Visitors to St. John’s, Newfoundland must visit the Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site of Canada to earn the bragging right of having stood on North America’s most easterly spot.
Cape Spear, located on the Avalon Peninsula near St. John’s, Newfoundland, is the most easterly point of North America and the Cape Spear Lighthouse has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada for its unique heritage value as the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Cape Spear has been important for navigational reasons since early explorers were arriving in North America. The cape was originally named Cabo da Esperança by Portuguese sailors, then Cap d’Espoir by the French, and finally became known as Cape Spear in English.
At Cape Spear
Cape Spear National Historic Park is located just 15 kilometres or so (about a 20 minute drive) from St. John’s but the weather can vary a fair bit (meaning significantly colder) so visitors need to be prepared. We visited on a windy day in mid-August – so windy, in fact, that my 9 year old daughter, Emma, feared that she was going to blow away.
Arriving at Cape Spear
We headed first for a walk around the grounds and to take photos with the sign that indicates that this is the point where Canada begins (or, as the sign states: “ends depending on which way you are going”). Facing the sea the next stop east will be Ireland. Emma and I thought that it was pretty cool to be able to say that we were at the most easterly point of North America and we think that we should now try to visit the most westerly and most southerly points but agree that we’ll pass on the most northerly point.
Canada begins here! …or ends
While we were exploring the area, we discovered that there was a WWII bunker built into the side of the hill. As Cape Spear is located on what was a direct convoy route between North America and Europe, a defence battery was set up to protect the entrance to St. John’s harbour against German submarines off the coast of Newfoundland. Today the bunker provides a reminder of the war and welcome shelter from the wind.
Bunker at Cape Spear
Even though Newfoundland had been populated for more than 2 centuries, it wasn’t until early in the 19th century that consideration was given to building lighthouses to provide assistance to sailors attempting to navigate the island’s rocky coastal areas. A first light was placed at the entrance to St. John’s Harbour in 1810 but it wasn’t until the 1830s that the need for another lighthouse was discussed and Cape Spear chosen as the location. Construction of the Cape Spear Lighthouse was completed in 1836.
Notice to Mariners at Cape Spear Lighthouse
The lighthouse was built as a 2 storey square structure with the light tower in the middle of the building. This unique architecture became a common structure for lighthouses in Newfoundland during that era as the building would also serve as the residence for the lighthouse keeper and his family. Generations of the Cantwell family served as lightkeepers at Cape Spear for over 150 years.
Today the historic lighthouse has been restored to its original appearance and furnished as a light keeper’s residence from the mid-19th century. It has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada as it is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Cape Spear Lighthouse – National Historic Site of Canada
At Cape Spear Historic Lighthouse
A modern lighthouse tower was built at Cape Spear in 1955 using the light from the original lighthouse.
Modern Lighthouse at Cape Spear
At Cape Spear
Cape Spear is also said to be an excellent location for viewing icebergs, whales and seabirds (all in appropriate seasons). We were too late in the season for icebergs and, unfortunately, it was so cold and windy on the day that we visited that we didn’t stand still long enough to view any type of wildlife. The weather also prevented us from attempting any of the hiking trails which I understand boast incredible views and scenery. Hiking at Cape Spear has, therefore, been added to my list of things I’m going to do the next time that we are in Newfoundland – and there will definitely be a next time.
What You Need To Know
- Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site grounds are open year-round;
- The lighthouse and the giftshop are open seasonally – the current dates and hours of opening can be found here;
- Canada Day and Parks Day are celebrated at the site with special activities;
- Cape Spear Lighthouse is located on Route 11 (also known as Cape Spear Drive) about 15 km outside St. John’s;
- Entry fees are available here;
- Cape Spear’s geographic location makes it susceptible to rapid and unpredictable weather changes due to wind shifts – it’s important to dress and prepare accordingly;
- The coastline at Cape Spear can be treacherous – it is important to stay on designated hiking trails and keep off the rocks near the water’s edge.
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jenny@atasteoftravel
So that’s where the eastern most point of North America is! I can imagine that on a good day, the views would be stunning. It’s great to see that the original lighthouse has been kept and restored
Mary {The World Is A Book}
I love lighthouses and this would be a great place to visit mostly for its geographical importance. Not sure if I can handle all that wind though. Such an interesting place and thanks for adding to my trivia bank.
Muza-chan
Beautiful place to visit (^_^)
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista
Very interesting! I had no idea this was the eastern most point of NA. Love lighthouses.
Lisa Goodmurphy
It is a beautiful spot and the blustery weather (which I understand is quite common) seems to add to the atmosphere! It is wonderful that the original lighthouse has been restored – it could use a lick of paint though! 🙂
Lisa Goodmurphy
Thanks, Muza-chan!!
Lisa Goodmurphy
I think you would quite enjoy seeing some of these square lighthouses in Newfoundland – I’m not sure if they were common elsewhere during the same era. It’s definitely worth a trip to Newfoundland to say that you have been to North America’s most easterly point.
Lisa Goodmurphy
Thanks, Debbie! I’m not sure that it’s a widely known fact – we need to spread the word! 🙂
Leigh
I’ve been there on a gorgeous sunny, albeit windy day. What a fantastic part of the world. One of the best walks I am told by a couple from Newfoundland is one along Placentia Bay. They also said the town of Brigus is worth a stop.
Jessica
Thank you for helping me learn something new today. I knew the most eastern part of the US, but….. I love the lighthouse, but it looks really, really cold.
Becca@rwetheryetmom?
What fun! I just looked up the southern, western, & northern and was sad to see that I haven’t been to a one of them!! But – how’s this – I HAVE been to the LOWEST point in all of North America – Badwater Basin in Death Valley California!!!! Wonder if Mary has been???
Thanks for linking up with us this week!!
Michele @ Malaysian Meanders
This is something that I think my kids would enjoy. I would have never guessed that these pictures were taken in August. It looks chilly.
femmefrugality
Must be breathtaking! To visit such an “extreme,” beautiful place with so much history!
Sonja
We were so excited to stand at the southernmost point of Europe this summer – I don’t know why those little things should be exciting, but they always are!
Sophie
Very interesting place. I wonder if Vikings stopped by here.
Lisa Goodmurphy
We didn’t have nearly enough time in Newfoundland – can’t wait to go back and see what we missed!
Lisa Goodmurphy
Well I don’t know where the most eastern part of the U.S. is – I’d guess somewhere in Maine but I’m going to have to look it up now. It was quite windy and chilly that morning but it did warm up later and it’s my understanding that it is almost always windy on the cape.
Lisa Goodmurphy
The lowest point in North America is pretty cool too!!
Lisa Goodmurphy
It was a little chilly that morning – Emma found mittens in her jacket pocket and was glad to have them! Fortunately the weather improved not long after.
Lisa Goodmurphy
“Extreme” is a perfect word to describe Newfoundland – it is unspoiled and breathtakingly beautiful!!
Lisa Goodmurphy
I think it’s the explorer coming out in all of us – trying to find the edge of the world! I don’t know where the southernmost point of Europe is – would it be in Spain??
Lisa Goodmurphy
Thanks, Sophie! I wouldn’t be surprised if Vikings had stopped here as well but I’m not certain. L’Anse-aux-Meadows in the northern part of Newfoundland is a World Heritage Site and is a viking settlement. We didn’t make it that far this trip – will have to try and see it another time.
lisa wood
It sure looks very windy! But really gorgeous at the same time ~ it would be so good to see icebergs but again not sure if I could handle the cold. Wonder when it would be nice enough to do the hiking trials?