Cape Spear Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Stand at the edge of the world at North America's most easterly point, where ancient lighthouses watch over the Atlantic and icebergs drift by. Experience the raw beauty of Newfoundland's rugged coastline, steep cliffs, and deep maritime history.
Standing on the rugged cliffs of Cape Spear, you are closer to Ireland than you are to Vancouver. As the most easterly point in North America, this is where the continent first greets the dawn. The air here is charged with the salt spray of the Atlantic, and the roar of the ocean crashing against the ancient rocks is a sound that stays with you long after you leave.
It is a place of profound beauty and isolation, yet deeply connected to the maritime soul of Newfoundland and Labrador. Whether you are watching humpback whales breach in the deep blue waters below, spotting a 10,000-year-old iceberg drifting past, or tracing the footsteps of lighthouse keepers from the 19th century, Cape Spear offers a sensory experience unlike any other.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
A Beacon Through History
Cape Spear is more than just a geographic landmark; it is a National Historic Site with a layered past. The site is dominated by the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador, built in 1836. This iconic structure, restored to its 1839 appearance, offers a glimpse into the solitary lives of the Cantwell family, who tended the light for generations. Nearby, the modern automated light continues the vigil, guiding vessels safely toward St. John’s Harbour.
Beyond the maritime history, the Cape served as a critical line of defence during the Second World War. You can explore the remnants of Fort Cape Spear, where Canadian and American troops manned two massive gun barrels to protect Allied convoys from German U-boats. Walking through the concrete bunkers today provides a haunting contrast to the peaceful, sweeping vistas of the ocean.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Sunrise at the Edge of the World
Be the first person in North America to see the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean.
Explore the WW2 Coastal Defence Battery
Walk through the remnants of Fort Cape Spear, including two gun barrels that guarded the convoy routes during the Second World War.
Hike the East Coast Trail
Trek a portion of this world-class trail system that passes directly through Cape Spear, offering rugged cliff-side views.
Visit Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove
Drive 10 minutes to this picturesque fishing village for fresh seafood and a glimpse of traditional Newfoundland life.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
Cape Spear Lighthouse - The centerpiece of the park. You can tour the restored interior of the 1836 lighthouse during operational hours. The site is located 15 km from downtown St. John’s. Entry fees are typically around $9.00 CAD per adult, or free with a Parks Canada Discovery Pass.
WWII Coastal Defence Battery - Explore the concrete bunkers and gun emplacements situated at the tip of the cape. These open-air ruins are free to explore and offer some of the best unobstructed views of the ocean. Located just a 500-meter walk from the main parking lot.
The Most Easterly Point Sign - No trip is complete without a photo at the wooden sign marking the most easterly point in North America. It is located on a wooden observation deck accessible via boardwalk stairs. Free access.
East Coast Trail (Cape Spear Path) - For hikers, the trail connecting Cape Spear to Maddox Cove offers spectacular scenery. Even a short 1-2 km walk along this well-marked trail provides incredible cliffside photography opportunities. Free access, but sturdy footwear is required.
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Cape Spear is located just a 20-minute drive (approx. 15 km) from downtown St. John’s. There is no public transportation to the site, so renting a car is the most practical option. Alternatively, taxi services and guided tour buses operate from the city, though these can be pricey. The site has ample parking, which can fill up during peak summer afternoons.
The weather at the Cape is distinct from the city; it is almost always windier and cooler. Even on a sunny summer day, you should bring a windbreaker or a sweater. The terrain includes boardwalks, stairs, and gravel paths, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. If you plan to hike the coastal trails, bring water and snacks, as facilities on-site are limited to a small gift shop and seasonal café.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Summer (July - August)
Pros
- Highest chance of warm weather
- Peak whale watching season
- All historic sites and tours open
Cons
- Most crowded with tourists
- Highest accommodation prices in nearby St. John's
- Fog can still roll in unexpectedly
Shoulder Season: Late Spring (May - June)
Pros
- Best time for viewing icebergs
- Everything is blooming
- Lower travel costs than summer
Cons
- Weather can be unpredictable and chilly
- Some seasonal amenities may not be fully open yet
- Trails might be muddy
Off-Peak: Winter (November - March)
Pros
- Stunning, dramatic winter photography
- Zero crowds
- Cozy atmosphere in nearby St. John's pubs
Cons
- Historic lighthouse interior is closed
- Very high winds and cold
- Hazardous driving conditions possible
Whether you come for the whales, the icebergs, or simply to say you stood at the edge of the continent, Cape Spear delivers a powerful experience. The juxtaposition of jagged rock, endless ocean, and human resilience makes this one of Canada’s most unforgettable destinations.
Sample Itineraries
Sunrise & Sea Breeze: The Essential Day Trip
A focused itinerary catching the iconic sunrise and exploring the immediate surroundings and nearby fishing villages.
Day 1: First Light & Fishing Villages
- Morning: Drive from St. John’s at 4:30 AM to catch the sunrise at Cape Spear, spending $9.00 CAD per adult for site entry after the booth opens. Walk the boardwalks to both lighthouses and explore the WW2 gun batteries while the light is golden.
- Afternoon: Drive 11 km south to Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove for a seafood lunch at Chafe’s Landing, costing approximately $60 CAD for two. Spend two hours walking the active fishing wharves or take a mini-hike on the motion path nearby.
- Evening: Return to St. John’s for a relaxed dinner at Duke of Duckworth to try cod tongues or fish and chips, costing around $50 CAD. Wrap up the night with a stroll along the St. John’s Harbourfront.
The East Coast Explorer Weekend
An immersive two-day trip combining the history of Cape Spear with the hiking of the East Coast Trail and culture of St. John's.
Day 1: History on the Edge
- Morning: Arrive at Cape Spear National Historic Site at 9:00 AM for a guided tour of the 1836 lighthouse to learn about the Cantwell family keepers. Spend time spotting humpback whales from the cliffs if visiting in July, using your own binoculars.
- Afternoon: Hike a section of the East Coast Trail starting from the Cape towards Blackhead, covering about 5 km round trip of moderate terrain. Bring a packed lunch to eat on the rocks overlooking the Atlantic, keeping costs low around $20 CAD.
- Evening: Head into downtown St. John’s to George Street for live traditional Irish-Newfoundland music. Enjoy dinner at YellowBelly Brewery, budgeting $80 CAD for a meal and local craft beers.
Day 2: Villages & Vistas
- Morning: Drive to Quidi Vidi Village, a historic fishing gut 20 km from Cape Spear, to visit the Plantation craft studios. Hike up the Sugarloaf path for a view that rivals Cape Spear but with fewer tourists.
- Afternoon: Take a boat tour from St. John’s harbour or Bay Bulls (30 km drive) to see puffins and potentially more whales, costing approximately $160 CAD for two tickets. These tours offer a sea-level perspective of the massive cliffs you stood on yesterday.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell fine-dining experience at Raymonds or Portage in St. John’s, expecting to pay $200+ CAD. Finish with a drive up Signal Hill to watch the sunset over the city, contrasting your sunrise at Cape Spear.
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