Île-Verte Lighthouse, National historic lighthouse in Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs, Canada.
The Île-Verte Lighthouse is a 17-metre cylindrical masonry tower on Île Verte, built between 1806 and 1809 for Trinity House of Quebec City. Its small size and simple cylindrical form made it a prototype for later lighthouses along the Saint Lawrence. The tower is a federal building and was designated a national historic site of Canada in 1974.
Construction began in 1806 and finished in 1809, making it the oldest lighthouse on the Saint Lawrence River and one of the oldest in Canada. Its long existence reflects the early importance of marking river navigation routes for merchant and fishing vessels.
The compound reflects how communities once depended on lighthouse keepers to guide ships safely through dangerous waters, a role now part of local memory. Today, the site connects visitors to the stories of families who made this remote location their home while serving maritime travelers.
Guided tours are available during the summer season, allowing visitors to climb the tower and enjoy views from the top observation platform. Access to the island requires taking a boat, so visitors should check ferry schedules in advance before planning a visit.
The Lindsay family served as keepers for four generations continuously from 1827 to 1964, an unusually long family tenure that few lighthouse posts experienced. This extended family legacy meant the light remained under the care of people with deep knowledge of the island and its waters.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 94,057 contributors worldwide.