Cape Spear Lighthouse

Cape Spear Lighthouse located in St. Johns, Newfoundland.

Where the sun first greets North America each morning, Cape Spear Lighthouse stands proudly atop Newfoundland’s rugged cliffs. Constructed in 1836, it is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador. Built of locally quarried stone, it was designed to guide vessels safely into St. John’s Harbour along the often treacherous Atlantic coastline.

Originally illuminated by seal oil lamps before later technological upgrades, the lighthouse reflects the evolution of maritime navigation. Now recognized as a National Historic Site, the restored keeper’s dwelling and tower over a glimpse into 19th-century lighthouse life.

During the Second World War, the surrounding headland also served as a coastal defense site, further cementing Cape Spear’s place in Canada’s maritime and military history. For generations, this iconic beacon has watched over sailors navigating the mighty Atlantic. With crashing waves below and endless ocean stretching eastward, Cape Spear remains a powerful symbol of resilience, first light, and Newfoundland’s enduring maritime spirit.

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Cape Spear Lighthouse FAQ

1
Where is Cape Spear and how far is it from St. John's?

Cape Spear is on the Avalon Peninsula in Newfoundland, about 15 km southeast of St. John's, roughly a 20 to 25 minute drive via Blackhead Road. It's the most easterly point of land in North America.

2
Is Cape Spear really the most easterly point in North America?

Yes. Cape Spear is the easternmost point of the North American mainland and its surrounding islands, excluding Greenland. Stand at the marker and there is nothing between you and Ireland.

3
What time is sunrise at Cape Spear?

Cape Spear is the first place in North America to see the sunrise each day. Times swing widely by season, roughly 5:00 a.m. in midsummer to around 7:30 a.m. in midwinter, Newfoundland Time. Check the date-specific time before you go; people routinely arrive an hour late.

4
Can you go inside Cape Spear Lighthouse?

Yes. The original 1836 lighthouse, the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador, has been restored to its 1839 appearance and is open to visitors as a Parks Canada national historic site during the operating season. The newer concrete tower nearby is the working light.

5
What are the bunkers at Cape Spear?

They're the remains of Fort Cape Spear, a Second World War coastal defence battery built in 1941 to guard the approach to St. John's harbour. The gun barrels and underground tunnels are still there and open to walk through.

6
What is the weather like at Cape Spear?

Exposed, windy and often foggy, even when St. John's is clear. Temperatures at the point run noticeably colder than in town, and fog can erase the view within minutes. Bring a windproof layer regardless of the season.

7
Can you see icebergs or whales from Cape Spear?

Yes, it's one of the best land-based vantage points in Newfoundland. Icebergs typically drift past between late spring and early summer, and humpbacks feed offshore through the summer.

8
Does the Atlantic Canada Box include Newfoundland makers?

Yes. Boxes feature handcrafted products from makers across Atlantic Canada, including Newfoundland and Labrador, alongside makers from the three Maritime provinces.