Cape Race Lighthouse

Cape Race Lighthouse is a 29-meter concrete tower painted white with red accents that rises from a rocky headland on the far eastern coast. The structure houses optical equipment and is accompanied by an interpretive center that explains maritime history and navigation to visitors.

A brick lighthouse built in 1856 was replaced in 1907 by the current concrete tower, which then became a turning point in maritime communication history. The facility received distress calls from a famous ship disaster in 1912, highlighting its crucial role in maritime safety.

The lighthouse stands as a symbol of maritime safety and has shaped how locals view their connection to the sea and shipping routes. Walking around the site, you can see how this structure remains central to the community's identity and coastal heritage.

The lighthouse is reached by a 20-kilometer road from Route 10 and sits on an exposed headland with strong coastal winds. Visitors should dress warmly and wear sturdy footwear, as the terrain is rocky and conditions can be windy throughout the year.

The tower contains one of only three surviving hyperradiant Fresnel lenses left in North America, flashing a single white beam every 7.5 seconds. This rare optical equipment makes it a technical monument for those interested in maritime engineering and lighthouse technology.

Location: Newfoundland

Operator: Cape Race National Historic Site

Address: Cape Race Road

GPS coordinates: 46.65858,-53.07365

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:50