Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site
About
Cape Spear is officially the easternmost point of North America (excluding Greenland). Perched on dramatic, wind-swept black cliffs dropping into the thundering Atlantic Ocean, it features Newfoundland's oldest surviving lighthouse, beautifully restored to its 1839 appearance. It is a legendary site where visitors can stand on the edge of the continent to watch the sunrise first, spot drifting icebergs, and witness humpback whales breaching offshore.
Highlights
What makes this place special
The 1839 Lighthouse
A beautifully restored dome-topped historic wooden lighthouse showcasing the lifestyle of early keepers.
WWII Fortifications
Walk among the concrete ruins of Fort Cape Spear, which housed massive coastal defense guns during the war.
Ocean-Facing Boardwalks
A scenic network of wooden walkways hugging the cliff edge, perfect for whale and iceberg photography.
Things to Know
- •Cape Spear is often shrouded in thick, atmospheric fog; listen for the haunting, historic foghorn that still echoes along the cliffs.
- •Stay strictly on the designated wooden boardwalks, as the wet black rocks near the ocean are dangerously slick and rogue waves can occur.
- •This is one of the premier land-based whale-watching sites in Canada during the summer months.
