Lightstations of Newfoundland and Labrador

Lightkeepers

In the past, lightkeepers worked in isolated areas, battling harsh weather conditions to provide safe guidance to mariners. Peace and seclusion was tempered by a severe maritime climate, and limited resources of food and heating fuel, which had to be delivered during summer months and hoisted up over rugged cliffs. Semi-detached lighthouses sheltered lightkeepers, their assistants, and their respective families. Today, most lightkeepers live in neighboring communities and commute to work. Their duties include regularly inspecting navigational aids (main light, foghorn) and buildings on site. When they are not logging daily weather conditions or reporting the status of ice floes, lightkeepers are scanning surrounding waters for flares, boats in trouble or other unusual sights.

Eastern Region - Cape Race

Cape Race was deemed a national historic site because of its important role in wireless communication and international navigation. It was the first landfall for ships sailing from Europe to destinations in North America. Built in 1856, the light tower contains a rare 20 ton hyper-radial lens that can be seen for 24 nautical miles, making the Cape Race light one of the most powerful in the world. The 2.3 metre high light floats in a half-ton mercury bath and is the only hyper-radial lens in North America.

Cape Race is home of the Marconi Wireless Station where wireless operators heard and relayed Titanic's distress signals as it went down less than 400 miles away. Both Marconi Station and lightkeeper's residence are open for viewing.

Other lightstations of interest in the Avalon and Eastern Regions:

• Bell Island,
• Fort Amherst,
• Powles Head,
• St. Shotts,
• Cape St. Mary's,
• Tides Cove Point,
• Lamaline (Allan's Island),
• Green Island (F.B.),
• Fortune Head,
• Green Island (T.B.),
• Cape Bonavista,
• Fort Point

Western Region - Cape Anguille

Set against a spectacular mountain backdrop and lush green grass, Cape Anguille boasts stunning views from its many trails.

Cape Anguille was built on the most Westerly point of Newfoundland, near the town of Codroy, following a marine disaster in 1905. It provided marine navigation for steamships traveling along the Gulf of St. Lawrence and up the Strait of Belle Isle.

The lighthouse, a quaint red and white duplex, was recently transformed into the Lighthouse Inn.

Other lightstations of interest in the Western Region:

• Cape Ray,
• Rose Blanche,
• New Ferolle Peninsula,
• Point Amour,
• Red Bay,
• Fox Point,
• Lobster Cove Head,
• Pointe Riche,
• Keppel Island

Central Region - Long Point Twillingate

Built in 1876, Long Point lightstation is situated atop of a cliff called Devil's Cove Head in Notre Dame Bay (a.k.a. Iceberg Alley).

The 8.8 metre high tower was originally constructed with brick but was encased with concrete after a 1929 earthquake threatened its stability. The aero-beacon style lens can be seen from 22 nautical miles.

An enclosed passageway connects the lightkeeper's house, fog horn building and light tower. One of the original dwellings was converted into a craft store, coffee shop and interpretation centre. Interpretive signage, boardwalks, and viewing platforms overlook the steep cliffs and volcanic rocks.

Other lightstations in the Central Region:

• Northwest Head (Ramea),
• Puffin Island,
• Pass Island

Lightstations of Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador has 55 major lightstations, 23 are staffed.

Lightstations are an important part of our marine culture and heritage that must be preserved and protected. Canadian Coast Guard is working with the Lighthouse Society of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Canadian Coast Guard Alumni to maintain these lights so that the general public can continue to learn from their enduring legacy.