Newfoundland‘s rugged coastline is dotted with hundreds of lighthouses. The lighthouses of Newfoundland are a national treasure. From the iconic Ferryland Lighthouse to the dramatic Cape Spear, these lighthouses are among some of the most spectacular in the world. Lighthouse hikes are one of the best ways to experience them up close and personal. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Newfoundland with locals and tourists alike. There are so many gorgeous trails to explore. Some routes have breathtaking views, while others offer a more serene experience.
On our more recent trip to Newfoundland, we made it a point to seek out as many lighthouses as we could find along the way! This guide will help you find the perfect hiking location to suit your needs! We’ve compiled a list of the ten best lighthouse hikes in Newfoundland. There are hikes to get you started no matter what your skill or fitness level. Trust me, I’d not been hiking in ages and even I managed to do them all! And it was worth every step of the journey to see these incredible lighthouses up-close and take in all the fantastic scenery.
The very first known lighthouse was built in Egypt 2,000 years ago! While it took a few more thousand years for lighthouses to arrive in Newfoundland, today they feel like an essential part of the province. From the dawn of life in Newfoundland, the people’s connection to the sea has been of utmost importance. In the 1800s, there was a rise of Europeans migrating to the shores of Newfoundland in the Spring and Summer for fishing opportunities. Their quiet coastlines soon became a cluster of sailing ships.
During foggy and stormy weather, shipwrecks were prevalent. With over 29,000 kilometres of coastline, there was a need for lighthouses to guide boats into shore. It wasn’t just the weather sailors needed to be warry of; the coastline was dotted with dangerous rocky outcrops, hidden inlets, icebergs and rough shores. The first lighthouse to be built in Newfoundland was at Fort Amherst in 1810 to help boats into St. John‘s harbour through the narrows. It was the first of what would go onto be 55 lighthouses erected in Newfoundland over the years.
Lighthouses implement the Fresnel lens to cast their beacons of light across miles of stormy waters. The Fresnel lens has been called “the invention that saved a million ships.” The lens is made up of a series of prisms mounted onto a large steel frame. Then lenses reflect the flame/light inside, created in Newfoundland by burning seal oil. The refractions create one intense beam of light that can be seen miles away.
Later on, Lighthouses were given huge foghorns to help communicate with ships in the water before modern communication was possible. The cries of the foghorn echoing across the coastline became the background music heard by hundreds of Newfoundlanders over the years.
The first lighthouses in Newfoundland were painted with red and white stripes. These colours were chosen to help mariners see the lighthouse against the sky, even when it was foggy and grey. But the lighthouses located in lush forests or behind rocky cliffsides were painted all white to ensure they can be spotted against this dark forest backdrop.
The job of the lighthouse keeper was one of the most important ones and one of the most solitary. Many of these lighthouses were first located in very remote locations. When transport was in its infancy, lighthouse keepers would live on the property instead of in the nearby villages. Sometimes a house would be built adjacent to the lighthouse where the keeper could live with their family. Often the weather conditions near these lighthouses were severe. Resources like food and fuel were limited as they were brought in only during the summer months.
The job of the lighthouse keeper was to ensure the light was always light. Without the light, ships would be lost at sea. Once foghorns were installed they were required to wind up the horns to blow on extremely foggy days. They were also responsible for reporting icebergs in the area and sending out flares if they saw any boats in trouble. Famously, the lighthouse keeper at Cape Race was the first to receive the Titanic’s distress signals. It was 400 miles off the coast of Newfoundland but alas, too far to make it in time to save those doomed passengers.
The Ferryland Lighthouse is a quaint, historic spot along the Coast of Avalon with many stories to tell. One of the most beloved buildings in this small Newfoundland community, the Lighthouse has guided ships into shore since 1870. The grand, bright red Lighthouse looks out over the vast Atlantic Ocean. The sound of crashing waves against the rocks echoing across the hillsides. During certain times of the year, whales can even be spotted right off the coast.
But what makes visiting this particular lighthouse so exciting is the Lighthouse Picnics. These incredible picnics are such unique experiences and so popular they even have been featured on Oprah’s Instagram! Picnics MUST be booked in advance as reservations are limited. Once you arrive at the Lighthouse, you will go to the main building to pick up your bespoke meal. You get to choose your favourite sandwich, dessert and drink and it also comes with a delicious salad! Then it’s up to your to find the perfect place nearby to enjoy it for yourself. There is genuinely nothing more perfect than a picnic by the sea. Especially when you don’t need to worry about packing or cooking anything yourself! We sat right in front of the amazing lighthouse to absorb all that majesty it provided.
