West Quoddy Head Light

The tower stands on the headland at the entrance to the Bay of Fundy, and its horizontal red and white bands are unusual on an American lighthouse - the pattern was chosen so it would read against snow and fog. The present tower dates from 1858, replacing an earlier light of 1808. This is the easternmost point of the mainland United States, which is the reason many people drive out here, and the tides in the bay beyond are among the largest anywhere, running several metres on a cycle. The state park behind the light has trails along the cliff through spruce and a raised peat bog with arctic plants left over from the ice age.

What you actually see

• Red and white banding - chosen to read against snow and fog.
• The easternmost mainland point - the reason for most visits.
• Huge Fundy tides offshore - several metres on the cycle.
• Cliff trails and a raised bog - arctic plants in the park behind.

When to go

June to September; fog is common in early summer. Two hours.

Honest expectations

It is a very long drive to reach - this is the far corner of the state. Fog can hide everything for days. The tower is not generally open. Facilities are minimal and seasonal.

Nearby

Lubec is close; Campobello Island is over the bridge in Canada.