Iconic Seacow Head Lighthouse is wrapping up renos for a new visitor experience

CBC

10 June 2024 at 5:00 am·2-min read

The Seacow Head lighthouse is a classic P.E.I. landmark that's been getting some upgrades, with the volunteer group in charge acknowledging there have been "a few roadblocks along the way."

Jim MacFarlane is on the board of directors with Friends of Seacow Lighthouse Inc., which took ownership of the lighthouse from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in 2022.

They've been looking for ways to help preserve the lighthouse because of the interest it gets from tourists and Islanders alike, as well as its connection to Prince Edward Island's history.

"There's a great interest in lighthouses all around the world, and our lighthouse [goes] back to the Anne of Green Gables days," MacFarlane said.

In the popular 1990s television series Road to Avonlea, based on the works of Anne author Lucy Maud Montgomery, the Seacow Head lighthouse was featured in the opening montage and also used as the home of sailor Gus Pike. That has helped make it a popular stop for Anne-lovers from the Island and beyond.

Jim MacFarlane's great-great-grandfather was one of the builders of the lighthouse, and his great-grandfather was the first keeper. (Shane Hennessey/CBC)

The name "Seacow Head" comes from the walruses that used to be plentiful on the nearby beaches.

MacFarlane said they were planning to open the lighthouse for the season on June 24, and hold the official opening ceremony on July 10, but those dates aren't set in stone.

So far, the Friends of Seacow Lighthouse have built an outbuilding to house washrooms and either a cafe or a gift shop — possibly both — but MacFarlane said getting permits can be a challenging thing.

Part of the renovations included making the lighthouse more accessible for people with mobility issues. (Ken Linton/CBC)

"We've run into a few roadblocks along the way. It's all new to us."

For the official opening in July, they're inviting Lieutenant Governor Antoinette Perry and other dignitaries, and there's even supposed to be a presence from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

"Somehow or other, [NATO] got involved with one of our board members, and so they're also taking part, and they're going to have a presentation right after, piggybacking on our official opening," MacFarlane said.

The view from the top of the Seacow Head lighthouse. The Friends hope to have it open to the public next summer, including displays on all four levels of the lighthouse. — The view from the top of the Seacow Head lighthouse, taken before the renovations began. (Shane Hennessey/CBC)

MacFarlane said he is excited for the public to start enjoying the lighthouse, and getting a look at its upgrades.

That includes TV monitors on the bottom floor showing feeds from cameras on the top floor, to let people see the view even if they can't climb the stairs.

"It's bringing back history," he said. "There's still a bit of work to be done, but we have done a tremendous amount of work."