The lighthouse is only accessible by hiking along a very flat pathway towards the edge of the coastline. The hike takes about 25-minutes to reach the peak of the Lighthouse. As you begin from the parking lot, take note of the small island to the North. Look closely, and you might spot a herd of sheep grazing on the grass. You might be thinking, “how on earth did those sheep get into that island?!” Local sheep farmers have been bringing their herds over the island for years, as it is free of predators. It is a wonderful place where the sheep can relax all summer. Just another little slice of magic that this hike provides. As you go, you’ll be able to listen to the seabirds flying overhead and keep an eye out for sea creatures bobbing up and down along the shore.
At the peak of Crow Head‘s in Twillingate, you’ll find the Long Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse sits over 300 feet above sea level, towering over the cliff below. The light flashing over the Atlantic Ocean and Notre Dame Bay. This is the perfect place to come to look for icebergs. Hundreds of icebergs float along this “alley” every year during the springtime. Whales also migrate along this part of the ocean! Twillingate is a great place to visit if you are an avid whale spotter.
The long point lighthouse was built in 1876. Unlike other lighthouses, it was built with a large double-story dwelling for the lighthouse keeper. Today the house is almost more imposing than the lighthouse. The house is used as the interpretive center for visitors. The lighthouse has a unique shape, the square base rises up into an octagonal design. The lower levels are painted red with a white lantern topper. This design resulted in the community nicknaming it, “the baby bottle.”
You can descend downwards along the coastal trail from the Lighthouse parking lot. The trail leads you towards “Nanny’s Hole”. This hike and the surrounding views were the most reminiscent of Ireland to me. And seeing as so many of the first Newfoundlanders were Irish immigrants, one can really imagine why they felt at home here. The trail is 2.6 km long, so it’s an easy hike to do if you’re short on time but still want to experience the surrounding area.
The lighthouse which stands on Cape Bonavista is my favourite lighthouse design. Something about those striking red and white stripes that pours down over the entire building makes it look like a giant peppermint candy. Caught in a sea of green grass. There’s something about lighthouses that draws people from near and far. Their presence radiates a sense of safety and solidarity, as though the light itself is a shield against disaster. And Cape Bonavista Lighthouse is no exception. It overlooks Bonavista Bay and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Just across from the lighthouse is the iconic Puffin Colony. The little birds come to this safe harbour every year to roast and nest before their babies are born. The lighthouse itself was built in 1843. Back then, it was just a simple stone tower with a large glass lantern. The lamp was ignited by seal oil, and the lighthouse keeper’s job was to ensure it was always lit. He would purchase the seal oil from the fishermen in nearby villages to keep the lighthouse lantern burning. They were also charged with polishing the glass and recording weather and waves patterns. Today the stone tower has been encapsulated by a large surrounding building. Visitors can go inside the old tower to view the amazing lookout from above.
The lighthouse stands on the point where famous Italian navigator and explorer John Cabot first spotted land on his 1497 transatlantic voyage. When he saw the coastline ahead, he cried, “O Buona Vista!” which in Italian means “Oh happy sight!”
One of the best ways to see the lighthouse is to hike the Cape Shore Trail. This is a 9.2 km hike along the coastline and cliffside. It leads right to the lighthouse as the culminating point of the walk. This is such an incredible hike to see all different kinds of wildlife along the way. Although you can drive directly to the lighthouse, the hike is much more dramatic. The trail provides spectacular views of Bonavista Bay as you leisurely walk along the rugged coastline. Be sure to stop for a picnic along the trail or at the John Cabot Municipal Park.
Cape Spear is a historic lighthouse located on the eastern tip of the Avalon Peninsula. Built in 1836, it was the second Lighthouse in Newfoundland and today is the oldest surviving Lighthouse. The colonist decided on this spot for their second Lighthouse. The area was located near the busy and rocky coast which stood near the entrance to St. John’s harbour.
Cape Spear was initially named ‘Cabo da Esperança,‘ by the Portuguese. This meant, “cape of hope.” But it was renamed when the French occupied the region, and they translated it to “Cap d’Espoir”. But over the years, the English just called it “Cape Spear,” which was their pronunciation of the French naming convention. Personally, I love the name ‘ Cape Hope’ and that’s how I like to think of the Lighthouse. No doubt, sailors coming in off the seemingly endless Atlantic ocean would have been overcome with emotion upon finally seeing land for the first time. A symbol of hope after their long journey.
To reach the lighthouse, you first need to climb a large set of stairs. This makes the entire experience of reaching the lighthouse all the more dramatic. As it seems to grow in size as you get close and closer. From the top of the hillside, you can descend down the cliffside via a series of boardwalks and wooden stairs. Standing on the deck facing the ocean, you are perched on the Easternmost point in North America. Looking out from here, you can spot Quidi Vidi Lake as well as St. John’s Harbour to the south. Plus an unobstructed view of Notre Dame Bay to the west.
