Cape Spear: It's Not Another Signal Hill

Cape Spear Light House

Yes, both Signal Hill and Cape Spear offer breathtaking coastal views—but that's where the similarities end. If you think visiting one means you can skip the other, think again. Cape Spear delivers a wild, windswept, edge-of-the-world experience that's entirely its own.

Why Cape Spear Stands Out

1. The Easternmost Point in North America

First Light hits Cape Spear

- You're literally standing at the farthest east you can go on the continent. The sheer geographic significance alone is worth the trip. That means when the sun rises each morning in North America, the very first piece of land to receive light is Cape Spear!

- The lighthouse (built in 1836) is the oldest surviving one in Newfoundland, with its original Scottish lens from 1815 still on display inside.

Oldest Lighthouse in Newfoundland

- The "new" 1955 lighthouse (still operational) towers beside it—a stark white sentinel against the Atlantic.

2. WWII's Hidden Fortress

While Signal Hill's military history stretches back centuries, Cape Spear's defenses are straight out of WWII:

- Giant 10-inch M1888 guns on "disappearing carriages" (they'd recoil underground after firing) still point seaward.

- Tunnels and barracks snake beneath the cliffs—explore the eerie passages where soldiers once waited for U-boats.

- This was part of Fort Cape Spear, guarding Allied convoys from German submarines during the Battle of the Atlantic.

3. Coastal Hikes with Whale Surprises

There are many trail options winding down the mountain. The East Coast Trail branches out from here, and while we were intrigued, at 16 miles round trip it was more than we were willing to tackle.

So we drove to Maddox Cove and picked up the hike heading back toward Cape Spear. This section follows the cove and ocean, offering views of cliffs, rocks, inlets, and sea stacks. You'll hear waves exploding against the cliffs and see sea spray mixing with seagulls' cries—incredibly peaceful.

The trail winds through wildflowers and sparse trees, revealing different overlooks of cliffs, beaches, points, and caves at every turn. But the highlight of this hike was the minke whales. We were initially thrilled to spot them at a distance in the cove—2-3 whales popping up occasionally, visible but far away.

Then we rounded a turn that led to a rock jutting over a small ocean cove. Suddenly, we heard the distinct sound of minke whales surfacing for air. We watched, stunned, as two large minke whales fed right beneath us along the rock ledge! I couldn't tear my eyes away to grab my phone until much later, but it's etched in my brain as a top moment of our entire trip!

Don't Miss

- Sunrise: Be the first in North America to catch the dawn.

- Fog Moments: When the mist rolls in, the lighthouse vanishes like a ghost—spooky and stunning.

Final Thought

Cape Spear isn't just a photo stop. It's where history, wilderness, and raw Atlantic power collide. And yes, those whales? They're the exclamation point on an already unforgettable place.

Ready to explore? Just watch your step near those cliffs—the edge of the continent has no guardrails! 🌊🐋