Cape Spear National Historic Site

Cape Spear is located about twenty kilometers from the city center of St. John’s, Newfoundland.  It is known for being the most easterly point in North America.

Cape Spear is a National Historic Site and popular attraction in the St. John’s area and provides both a scenic and historic experience to visitors.

The landscape of the area is characterized by steep cliffs and rocky coastline.  There is a trail that takes visitors along the coast.  Along this trail there are several interesting points.  The first one is a platform with a sign indicating that you are standing on the most easterly point on the continent.  The trail continues onto some old war barracks that you can walk through and explore and than continues onto two lighthouses; the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and another more modern one.  There is a visitor’s center where you can learn more about the history and geography of the area and the lighthouses.

There are plenty of places to rest and admire the spectacular view along this short trail.  On clear days, visitors often see whales frolicking offshore and Cape Spear is said to be one of the best places to see icebergs when they float into the bay every spring.

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Andrea MacEachern is a freelance travel writer and amateur photographer living in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. anotherdayforgrace.blogspot.ca