MoneySmart
How to Take the Bus From Singapore to Johor Bahru
Craving some cheap and good makan on the weekends? It’s time to hop over the Causeway to Johor Bahru (JB). And the most convenient and cheapest way to do it... The post How to Take the Bus From Singapore to Johor Bahru appeared first on MoneySmart Blog.
INSIDER
Ranked: The world's most powerful passports in 2024
Singapore has the world's most powerful passport. The US passport is in 8th place, behind countries like Japan, Belgium, and Greece.
MoneySmart
6 Things You Should Know Before Travelling From Singapore to Johor Bahru
Did you know there are 12 theme parks just in Johor Bahru? Yup, there’s the popular Legoland and Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park, to the new Game On indoor... The post 6 Things You Should Know Before Travelling From Singapore to Johor Bahru appeared first on MoneySmart Blog.
Euronews
What’s the world’s best airline in 2024? Three European carriers made it into the top 10
The world's best airlines have been revealed in survey of 21 million passengers. Three European carriers make top 10.
INSIDER
There is one European country where Taylor Swift didn't change the economy so far
Taylor Swift's Eras Tour has made it to five European countries so far. It boosted accommodation prices everywhere except France.
SETHLUI.COM
Disney Adventure sails from Singapore in 2025: 1st Disney cruise ship to homeport in Asia
The post Disney Adventure sails from Singapore in 2025: 1st Disney cruise ship to homeport in Asia appeared first on SETHLUI.com.
INSIDER
I've stayed at all 5 value resorts at Disney World. There are only 2 I'd book again — for the right price.
I've stayed at all five of Disney World's value resorts, which are the cheapest hotels on the property. When prices are extra low, I'd book two again.
The Telegraph
Tourists warned to ‘expect queues for a year’ as EU prepares to take fingerprints
British holidaymakers have been warned of potential chaos at UK borders this autumn, as the 100-day countdown to the new Entry/Exit System (EES) begins.
Good Housekeeping UK
The best cruise destinations for 2024
The best cruises to book, from the Mediterranean to the Douro River. Here are the best cruises to book around the world for 2024 and 2025.
Associated Press
Taiwan urges citizens to avoid travel to China, Hong Kong and Macao following Beijing threats
Taiwan has urged its citizens to avoid travel to China and the semi-autonomous Chinese territories of Hong Kong and Macao following threats from Beijing to execute supporters of the self-governing island democracy’s independence. Spokesperson and deputy head of the Mainland Affairs Council Liang Wen-chieh issued the advisory at a news conference Thursday.
Twentytwo13
Malaysian Bird Report hopes to preserve Malaysian birds’ legacy
Malaysian Bird Report hopes to bring together the birdwatching and photography communities to document bird species and help conserve their habitat, hit by a shrinking environment and deforestation. The post Malaysian Bird Report hopes to preserve Malaysian birds’ legacy appeared first on Twentytwo13.
INSIDER
I visit Disney World 4 times a week. Here are 11 of the most disappointing restaurants across the property.
The food at these disappointing Disney World restaurants isn't worth the price or there's somewhere else to eat that offers a better experience.
The Telegraph
I’ve been to 25 Greek islands – and this one is my favourite
It’s possible you’ve never heard of Amorgos – unless you’re from France, where for 35 years this easternmost Cycladic island has occupied a spot of unique reverence in the cultural consciousness. For this, it can thank director Luc Besson’s 1988 opus, The Big Blue, an ethereal, sax-soaked ode to Amorgos’s other-worldly landscapes and clear waters, which has long drawn Gallic yachters, walkers and bon vivants – who’ve had the place almost entirely to themselves.
The Telegraph
10 lesser-known alternatives to Britain’s most popular hotels
Britain’s hotel scene is flying high, with big-name openings and cult hotel groups spiffing up old stately estates and reinventing historic inns across the country. While the country’s best-loved hotels are popular for good reason, there is plenty to see beyond the headline-hitters. And with some rooms these days coming in at well above £1,000 a night or requiring a Glastonbury-style booking strategy to get one, it’s the under-the-radar alternatives that you want to know about.
The Independent
Is tourism bouncing back to ‘no go’ Venezuela?
Exclusive: While UK Foreign Office warns against travel to the troubled South American nation, package holidaymakers from Europe are flocking there
The Independent
This UK hotel is more like cluster of authentic French cottages – here’s what it’s like to stay
Tranquility and a taste of something akin to Provence can be found in North Yorkshire, says James Beveridge
The Telegraph
What it feels like to stand on the spot where the 20th century’s horrors began
It is, quite possibly, the prettiest possible spot on the planet for a political assassination. Certainly, if you were going to pick a location in which to shoot a bullet that would ultimately cause the deaths of some 17 million people, and you wanted it to be alive with picturesque splendour and general scenic charm – well, this would be as fine a site as any.
The Independent
Flight cancellations and long delays at UK airports mar start to peak travel weekend
Exclusive: Wizz Air passengers from Sicily finally fly home on third day, as other travellers face 12-hour delays
Insider Monkey
The Country with the Most Domestic Tourism in the World
We recently compiled a report on the 15 Countries with the Most Domestic Tourism in the World, and in this article we will look at the top country. Domestic Tourism in a Post-Pandemic World Domestic tourism refers to trips that individuals take within their own countries and thus, involves no crossing of international borders. Both […]
CNN
Heat waves in Europe are getting more dangerous. Here’s what that means for travelers
Growing up in Texas, Mary Beth Walsh thought she was accustomed to high temperatures. Her hometown of Dallas, which is currently being blasted by unrelenting heat, frequently experiences heat waves.

Latest stories