Echoes of the Strait
Where the wind carries whispers of the past. Step into a world where history and mystery converge on the shores of West Point.
Local Lore & Traditions
The Sea Serpant
Local Indigenous legends warned early settlers of a large serpent-like creature living off West Point, a being that has reportedly been sighted for over two centuries, including as recently as 1992 and 2002. Descriptions vary, but witnesses often report a long, dark, hair-covered, snake-like animal with multiple visible humps and a horse-like head rising above the water as it moves quickly and sometimes submerges for long periods. Similar accounts of large sea serpents have been recorded in other North American lakes and coastal areas, with many describing nearly identical features and movements. While skeptics doubt its existence, those who claim to have seen it describe a striking and unforgettable creature that continues to fuel local mystery and legend.
Sea Phantoms
The Flaming Vessel
The flaming ship of West Point, PEI, is a well- known tale that has been passed down through generations. It is said to be a
ghostly ship that has been spotted sailing along the coast, often accompanied by flames. The story goes that a group of sailors once encountered this ship, which was seen with white sails and flames. As they
approached, they heard screams of panic and watched as the ship's masts were climbed frantically. The sailors jumped into a rowboat to chase the ship, which then vanished without a trace, leaving no signs of its whereabouts. This tale is so prevalent that it is even taught to children as part ofthe island's history. The flaming ship is a testament to the island's rich maritime heritage and the stories that have shaped its identity
Keepers of the Light
During the early years of the West Point Lighthouse Inn, volunteers often stayed overnight and occasionally experienced unexplained events involving the building’s lights. On one occasion in the 1980s, a volunteer repeatedly turned off an upstairs light only to find it mysteriously back on moments later, eventually leaving the building. In another incident after renovations, volunteers shut off all power before leaving, yet returned to find kitchen lights turned on despite the switches and breaker being off. With no explanation found for these occurrences, staff came to jokingly attribute them to the former lighthouse keepers, suggesting the “old keepers” may still be watching over and tending to the light.
Fairy Trails
Early settlers in West Point, mainly from Scotland and Ireland, brought with them strong beliefs in folklore and the supernatural, including witches, pixies, and other mystical forces. When they encountered natural features they couldn’t explain—such as clear pathways through wooded dunes behind the lighthouse—they attributed them to fairies who were believed to create and maintain the trails. These paths are still visible today in Cedar Dunes Park as the “Fairy Trails,” formed over time as shifting dunes became forested.
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Buried Treasure
Just beyond the lighthouse lies a mystery that has intrigued treasure seekers for generations. Legend tells of riches buried in the dunes—some say from one of General Wolfe’s pay ships lost on the reef, while others believe the infamous Captain Kidd once stopped here to hide his plunder.
According to local lore, a man named John Campbell of Enmore dreamt of the treasure three nights in a row. In his vision, he was instructed to gather sixteen men and search for a half-moon-shaped cove. From there, they would cross the dunes to find three pine trees marked with a blade. They were to dig in silence, under the dark of the moon—speak a word, and the treasure would vanish.
Campbell and his crew followed the vision and found the spot near West Point. As they dug, a shovel struck wood and a cheer rang out—but in that instant, the air filled with the sound of a ship raising anchor. Before them, a fully rigged vessel appeared, sailing out to sea. At the same time, sand began pouring back into the pit, nearly trapping the men. Terrified, they fled—and the treasure was lost once more.
For years, others tried their luck at what became known as the “Money Pit.” Bertha Smith, daughter of Lighthouse Willie, recalled nights when groups of men would gather, waiting for darkness before heading out to dig. Her brothers would guide them to the site, and by morning, her mother would have a hearty breakfast waiting. Despite their efforts, the treasure was never found.
A curse, it was said, followed those who tried. Misfortune seemed to shadow the diggers—illness, accidents, even death—each blamed on the treasure’s warning. Over time, the attempts grew fewer. The final dig took place in 1925, when two men carefully constructed a pit to keep the sand from collapsing. Yet something frightened them so deeply that they abandoned the site, leaving even their tools behind.
The treasure was never recovered.
Some say it was never there at all—others aren’t so sure. Perhaps it still lies hidden, beyond the dunes and through the woods… waiting for someone brave enough to dig beneath the darkened moon.
Share Your Story
The West Point Lighthouse has long stood as a silent witness to the mysteries of the Northumberland Strait. Many of our guests have their own tales—of half-seen figures on the gallery, unusual lights on the horizon, or anecdotes passed down through local traditions. We invite you to add your voice to our collection of lore. Whether it's a personal experience or a family legend, share it with us below.