Île-Verte Lighthouse

The lighthouse is a cylindrical stone tower with a white exterior and red lantern room, standing about 17 meters tall on an island in the river. The site includes a former keeper's house and an outbuilding that now display exhibits about the history of navigation and the people who worked here.

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.

Location: Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs

Inception: 1809

Height: 16.8 m

Part of: site patrimonial du Phare-de-l'Île-Verte

GPS coordinates: 48.05109,-69.42419

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:15