With John Page as a designer and Louis Déry as construction lead, this lighthouse was built in 1862 on the southeastern tip of Pot du Phare, with the tower standing at just over 9 meters. In 1884, an annex was added as a storehouse and summer kitchen. Jean-Baptiste des Trois Maisons dit Picart was the first keeper of the light, but during the approximate century that this lighthouse was active, the two primary families that managed it was the Richard family (1874-1914) and the Dubé family (1920-1964)—until the light became automated in 1964.
The structure’s renovation in 1989 was inspired by John Page’s original designs, and on August 20 of that same year, a copper lantern room was built atop the tower.
The lighthouse is now a recognized Federal Heritage Building open to visitors. You can climb the restored spiral wooden staircase to access a panoramic view at the top of the tower. Do not miss your chance to stand atop a beautiful historic structure—it’s just a short drive (approximately 10 minutes) from Notre-Dame-du-Portage!
Photo: Cephas, CC BY-SA 4.0
