Our Favourite Lighthouses in Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador

With a long history and connection to the sea and it’s bounty, it’s no wonder that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are partial to our lighthouses. Perched along epic coastlines, these colourful structures have guided ships safely to our shores and light the way home for well over a century. Although many are unmanned now, the mystery and allure of the lighthouse keeper's trade keeps us coming back to these sites again and again. Keep your camera at the ready as you explore some of our favourite lighthouses on the Eastern portion of the island. 

Cape Race Lighthouse

Located in Cape Race on the Southeast edge of the Avalon Peninsula, the Cape Race Lighthouse contained one of the most powerful lights in the world at the time of construction, guiding ships across the Atlantic and through the Cabot Strait enabling the international maritime trade.

Be sure to check out the fossils at Mistaken Point, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can walk on the ancient ocean floor dating back 560+ million years. Next to the lighthouse you'll also find the Myrick Wireless Interpretation Centre, a replica of the original Marconi Marine Radio Station built on the site in 1904. This station was the first to answer the distress call from the Titanic and helped coordinate the rescue effort.

Heart's Content Lighthouse

If you’re in search of that picture perfect, candy cane red-and-white lighthouse, head up the Baccalieu Coastal Drive to Heart’s Content, where you’ll find the Heart’s Content Lighthouse. Just a 90-minute drive from St. John’s, a day trip to this lighthouse makes for a perfect excursion around the bay. Sunsets along this coast are spectacular, so prepare for a stunning show on a clear day! 

Fort Point Lighthouse

A visit to Trinity is an absolute must if your visit takes you to the Bonavista Peninsula. The tiny village is so quaint you might think that you’ve stepped into a movie set, and the Fort Point Lighthouse serves as the perfect accompaniment to that sentiment. Perched atop a small point of land guarding the entrance of Trinity Harbour, this small but mighty lighthouse watches over the town on one side and shines a light towards the mighty Atlantic on the other. There are many ways to see this lighthouse from another perspective: from the town itself, from the water on a local boat tour, or from the magnificent Skerwink Trail.

Trinity is the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon strolling through the narrow streets and admiring the stunning historical buildings. Be sure to poke in and out of the many shops offering an array of products from local makers – you’ll find everything from coffee and ice cream to soaps and hand-knit sweaters. The Trinity Historical Society offers a pass that grants you access to seven historical sites throughout the town, including a functional forge.

Fortune Head Lighthouse

At the very tip of the Burin Peninsula, you’ll find the scenic Fortune Head Ecological Reserve, complete with a stunning wooden lighthouse and panoramic ocean views. This is the perfect place to catch a sunset, so plan to make the short journey off the main road in the evening. Spend some time exploring the meandering coastline and breathing in the fresh Atlantic air.

To learn more about the fascinating geology of Fortune Head, stop into the Fortune Head Geology Centre and book a tour of the reserve. In nearby Grand Bank, enjoy a stroll among historic buildings, including the George C. Harris House, which serves as a community museum. Stay in a local bed and breakfast to take your time soaking up all the charm and hospitality of the Burin Peninsula.

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