Although the lighthouse is now automated, the lightkeeper’s residence is still on site. It has been restored to how it looked in 1839 when it was first opened. It now serves as a museum and allows the public to enter. They can experience what life for the new colonists and lighthouse keepers would have been like in the early 19th century.
For hikers, you can start your hike from the Cape Spear Lighthouse along the eastern edge of the coast. This fantastic 8.7 km moderate hike offers scenic views of the Atlantic ocean. If you make it the entire way, you will end at the lookout over Madam Cove.
Located on the other side of Signal Hill is a small square, tapered, wooden tower overlooking the Narrows. The Narrows is the only passage from the Atlantic Ocean to St. John’s Harbour, Newfoundland, bordered north and south by steep rock walls. This Lighthouse is situated on old Fort Amherst and therefore goes by the name Fort Amherst Lighthouse. The first Newfoundland British defensive tower was built on this very spot. It was built to protect the land from the invading French armies. Years later, in 1813 after the British forces left North America, the old Battery was transformed into a lighthouse.
The design of the lighthouse went through many iterations over time, and the current one standing is from 1951. A lighthouse was desperately needed in St. John‘s. St. John’s was one of the busiest harbours in Newfoundland. Ships coming in from Europe to fish from the Cod-rich oceans came in droves in the Spring and Summer. But what makes St. John’s harbour so special is that it is a naturally sheltered and ice-free port. So ships could come and go as they please here throughout the year. Sailors coming home would be greeted by this friendly lighthouse on their return shore. Various generations of fishermen find comfort in this lighthouse and it’s a mainstay of the community. Standing at this point, you have a fantastic view of Signal Hill across the Narrows and of St. John’s harbour.
A wonderful hike that starts (or ends) at Fort Amherst is Deadman’s Bay Path. The hike is fairly difficult at 20km there and back. But you can easily just walk a portion of the trail starting from the entry point at Fort Amherst. The trail features beautiful wildflowers during the spring and summer and berry picking grounds in the later summer and fall. There is even a swimming hole on Southside Hill. There are several high elevations gains at the midpoint on the trail. If you’d prefer to avoid those, you can walk as far as the steep climbs and return. But if you choose to walk the entire path, it should take between 4-5 hours from Fort Amherst to Blackhead and back. If you can make it as far as Deadman’s Bay, you’ll be in for a real treat!
In the early 1800s, a merchant from St. John’s, named James MacBraire, came to King’s Cove to fish the rich waters. During the winter, he would hire skilled sailors to hunt seals. These brought in lots of money for the merchant as their pelts were very valuable. King’s Cove soon became a hub for his large fishery. But by 1893, the community was vying for a lighthouse to help the influx of ships in the area. The sailors desperately needed help managing the breakers and shallow waters around the cove.
King’s Cove Lighthouse was erected in 1893. It was made of cast iron and shipped in from England in pieces. This prefabricated design is the last surviving example of these pre-fab lighthouses in Canada. Unlike some of the other lighthouses in this guide, the King’s Cove lighthouse is an example of a functional structure. No ornamentation or flashy structures, just a simple stand-alone tower. The lighthouse was built on the headland jutting into the bay.
The King’s Cove Lighthouse trail offers hikers two options. You can take the extremely easy 1.7 km inner loop, which takes you to the lighthouse and back. Or opt for the 3.5 km outer loop, which heads to the lighthouse and then inwards through the seaside meadows. The pathway is actually a former country road that connected the lighthouse to the community. The views along the incredible coastline with remarkable geological sequences make this site a wonderful place to visit.
On the western edge of Gros Morne National Park stands the Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse. It faces the great Gulf of St. Lawrence and was the guide for boats entering Boone Bay. The lighthouse was built in 1894 to help the sailors on the west side of Newfoundland find their way home.
One of the most interesting parts of a visit to Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse is visiting the lighthouse keeper’s house. It has been restored to look and feel like it has been plucked out of the 1900s. This gives visitors a glimpse at how lighthouse keepers and their families lived in these remote locations. While they were only paid a few hundred dollars a year, their hard work was responsible for keeping so many ships safe.
Another unique aspect of Lobster Cove Head is the signal flags they have on display. These flags started to be used in the 1890s to send messages between ships and the shore. The different flags each represented a specific message. A banner with a “U” would tell the incoming ships, “You are running into danger,” while a “W” meant “I require medical assistance.”
