There’s something undeniably magical about lighthouse road trip in winter. Standing tall against crashing waves, dusted with snow, and glowing against stormy skies, these beacons of maritime history take on an entirely new character in the colder months. If you’re looking for a road trip that combines breathtaking scenery, peaceful solitude, and a touch of adventure, a winter lighthouse tour is the perfect escape.

At Mr. Rent a Car, we love helping travelers discover Canada’s most stunning coastal drives—without the summer crowds. So bundle up, grab your camera, and let’s hit the road to explore some of the most dramatic lighthouse views the season has to offer.

Why Take a Winter Lighthouse Road Trip?

1. Fewer Crowds, More Serenity

Summer tourists flock to coastal lighthouses, but in winter, you’ll often have these iconic landmarks all to yourself. Imagine standing at the edge of a windswept cliff, listening to the waves crash below, with no one else around.

2. Moody, Dramatic Landscapes

Winter storms bring crashing waves, icy cliffs, and moody skies—perfect for photography. The contrast of a white lighthouse against dark ocean waves is unforgettable.

3. Cozy Stops Along the Way

Warm up in charming seaside towns with cafés, seafood shacks, and historic inns offering hot drinks and hearty meals.

4. Perfect for Short Winter Days

Since lighthouses are relatively quick stops, this road trip fits well into shorter daylight hours.

The Best Winter Lighthouse Road Trip Route

This itinerary focuses on Eastern Canada’s most scenic lighthouse routes, but you can adapt it to the West Coast or Maritimes depending on your starting point.

Day 1: Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia

Drive Time: 45 minutes from Halifax

No lighthouse road trip is complete without Peggy’s Cove, Canada’s most photographed beacon. In winter, the iconic red-and-white lighthouse stands stark against frost-covered rocks, with waves exploding dramatically along the shore.

• Why Visit? The winter light is perfect for photography, and the nearby village is quiet and peaceful.
• Don’t Miss: The Peggy’s Cove Preservation Area for stunning coastal walks.
• Warm-Up Stop: Rhubarb Restaurant in nearby Tantallon for seafood chowder.

Day 2: Cape Forchu, Nova Scotia

Drive Time: 3 hours from Peggy’s Cove

Known as the “apple core lighthouse” for its unique shape, Cape Forchu offers panoramic ocean views from its cliffside perch.

• Why Visit? Few tourists make it here in winter, so you’ll have the rugged coastline to yourself.
• Don’t Miss: The Yarmouth Lightkeeper’s Kitchen for fresh lobster rolls.
• Bonus: If roads allow, detour to Cape St. Mary’s Lighthouse for even more solitude.

Day 3: Point Prim Lighthouse, Prince Edward Island

Drive Time: 4 hours from Cape Forchu (including ferry from Nova Scotia)

PEI’s oldest lighthouse, Point Prim, stands proudly on a windswept peninsula. In winter, the red cliffs and frozen shoreline create a surreal landscape.

• Why Visit? The drive along PEI’s coastal roads is stunning, even in snow.
• Don’t Miss: The Lobster Shack at nearby Victoria-by-the-Sea for a warm seafood feast.

Day 4: Cape Spear Lighthouse, Newfoundland

Drive Time: 1 hour from St. John’s (fly or ferry from PEI)

As the easternmost point in North America, Cape Spear is a must-visit. Winter brings iceberg fragments, crashing waves, and (if you’re lucky) the Northern Lights.

• Why Visit? The raw power of the Atlantic here is unmatched.
• Don’t Miss: Chafe’s Landing in Petty Harbour for the best fish and chips in Newfoundland.

Winter Road Trip Essentials

1. The Right Vehicle

• AWD or 4×4 SUV for snowy coastal roads
• Winter tires for safety
• Emergency kit (blankets, shovel, snacks)

2. What to Pack

• Warm, waterproof layers (windproof jackets, gloves, hats)
• Ice cleats for slippery lighthouse paths
• Camera & tripod for long-exposure wave shots

3. Driving Tips

• Check ferry schedules (some routes reduce service in winter)
• Monitor weather alerts (coastal storms can close roads)
• Fill up on gas (stations can be sparse in remote areas)

Alternative West Coast Lighthouse Road Trip

If you’re on the Pacific side, consider these winter-worthy stops:

1. Fisgard Lighthouse, British Columbia

• Canada’s oldest West Coast lighthouse
• Snow-capped Olympic Mountains as a backdrop

2. Cape Scott Lighthouse, BC

• Rugged, remote, and incredibly dramatic in winter storms

3. Trial Island Lighthouse, Victoria

• Best viewed from coastal walks in winter

Why Rent a Car for This Adventure?

Public transit won’t get you to these remote lighthouses, and winter conditions demand a reliable vehicle. Mr. Rent a Car offers:

•  Winter-ready SUVs with AWD
•  Flexible rental periods for short or long trip
•  24/7 roadside assistance for peace of mind

Final Thoughts

A winter lighthouse road trip is the perfect way to experience Canada’s rugged coastlines without the crowds. Whether you choose the dramatic Atlantic shores or the wild Pacific cliffs, these beacons stand as silent sentinels against the season’s fury—waiting to be discovered.

Ready to hit the road? Visit https://www.mrrentacar.com/ .  Book your winter-ready rental with Mr. Rent a Car and start planning your coastal adventure today!