Things to Do at Cape Spear Lighthouse

Cape Spear Lighthouse stands on the easternmost point of North America, its white tower and red roof marking where the continent meets the Atlantic at longitude 52°37'W. Built in 1836, this square lighthouse guided ships past the rocky cape for 130 years, its light visible 30 kilometers out to sea on clear nights. The restored keeper's quarters contain period furnishings that recreate the isolated life of lighthouse families who endured fierce winter storms and spring fog for months without contact with the mainland. Entry costs CAD $4 (about $3) and includes access to the tower and museum, plus hiking trails along dramatic clifftops where you might spot whales offshore. Visit during summer mornings when visibility is best and you can watch the sun rise over the Atlantic from the true edge of the continent.

Cape Spear is about a 30-minute drive southeast of downtown St. John's via Route 11 (Blackhead Road). You'll want a car for this trip - there's no regular public transit, though some tour companies do run excursions. The road is well-maintained and clearly marked, but it gets quite winding as you approach the coast. There's a decent-sized parking area at the site, though it can fill up during peak summer days.