Visiting Cape Spear
Cape Spear national historic site is a popular tourist destination in eastern Newfoundland. The site earned its historic status because of its importance as a defensive military post during WW2 and because it is home to the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland. A boardwalk trail parallels the coastline and, at their own pace, guests can enjoy a nature walk and view the many military relics found along its course. Many people take the opportunity to have their photo taken at the "most easterly point" landmark at the ocean's edge.
The Cape Spear Lighthouse
Since 1836, the Cape Spear lighthouse has enhanced the safety of ships approaching St. John's harbour. The design consisted of a central, concrete, core for the lighthouse and a two-storey family home encircling the core. The lighthouse keeper lived in the residence with his family and could access the lighthouse from the second floor of the residence. The original lighthouse, restored to 1839, is open for public tours during the summer season. A separate blog showcasing the lighthouse keeper's residence can be accessed here.
With technological advancements, the lighthouse's oil operating system went through evolutionary changes and the fuel source transitioned from an oil source to acetylene and, finally, electricity. In 1955, a light tower, built within a few hundred feet of the original lighthouse, replaced the former structure. The light tower does not have housing quarters and, to the best of my knowledge, is managed by Parks Canada officials. For those interested, here is a list of other lighthouses in NL.
Cape Spear: Military History
Cape Spear, Newfoundland, being the eastern-most land mass on Canada's coast, played an important role in country's military history during WW2. The barracks and mess hall were demolished, and much of the ammunition was removed, since the garrison retreated after the end of the war in 1945. However, two 10 inch M1888 guns remain on location in close proximity to underground bunkers as grim reminders of the battle of WW2.
More detail about the military history of Fort Cape Spear can be found in a separate blog by following the link.
Cape Spear: Nature Trail
Today, Cape Spear, Newfoundland, is a popular tourist attraction with a beautiful waking trail that parallels the Newfoundland coast. Visitors can enjoy captivating ocean, horizon, and coastal views while watching for whales, seabirds, and icebergs in season. Throughout the walking trail, there are lookout points with information boards about the area's nature, wildlife, and colorful military history. Most people can't pass up the opportunity to get their photo taken at this "most easterly point" marker at a rest station along the nature trail at Cape Spear, Newfoundland.
As you walk Newfoundland's coastal trails, keep your eyes open for red chairs. The red chairs found at Cape Spear overlook the ocean near the "most easterly point" marker. Parks Canada has created landmark "red chairs" along many walking paths throughout Canada.
Please continue to follow my blogs as I showcase more popular tourist attractions in eastern Newfoundland.
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