Just next to the lighthouse, you’ll find the entrance to Lobster Cove Head trail. This is a 2.1 km trek which is perfect for any skill level. You will wander up and down the coastline into the tuckamore forests and towards the rocky beaches. When you reach the beach, be sure to take a peek into the tide pools. These tide pools contain a myriad of different sea creatures like anemones, fish, crabs and periwinkles.
The most unique lighthouse on the island is the Rose Blanche Lighthouse, located on the southwest corner of Newfoundland. The Rose Blanche Lighthouse was originally named “Roche Blanch,” which means white rock. The name was inspired by the white quartz that is found in this area of Newfoundland. The same white granite quarried in the nearby mines was used to construct the lighthouse itself. It was built in 1873 and unlike the sleek designs of the other lighthouse, the rocks give this one a rustic quality. I love how the rocks around the lighthouse blend in with the lighthouse itself. Making it look like the building simply grew out of the earth.
A very short and sweet trail is located right at the back of Rose Blanche Lighthouse. The trail offers scenic views of the North Atlantic Ocean and the white rocks on the coast. You can wander through the picturesque community of Rose Blanche Harbour Le-Cou. Some parts of the trails are actually old roads. These roads were once used by the first mariners to sail these shores.
The name “Point Amour” literally means “Love Point.” But shockingly, it was originally named “Pointe-aux-Morts,” or “dead man’s point.” Separating Labrador from Newfoundland is the great Strait of Belle Isle. This deadly waterway is known for rough seas and thick fog. The weather resulting in all these deadly shipwrecks over the years. The famous HMS Raleigh was wrecked just a mile offshore. Eleven crewmen died trying to swim to shore, but they couldn’t see the limestone cliffs in such rough conditions.
Four lighthouses were built along the coast to prevent such deadly accidents. This ensured that large steamships could travel safely between Europe and Newfoundland. The name of the area was changed in the hopes to rebrand the area and communicate the new safety standards put in place by the lighthouses. Of the four lighthouses, Point Amour Lighthouse is the tallest in Atlantic Canada. Reaching 109 feet (33 meters) built in 1858.
When the lighthouses were built, they were called, “Imperial Towers”. Their designs were based on lighthouses in the British Isles. The towers were made of bricks but covered in clapboard to protect against the rough weather. Today you can visit the interior of the lighthouse as the entire building complex is a museum. You can walk the 132 steps to the top of the tower. From here you have a panoramic view of the sea and land surrounding it.
Raleigh Trail is an easy 1.8 km pathway that runs around the lighthouse. It allows visitors to get close to the beautiful wildflowers and coastline surrounding the area. Walking along the trail, you’ll also pass the site of the washed-up wreckage from the HMS Raleigh and several other ships. The ship parts littering the shore like an iron graveyard.
Fox Point Lighthouse can be found outside the small town of St. Anthony. Originally the land was used by French fishermen from Brittany. It was “officially” French explorer Jacques Cartier who “discovered” St. Anthony Harbour. But we all know it was occupied by locals long before then. French fishermen would come here for the season and then leave come winter. But eventually, they were pushed out and banned from fishing in favour of the local Newfoundlanders.
In 1850, Dr. Wilfred T. Grenfell arrived and built the St. Anthony Hospital, which grew the community substantially. St. Anthony Harbour was deemed the perfect place to build the first lighthouse in the area in 1906. The first lighthouse was an iron tower with a large lens lantern atop. It was painted with a framework of red and white vertical stripes. Over the years, the design of the lighthouse was altered. Today we can see the 1936 iteration which features a flat-roofed wooden building. But they continued the tradition of painting the sides red and white.
The building beside the lighthouse, which was originally the lighthouse keeper’s residence, has been turned into an amazing Seafood Restaurant. It opened in 1993 and has been serving tourists and locals ever since. Nothing is better on a cold day than the lighthouse keepers’ seafood chowder!
Fishing Point Park Trails is a wonderful hike, which takes you up, up and away. The 3.7 km loop offers scenic views from the top of St. Anthony’s and is good for all skill levels. There is a large set of stairs to climb at the midpoint on the trail, but just take your time, and the view from the top will be worth the effort! The entire town of St. Anthony’s is spread out around you with the lighthouse you just visited dead center!
If you are planning a trip to Newfoundland, a visit to one or many of their iconic lighthouses needs to be a part of your adventures! Let me know in the comments which are your favourite lighthouse or any other ones you visited that stole your heart!
Upon returning from our latest trip to Ireland, I was blown away by this country's…
It took us longer than I like to admit to get the courage to take…
Having returned from a charming two weeks in Ireland, I learned so many things along…
If you're travelling to Glasgow, one of the recommendations I heard time and time again…
One of the first places I tell any visitor to Dresden to visit upon arriving…
Walking through the old streets of Prague, you might discover that many houses you'll pass…
This website uses cookies.