Pointe A La Renommee Light House

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a spectacularly scenic drive along the northern shore of the Gaspé Peninsula to the historical Pointe-à-la Renommée lighthouse. To prevent shipwrecks, which commonly occurred on the St. Lawrence Seaway, a wooden lighthouse was erected on the site in 1880. A more durable cast-iron lighthouse replaced it a few decades later and as you will discover it still stands today. To further safeguard ships, the Marconi Company – founded by Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi – built North America’s first telegraph station there to transmit wireless signals to save lives at sea. You will learn about Marconi, some of the maritime rescues and the history of the site through interactive exhibitions in the lighthouse. If you climb to the top of the beacon, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Later, you will enjoy a slice of freshly baked sugar pie, a classic Québécois dessert.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire the coastal scenery on the drive to and from the Pointe-à-la Renommée lighthouse.
• Browse exhibitions that describe the historical importance of the lighthouse.
• Learn how the telegraph station built on the site saved countless lives and ships from disaster.
• Savor a slice of sugar pie, a favorite local dessert.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.