📍 St. John’s · Avalon Region · Newfoundland
Cape Spear
Lighthouse
The most easterly point in North America. A windswept headland where towering icebergs drift past, humpback whales breach offshore, and the Atlantic Ocean stretches endlessly to the horizon.
📍 Cape Spear, Newfoundland
About Cape Spear
The Edge of North America
Cape Spear National Historic Site is one of the most dramatic and moving places in all of Canada. Standing on the windswept headland, you are at the most easterly point of North America the next landmass to the east is Ireland, nearly 4,000 kilometres across the open Atlantic.
The original lighthouse, built in 1836, is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland. Now beautifully restored to its 1839 appearance, it stands as a testament to the province’s deep connection to the sea and to the thousands of mariners who relied on its light through fog, storm and ice.
From May through July, Cape Spear is one of the best land-based locations in the world to see icebergs and humpback whales often at the same time. It is an experience that stays with visitors for a lifetime.
1836
Original lighthouse constructed
4,000 km
To Ireland across the Atlantic
May–Jul
Peak iceberg & whale season
30 min
Drive from downtown St. John’s
Must-See Spots
Highlights at Cape Spear
From the historic lighthouse to dramatic clifftop trails and wildlife encounters, here is everything you need to experience at Cape Spear.
Historic Site
Cape Spear Lighthouse
One of the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland, built in 1836 and beautifully restored to its old appearance. Tour the interior and learn about the lighthouse keepers who once lived here through the harshest Atlantic winters.
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Natural Wonder
The Most Easterly Point
Stand at the geographic marker that marks the most easterly point of North America. Looking east, there is nothing but open Atlantic Ocean between you and Europe a truly humbling and unforgettable moment.
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Wildlife
Icebergs & Whale Watching
Cape Spear is one of the premier land-based iceberg and whale watching locations in the world. From May to July, towering icebergs drift past and humpback whales breach in the waters directly below the cliffs.
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Hiking
Coastal Hiking Trails
Several trails wind along the dramatic clifftops at Cape Spear, connecting to the East Coast Trail network. The headland offers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Atlantic Canada at every turn.
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History
WWII Gun Batteries
Explore the preserved Second World War gun battery bunkers that were built to defend St. John’s harbour from German U-boat attack. A fascinating and often overlooked piece of Newfoundland’s wartime history.
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Photography
Sunrise at the Easterly Point
Because Cape Spear is the most easterly point in North America, it is one of the first places on the continent to see the sunrise. A pre-dawn visit in clear conditions is one of the most magical experiences in Newfoundland.
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Experiences
Things To Do at Cape Spear
Whether you’re chasing icebergs, exploring history or watching the sun rise over the Atlantic Cape Spear delivers unforgettable experiences for every visitor.
Watch Icebergs Drift Past
From May to early July, massive icebergs that have calved from Greenland’s glaciers drift south along Iceberg Alley past Cape Spear. Some are the size of apartment buildings visible clearly from the clifftops with the naked eye.
Spot Humpback Whales
Humpback, minke and fin whales feed in the cold productive waters directly off Cape Spear from June through September. Bring binoculars and patience sightings are frequent during peak season and the views from the clifftops are extraordinary.
Watch the Sunrise
As the most easterly point in North America, Cape Spear sees the sunrise before anywhere else on the continent. Arrive before dawn, wrap up warm, and watch the first light break over the Atlantic a bucket-list experience like no other.
Tour the Historic Lighthouse
The restored 1836 lighthouse is open for guided tours in summer. Step inside and explore the keepers’ quarters, learn about life on this windswept headland in the 19th century, and discover the stories of the families who called Cape Spear home.
Hike the East Coast Trail
Cape Spear connects to the East Coast Trail over 300km of dramatic coastal hiking. Day hikes from Cape Spear take you north toward Maddox Cove or south along rugged clifftops, with stunning ocean views the entire way.
Photography on the Headland
Cape Spear is one of the most photographed locations in Newfoundland. The combination of the historic lighthouse, dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and wildlife makes it a paradise for photographers at any time of day or season.
Visitor Information
Everything You Need to Know
Plan your visit to Cape Spear with these essential tips on admission, hours, and what to expect.
Admission & Hours
The grounds, trails and viewpoints at Cape Spear are free and open year-round. The lighthouse and Visitor Centre are operated by Parks Canada admission fees apply in season. Check the Parks Canada website for current hours and pricing before you visit.
What to Wear
Cape Spear is extremely exposed and can be bitterly cold and windy even on warm summer days the Atlantic wind has no obstacles for thousands of kilometres. Always bring a windproof jacket, warm layers, and sturdy footwear. Fog rolls in quickly and without warning.
What to Bring
Binoculars are essential for iceberg and whale spotting. Bring a camera with a zoom lens if possible. Pack snacks and water as there are no food services on site. A tripod is useful for sunrise photography. Cliff edges can be slippery always stay on marked trails.
Dogs & Families
Dogs are welcome at Cape Spear on a leash. The main viewing area near the lighthouse is accessible and suitable for all ages. The clifftop trails are moderately challenging young children should be supervised carefully near cliff edges at all times.
Best Time to Visit
Cape Spear is spectacular year-round but peak wildlife season runs May to July for icebergs and June to September for whales. Summer weekends can be busy visit early morning for the best experience, fewer crowds and the possibility of catching the sunrise.
Facilities
Washrooms and free parking are available at the Cape Spear parking lot. A small gift shop operates at the Visitor Centre in summer. There are no restaurants or cafés on site plan to bring everything you need for your visit.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit Cape Spear
Cape Spear is open and rewarding year-round, but each season brings a completely different experience on the headland.
Winter
Dec – Feb
Wild, raw and completely deserted. Crashing waves, dramatic skies and the full force of the North Atlantic. A powerful experience for those prepared for extreme cold and wind not for the faint-hearted.
Spring
Mar – May
Iceberg season begins in late April and May the first massive bergs appear offshore. Wildflowers start to bloom, the Visitor Centre reopens and crowds are still minimal. An exciting and peaceful time to visit.
Summer
Jun – Aug
Peak season icebergs, whales, the lighthouse open for tours and the Visitor Centre fully operational. Long days with late sunsets. Can be busy on weekends arrive early morning for the best experience and fewest crowds.
⭐ Best Time to Visit
Fall
Sep – Nov
Moody skies, dramatic light and very few visitors. Whale watching continues into September. The autumn storms rolling in off the Atlantic make for extraordinary photography powerful but beautiful conditions on the headland.
Getting There
How to Get to Cape Spear
Cape Spear is about 11km south of downtown St. John’s a 30-minute scenic drive along the coastline.
By Car or Rental Car
The only practical way to reach Cape Spear independently. Free parking is available at the site. From downtown St. John’s, follow Pitts Memorial Drive south and then Cape Spear Highway the drive takes about 30 minutes and the route is well signposted.
Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis from downtown St. John’s can drop you at Cape Spear. Bear in mind there is no return taxi service on site arrange a pick-up time or use a rideshare app. Combining Cape Spear with Signal Hill in a half-day taxi tour is a popular option.
Guided Tours
Several local tour operators in St. John’s offer guided day trips to Cape Spear, often combined with Signal Hill, Quidi Vidi and other Avalon Peninsula highlights. A great option if you don’t have a rental car ask at your accommodation for recommendations.
Ready to Visit Cape Spear?
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