10 Spectacular Lighthouses on the Newfoundland & Labrador Coast
Historic Beacons, Sea Vistas, Icebergs & Whale Watching
Quick Summary
For hundreds of years, mariners have depended on lighthouses to guide them safely along Newfoundland and Labrador's rocky, fog-bound Atlantic coastline. Today, enthusiasts from around the world come to admire these historic beacons—perched outside major cities and in the remote countryside. The vistas from these rocky perches are perfect for any traveler. Options range from self-guided tours to picnic lunches and even spending a night in centuries-old lightkeepers' homes. Here are 10 can't-miss lighthouses, looping around the island from south of St. John's.
1. Cape Spear Lighthouse
A photo posted by kael (@punkodelish) on Sep 25, 2015 at 5:27am PDT
Location: 20 min from St. John's | Built: 1836 | Features: Oldest surviving lighthouse, most easterly point
The area's oldest surviving lighthouse, situated at North America's most easterly point. Admire the restored 1836 structure while watching for whales, seabirds, and icebergs in season. WWII bunker remains add historical intrigue.
2. Ferryland Head Lighthouse
A post shared by Marc-Antoine Dufault (@madufault) on Oct 12, 2017 at 4:43am PDT
Location: 45 min south of St. John's | Built: 1870 | Features: Gourmet picnic lunches
This distinctive red landmark is still operational. Visitors can enjoy a gourmet picnic on the rocky headlands with stunning Atlantic views—a signature Newfoundland experience.
3. Rocky Point Lighthouse
A post shared by Douglas R Witt (@douglaswitt) on Aug 7, 2017 at 2:12pm PDT
Location: Harbour Breton, southern NL | Built: 1873 | Features: Harbour Breton Bay Fjord backdrop
A dramatic stroll with Harbour Breton Bay Fjord as your backdrop leads to this diminutive red-and-white striped lighthouse at Newfoundland's southern end.
4. Cape Race Lighthouse
A photo posted by Newfoundland Labrador Tourism (@newfoundlandlabrador) on Apr 14, 2015 at 12:54pm PDT
Location: Southeastern tip | Built: 1907 | Features: Titanic connection—received distress call
On April 14, 1912, the Titanic hit an iceberg and sent out a desperate distress call—picked up at Cape Race, which became a center for reporters during the disaster. See Titanic exhibits and explore a replica of the wireless station.
5. Rose Blanche Lighthouse
A photo posted by Tom Cochrane (@tomcochrane) on Dec 8, 2015 at 12:49pm PST
Location: Southwest coast | Built: 1873 (granite) | Features: Dramatic rescue history, B&B nearby
This handsome granite lighthouse presides over a treacherous stretch that has seen its share of drama. In 1828, dozens of passengers from a sinking ship were rescued by a 17-year-old girl in a wooden skiff, aided by her Newfoundland dog. Today find a craft store, B&B, and seasonal event space.
6. Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse
Can anybody think of better name than Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse? ? #ExploreCanada #ExploreNL
A post shared by LukaSH ? (@lukash007) on Nov 6, 2016 at 11:27am PST
Location: Gros Morne National Park | Built: 1897 | Features: UNESCO World Heritage Site
This lighthouse lies in the heart of Gros Morne National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site of fjords, sea caves, and glacial valleys on Newfoundland's western coast.
7. Quirpon Lighthouse Inn
A post shared by Harrison Newman Jardine (@creativeharrison) on Oct 18, 2015 at 7:33am PDT
Location: Northern tip, Iceberg Alley | Built: 1922 | Features: 10-room inn, overnight stays, humpback whales
Located on a small island off the northern tip, this lighthouse in the heart of 'Iceberg Alley' and the lightkeeper's house is now a 10-room inn. Overnight guests enjoy prime iceberg viewing plus plentiful wildlife including humpback whales.
8. Point Amour Lighthouse
A photo posted by Scott Grant (@_roninphoto_) on Oct 29, 2015 at 4:10am PDT
Location: Labrador (northwestern coast) | Built: 1857 | Height: 109 ft (Canada's 2nd tallest)
Off the northwestern coast, this 1857 gem is Canada's second tallest lighthouse at 109 feet. Lucky visitors spy icebergs and whales in the waters. A coastal hike leads to the wreck of the HMS Raleigh.
9. Cape Bonavista Lighthouse
A photo posted by Newfoundland Labrador Tourism (@newfoundlandlabrador) on Apr 18, 2016 at 12:21pm PDT
Location: Bonavista Peninsula | Built: 1843 | Features: Cabot's 1497 landfall, original light mechanism
This fully restored lighthouse stands near where explorer John Cabot first made landfall in 1497. Climb the stone tower to see the original light mechanism and spot whales, icebergs, and puffins offshore.
10. Long Point Lighthouse
A photo posted by David Boss (@bossphotographic) on Jul 20, 2016 at 6:26pm PDT
Location: Twillingate | Built: 1876 | Features: Most photographed, Iceberg Capital of the World
Perched high on a rocky bluff, this distinctive red-and-white lighthouse is one of the most photographed landmarks on the northeastern coast. Enjoy traveling exhibits and hike trails outside historic Twillingate—the 'Iceberg Capital of the World.'
Explore more of Newfoundland and Labrador's coast. Visit the Newfoundland and Labrador website.
Explore more of Newfoundland and Labrador's coast. Visit the Newfoundland and Labrador website.