Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse

Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse is a limestone tower located at the eastern tip of the Gaspé Peninsula where it meets the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The structure contains living quarters inside that once housed the lighthouse keepers during their watch periods.

Built between 1853 and 1858, the lighthouse was constructed to address dangerous navigation conditions along this rocky coastline where ships frequently ran aground. The tower has guided vessels safely past this hazardous point for more than a century and a half.

The lighthouse takes its name from wild roses that grow along this rocky point, a detail that reflects how early explorers named coastal features. Today it stands as a reminder of the maritime traditions that shaped life in this Gaspé fishing community.

The site opens to visitors during the summer season with guided tours available most days, giving a chance to explore the tower and its interior. Bring a jacket since winds from the Gulf can be strong and temperatures stay cool even in summer months.

The limestone used in the tower's construction came from local quarries, connecting the building directly to the geology and quarrying traditions of the region. Workers built this solid structure entirely by hand and kept it standing through centuries of harsh Atlantic storms.

Location: Gaspé

Inception: 1858

Made from material: limestone

GPS coordinates: 48.85628,-64.20102

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:43