The Haunting of West Point Lighthouse

Ghostly Legends and True Encounters

Standing tall against the rugged shores of Prince Edward Island, the West Point Lighthouse has been a steadfast guardian of the sea since its construction in 1875. Designed by architect William Critchlow Harris, it is PEI’s tallest lighthouse, reaching 69 feet (21 meters) into the sky. For nearly a century, it was manned by devoted keepers, guiding ships safely through the treacherous waters off West Point.

Yet, while its light has saved countless lives, the lighthouse is also shrouded in eerie mystery. Over the years, visitors, guests, and staff have reported chilling encounters—phantom footsteps, shadowy figures, whispering voices, and even ghostly warnings that have prevented disaster. Some say it’s the lingering spirit of a lost lighthouse keeper, while others believe the hauntings stem from the restless souls of sailors who never made it to shore.

But among the many stories, some experiences stand out as undeniable proof that West Point Lighthouse is not just home to the living.

The Keeper Who Never Left

For nearly 100 years, West Point had dedicated lighthouse keepers, including Alexander MacIsaac, Charles MacLellan, and Joseph Bernard, who all spent decades tending to the beacon. But legend has it that one keeper—perhaps one of them, or an unnamed early guardian—never truly left his post.

One of the most chilling encounters came from a visitor staying in the Keeper’s Room, now a guest suite in the West Point Lighthouse Inn. The guest woke up in the middle of the night to the feeling of someone watching him. As he adjusted his eyes to the dim glow of the moonlight, he saw a shadowy figure standing at the foot of his bed. Thinking it was another guest who had mistakenly entered his room, he turned on the lamp—only for the figure to vanish into thin air.

This wasn’t an isolated incident. Many guests over the years have reported seeing a man in an old-fashioned lighthouse keeper’s uniform pacing the halls or standing in the lantern room, peering out at the sea. Some say his presence is comforting, as if he is still watching over the lighthouse and its visitors. Others describe an unsettling feeling—like someone unseen is just over their shoulder, breathing lightly in their ear.

The Room That Whispers

The Keeper’s Room seems to be the epicenter of paranormal activity. Several guests have described whispering voices waking them in the middle of the night. Some claim to hear hushed conversations, while others distinctly hear their own names being called—only to find no one there.

One visitor, a well-known skeptic, dismissed the ghost stories before spending the night. Around 2:30 a.m., he awoke suddenly, convinced that someone had shaken his bed. When he sat up, the room was freezing cold, despite it being the height of summer. Moments later, he felt a firm hand grip his shoulder—but when he turned, he was completely alone.

Doors That Open on Their Own

Staff members who have worked at the lighthouse inn have reported doors unlocking and opening on their own—especially the main entrance and doors leading to the tower. More than once, employees have locked up for the night, only to find the doors wide open the next morning. Security checks confirm no signs of forced entry, leading many to believe that something—or someone—inside the lighthouse refuses to let the doors stay shut.

One former employee recounted a particularly chilling night:"I locked the tower door myself. I checked it twice. But when I turned back to leave, the door was swinging open again, slow and steady, like someone was inviting me inside."

The Phantom Light That Saves Lives

West Point Lighthouse no longer requires a full-time keeper, as its beacon was automated in 1963. Yet, there have been multiple reports of the light mysteriously turning on—even when it wasn’t supposed to.

One of the most famous incidents occurred in the early 2000s when a local fisherman’s boat became stranded in thick fog near West Point. As he struggled to navigate, a faint, glowing light appeared through the mist, guiding him toward safer waters. Moments later, his radio crackled with static, followed by a low whisper that said, “Turn back.”

Seconds later, the fog lifted just enough for him to see a jagged reef directly ahead—one that would have wrecked his boat had he continued.

Grateful but shaken, he later visited the lighthouse to thank the staff for turning on the light. Their response sent chills down his spine: “The light wasn’t on last night. The beacon has been out for repairs all week.”

The Spirit in the Lantern Room

Perhaps the most compelling piece of ghostly evidence comes from multiple witnesses who have seen a figure standing in the lantern room late at night.

One evening, a group of tourists took photographs of the lighthouse at dusk. When they reviewed their pictures, they noticed something disturbing: a dark silhouette in the window of the lantern room. The problem? The tower had been locked all night, and no one had been inside.

A similar sighting occurred in the 1990s when a staff member was locking up for the night. As she stepped away from the lighthouse, she glanced up and froze. In the dim light, she saw a man’s shadow standing in the window above watching her. Thinking it was a prank, she called out—but no one answered. Mustering her courage, she rushed back inside and climbed the stairs.

The room was completely empty.

A Lighthouse That Never Sleeps

To this day, guests and staff continue to experience strange occurrences at West Point Lighthouse. Whether it’s the former keeper still tending to his duties, the spirits of lost sailors, or something else entirely, one thing is certain:

West Point Lighthouse is not just a historic landmark—it is a place where the past refuses to fade.

Conclusion

So if you ever visit, take a moment to stand in the lantern room. Listen carefully to the whisper of the waves, watch for a flicker of unexplained light, and be mindful of the presence that may still be keeping watch over the shore. After all, some guardians never rest.