers (12 miles). Although the lighthouse has been automated, it still serves as an important aid to navigation for vessels traveling through the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the site, which offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The lighthouse is located at 49°86'02" N latitude and 64°30'23" W longitude. However, the site is not open to the public, and there are no on-site facilities or guided tours available.

Notable Views and Landscape

From the top of the lighthouse, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the surrounding coastline. On a clear day, it's possible to see as far as Anticosti Island, located approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Pointe-de-l'Ouest.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Unfortunately, there are no available records of local folklore or unique anecdotes related to this lighthouse.

Technical and Operational Details

The West Point Lighthouse is no longer operational as a functioning aid to navigation. There are no available records of AIS (Automatic Identification System) or radar installations at this lighthouse site.

Further Information

Note: The Managing Authority of the West Point Lighthouse is the Canadian Coast Guard, which ensures its continued preservation and maintenance as a historic landmark. For those interested in learning more about the West Point Lighthouse or lighthouses in general, references include the Lighthouse Database, Canadian Hydrographic Service Charts, and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.