Cape Spear is a short drive from downtown St. John’s. It sits on a high point of land overlooking St. John’s Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Most days a pretty stiff breeze will greet you. Although the area is notorious for fog, we were blessed with a beautiful, warm day!
The site covers a large area. Trails weave around it and the 2 portions of the East Coast Trail system connect to Cape Spear, The Blackhead Path and the Cape Spear Path.
The original lighthouse was built in 1836. In the summer of 2018 it was undergoing restoration.
During WW2 Cape Spear was outfitted with a gun battery. This was done to protect the entrance to St. John’s Harbour. Troops stationed here used barracks and underground passages that led to the bunkers. The gun barrels remain.
There is an amazing permanent art exhibit at the Cape Spear Art Gallery. It contains over 60 paintings of lighthouses from all over Newfoundland. It is a wonderful collection and the detail brings these buildings to life. The gallery has limited house so check it out if you want to see it.
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