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Lighthouse Trail

Whistle Lighthouse to Dark Harbour Section
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Lighthouse Trail - Whistle Lighthouse to Dark Harbour Section Gallery

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Store Fundy West

Quick Facts

Difficulty moderate
Trail Type linear
Distance 9.5 km (2.7 mapped)
Estimated Time 3 to 4 hrs
Surface Type forested
Elevation Change 117 meters
Features lookouts, Indian Beach
Trail Markers red circles
Scenery Rating beautiful
Maintenance Rating variable
Cell Reception minimal
Dog Friendly yes
Fees none

Description

From the Whistle (Long Point Eddy) Lighthouse the trail starts by climbing the hill (or descending it depending on access) along the powerlines. About half way up the hill there are trail signs on a power pole. The trail enters the woods on the right and travels along a wire fence. This part of the trail has minor ups and downs, some with rounded rock outcrops. The trail crosses an opening that looks like a road right of way. At this point I spooked two deer who jumped and ran into the woods with their white tails waving in the air.

After the road right-of-way the trail climbs a bit up to a bench and a lookout. It was so foggy on my last hike that I couldn't see the waves below. Might be a great lookout on a clear day. After the lookout the trail has some bigger hills and passes through hardwood stands that have knarly birches, beautiful large sugar maple and the largest, craziest looking striped maple I have ever seen.

Indian Beach, Grand Manan

The trail eventually comes to the junction with the Eel Lake Access Trail and just beyond it there is another junction for the trail down to Indian Beach. It is a steep climb down to Indian Beach but well worth it. There are a few section of the trail that have ropes on both sides to help with the descent. The trail comes out to a pond in behind the beach with a shallow crossing across the middle. I hung out at Indian Beach for over an hour taking pictures of the coastline and the mostly abandoned camps on the cobblestone beach. I even had a seal pop its head out of the water at one point to see what I was doing. It quickly swam down the coast and around high beach out of site.

The Lighthouse Trail continues south past the junction with the Indian Beach Trail. I ran out of time so had to return on the Eel Lake Access Trail and walk on the road back to my car. I can't wait to return and hike the rest of this section of trail. To be continued...

Map

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Directions

There are two ways to access this trail from near the Whistle (Long Point Eddy Lighthouse) Lighthouse. Take the Whistle Road north from North Head. After about 4 kilometres you will come to a sharp turn to the right (if you come to the lighthouse you have gone too far). On the left at this turn is a wide parking area along the road. From here the trail enters the woods and soon comes out to a powerline. Turn right on the powerline (not well marked) and descend the hill towards the bay. About half way down the hill you will find the main trail entering the woods on the left.

The second access point near the lighthouse is part way down the hill beyond the lighthouse. Pass the lighthouse and drive down the hill until you come to a guardrail overlooking the Bay of Fundy. Park here. There isn't much room to park so make sure you don't block the road down to the beach on the right. From here walk back up the hill to the first driveway on the right. Go in the driveway and just before the gate you will see the trail go up the hill on the left along the fence line. The trail goes up along the powerline. About half way up the hill you will find signs for the trail entering the woods on the right.

Lighthouse Trail Access Trail

The other end of this section of the trail can be found near Dark Harbour. Drive out to Dark Harbour and just before you start down the hill into Dark Harbour you will come to a gravel parking area on the left and a pit on the right. Park in the parking area and cross the road to find the trail head.

This section also has a couple of access trails. The first is from Tattons Corner (start of the Whistle Road in North Head). Just after starting in the Whistle Road you will find Mill Hill Road on the left. This gravel road climbs the hill. Pass the residences and find a place to park where you aren't blocking anything. The road gets rough fast after the last garage. Continue to walk on the road until you find signs for the trail.

The other access trail is at Eel Lake. Follow the Whistle Road for 2.6 kilometres until you come to a road on the left with an ATV Trail beside it (double road). For more details go to the Eel Lake Access Trail page.

From the Sign

Many privateers were no better than pirates

Notable American Privateers included the Fame, Growler, Revenge, and Wasp, of Salem, Massachusetts, the Lily of Portland, and the Industry of Lynn, Maine.

Privateers were people or ships authorized by a government by letters of marqué to attack foreign shipping during wartime. Pirates raided and plundered ships without authorization. Some pirates pretended to be privateers and some privateers expanded their range beyond their authorization.

War of 1812 sign

Notable British Privateers included the frigates Spartan and Maidstone, sloops of war Fantome, Rattler, Indian, Emulous, and Martin, and brigs Plumper and Boxer.

The schooner Braeme was dreaded for her activity and success, although smaller than either the brigs or the sloops, and the Spartan and Maidstone were very successful in capturing American privateers cruising the Bay of Fundy in 1812.

From the Sign

Edward Snow

Edward Snow, commander of the Weazel and a preacher from Hampden, Maine, sailed to Beaver Harbour, NB, June 9th, 1813, and robbed Captain Young's house of 15 barrels of sugar, his family's clothing and even the children's toys. He then captured a vessel bound for St. Andrews from Saint John. When news of his exploits reached Campobello Island the next day, two boats were sent in pursuit. The stolen vessel was recaptured and the Weazel chased to Grand Manan Island where one crew member was captured. Snow and his crew abandoned ship and made their way through the woods on the south western shore to Seal Cove. They stole a large boat from Alexander McLane, and sailed to Cutler, Maine. (The Grand Manan Historian, No. V, 1938, pp. 60-61)

Before this incident the British cruisers in the Bay of Fundy left American fishing boats alone, but afterwards, Captain Gordon of the Rattler gave notice that any found beyond certain limits would be captured and destroyed. (The Grand Manan Historian, No. V, 1938, p.61)

Trail Last Hiked: August 6, 2021.

Page Last Updated: September 23, 2021.