Fort Amherst

Fort Amherst is a fortified site perched on a cliff overlooking the harbor entrance of St. John's, featuring a lighthouse and military structures built across different periods. The location includes stone buildings, defensive positions carved into the rock, and period artillery positioned to command views across the water.

The British established the initial fortifications in 1777 as a defensive measure against French naval threats at this strategic location. The site was updated during World War II with contemporary military equipment to protect the harbor entrance.

Fort Amherst represents the military engineering traditions of British colonial defense, with its strategic placement and architectural design reflecting 18th-century military principles.

A visit is best during fair weather, as the clifftop can be windy and slippery, and fog often blocks views across the bay. Sturdy shoes are recommended, and visitors should stay on designated paths since the cliff edges are hazardous.

Visitors can still see two original World War II guns mounted at their original positions, showing how the site modernized its defensive capability. These cannons create a striking contrast with the older British fortifications and illustrate the long period of active use.