10 Spectacular Lighthouses on the Newfoundland & Labrador Coast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.'