Cape Spear Lighthouse (Old) - August, 1998
Cape Spear is the most easterly point of land in North America. As such it has had a lighthouse since 1835, the first built in Newfoundland by the Newfoundland Lighthouse Board, to signal the approach to St. John's Harbour, about 15 kilometres away. Today it is the oldest standing lighthouse in Newfoundland.
The original lighthouse, seen here, served shipping until 1955 at which time it was replaced by a new concrete tower. The old building was then relocated about 200 meters away and restored to original shape and became the center attraction of a National Historic Site.
When I visited this lighthouse in 1988, is was not open to the public. It could only be viewed from an open doorway. My visit during the summer of 1998 was different. The lighthouse is now open for guided tours, provided by some of the most friendly staff that I have encountered. To see the inside of the building, and to have every feature explained by knowledgeable staff was a treat.
To reach Cape Spear from St. John's, start from the foot of Leslie Street, cross to the Southside of the harbour and follow the signs to Cape Spear National Historic Site. The drive takes about 20-30 minutes. There is ample parking at the site. Both lighthouses are accessible by a wooden stairway from the parking lot. While you are there, you should take the time to follow some of the other trails, especially the one that takes you to the actual most easterly point in North America.
Newfoundland Lighthouses - Lorne's Lighthouses
Comments to: Lorne Hull
Last updated: 09 Oct 1999
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