The Best Lighthouses of Newfoundland
If you're looking for the ultimate adventure, look no further than Newfoundland lighthouses! These beautiful structures have stood tall at the edge of Canada's Atlantic provinces for centuries, helping sailors safely navigate the coastline. These architectural beauties offer plenty of history and Instagrammable moments along their rocky coastlines.
For many people, these iconic buildings evoke an immediate feeling of serenity and comfort. Whether you're pulled in by their romantic history or their ability to withstand years of rugged storms on the sea, there's something special about lighthouses that draw us in. So, let me introduce you to some fantastic Newfoundland landmarks that will help inspire you to plan a visit to Newfoundland!
Newfoundland Lighthouse Map
With over 18k miles of rugged, rocky coastline, it is no wonder that Newfoundland has hundreds of navigational beacons to keep sailors safe on the sea. The Map on the right depicts many of the lighthouses throughout the province. These lighthouses are a vital part of Newfoundland's culture, heritage, and history. Thankfully, several groups, including the Canadian Coast Guard, are working to preserve these beauties for us all to enjoy.
Planning a bucket list trip to Newfoundland?? Let us help! Our complete Newfoundland Travel Guide makes planning a breeze!
Fort Amherst Lighthouse
Newfoundland’s first lighthouse, Fort Amherst, was erected in 1813 to guide sailors into St. John’s harbour. In 1940, the Royal Canadian Navy commissioned the WWI battery, and the remains of it can be seen just below the lighthouse. The original stone lighthouse was demolished in 1854, and the current lighthouse was erected.
The best thing about this lighthouse is you can experience what it would be like to be a lighthouse keeper. That’s right; you can rent the lighthouse and enjoy the views of the rugged cliffs and Atlantic all for yourself. Talk about the perfect spot to view whales and icebergs!
Ferryland Lighthouse
Built in 1870, this historic lighthouse sat empty for over 20 years before a resident scooped up and lovingly restored it. Today, it's the location for Lighthouse Picnics. Hike to the lighthouse, pick up your delicious picnic, borrow a blanket, stretch out, and relax on the hillside. The beautiful view and the crashing waves will force you to destress and slow down, even if it's just for a few hours. The picnics are made to order and must be reserved the day before. See all the details on the Ferryland Lighthouse website.
Cape Spear Lighthouse
Cape Spear is a lighthouse that you should not miss! Constructed in 1846, it is the oldest remaining lighthouse in Newfoundland. But to see the best of what this lighthouse offers, you will need to get up early, very early! Watching the sunrise at Cape Spear is a unique experience because it is the first spot on the continent to see it. You can be the first person in North America to see the sunrise! Trust me when I say, you want to be there when it happens! It is stunning.
When you face the sea, there is nothing between you and Ireland but the Atlantic. As you look out into the ocean, watch for whales and icebergs, as they are frequently seen around the cape.
Click here for more information on touring the lighthouse. Oh, and don’t forget to explore the historic WWII battery that once protected Newfoundland. Also, you can grab a cup of coffee to warm the soul at the lighthouse coffee shop starting at 6 am!
Long Point Lighthouse
Long Point Lighthouse has been standing guard on Crow Point since 1876 and still operates today. The lighthouse sits 300 feet above sea level, creating the perfect vantage point to glimpse whales, icebergs, seals, and sea birds. But wildlife is not the only thing Long Point has to offer!
The Long Point hiking trail is one of Canada's best hikes! It should not be missed. This moderate trail is about 4 miles long. After you head out from the lighthouse, you will pass rugged cliffs and old copper mine and see Newfoundland's best views! This hike is now one of our all time favorites, ranking right up there with Yosemite & Yellowstone! (Banff is in our future, so let's see if Long Point can hold its ranking!)
Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse
Lobster Cove lighthouse turned its light on for the first time in 1898. It also became a signal station to send messages between the shore and ships. Flags were raised on a flag pole representing a specific letter or phrase. For example, the W flag doubled as I require medical assistance, the U flag could mean You are running into danger, and the J flag carried the important message, I am on fire and carrying dangerous cargo.
Tours of the century old lighthouse are offered from May to October. It is also the perfect place to fly a kite, picnic, explore the walking trails, and watch the perfect sunset. You can also walk down to the beach and explore tide pools. Search for periwinkles, anemones, side swimmers, tiny fish and crabs.
cape BonaVista Lighthouse
This iconic red and white lighthouse was built in 1843. It is one of the few lighthouses in the world where you can climb to the top of the tower and see the seal oil-fueled catoptric light used in the 1800s. Cape Bonavista lighthouse is one of the most photographed places in Newfoundland. It is the perfect place to view whales, icebergs, and puffins. So don’t miss this one during your next trip to Newfoundland.
Bay Bulls Lighthouse
This remote cast iron tower stands tall in Bay Bulls. You will need to hop on the East Coast Trail to reach the lighthouse. The hike is a challenging, rocky, and very strenuous hike. It is approximately 10 miles round trip and takes an average of 7 hours.
Cape Anguille lighthouse
If you arrive in Newfoundland on the Port Aux Basques ferry, this old girl will welcome you to the province. The Century-old lightkeeper home has been completely restored and turned into an inn. It’s the perfect first stop as you exit the ferry. The area is an internationally recognized bird sanctuary. You will spy eagles patrolling the cliffs and osprey carrying fish to their young. You will also see sheep roaming the fields around Cape Anguille Lighthouse Inn.
Fortune Head Lighthouse
Fortune Head sits on an ecological reserve that is just under one square mile and serves as the welcome center. Here, you will find fossils in the exposed rocks along the cliffs that were formed roughly 540 million years ago. You can explore the reserve independently or join a guide who can provide information on the fossils embedded in the coastal rocks.
You can also hike the reserve. There is a 4.6 mile moderate hike that loops around the lighthouse. It takes approximately 2 hours to complete the hike.
More lighthouses to see!
A journey around the lighthouses of Newfoundland is truly a remarkable experience. Everywhere you go, you are reminded of the importance of these majestic towers and their impact on Newfoundland’s history. Whether you explore one lighthouse or several, we guarantee you won’t soon forget this unique journey through Newfoundland’s incredible natural beauty and majestic past.
More Newfoundland Blogs
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About the Author: Meet Stacy! Stacy and her husband, Phil, are a wanderlust couple who have been roaming the great USA for an epic 5 years! They ditched the daily grind to embark on thrilling adventures and inspire fellow dreamers to chase their travel dreams. Curious about how they do it? Check out their awesome youtube channel, Today is Someday, where they're spilling all the secrets to living a life on the move. Get ready to pack your bags and join them on this incredible journey.