Watch the Sunrise on a Continent
Just 25 minute’s drive away from St John’s is the Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site, the province’s oldest lighthouse and the most eastern point of Canada. Restored to its former appearance, it’s the ideal spot to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic, the first sunrise over the country, and notwithstanding Greenland, over North America too. Watch for whales and icebergs, and take a walk along the dramatic coastline.
Overview
Length of Trip : 2-3 hours. You’ll want to be at Cape Spear before sunrise, and walk around a little bit once the yolk has cracked the sky. Providing you’re not sitting in the fog.
Cost : Free!
Best time to go : On a clear morning
Wheelchair friendly : Yes
Family friendly : Yes
Where to eat : Grab breakfast back in St John’s at the Rocket Bakery, The Bagel Café (246 Duckworth Street) or Cora’s (215 Water Street)
Official Site : www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/nl/spear/index.aspx
Where to Stay : When visiting St John’s, we recommend staying with our partner Holiday Inn
Getting There : From St John’s: drive west on Water Street to Leslie Street. Turn left at the lights and go over the bridge, to the stop sign. Go straight through the intersection and continue for 15 km—you are now on Route 11, also known as Cape Spear Drive. At the end of the road is Cape Spear National Historic Site of Canada.
Note from Robin : On Route 11, watch out for moose. They love jumping into the road this early in the morning. Mind the warnings close the sea, it does get very rough. Definitely watch the weather for a clear day, where you might even see icebergs and whales.
Gallery
Map
Further Reading
Poll

Drive
PRESENTED BY FORD OF CANADA
Product
FOR THIS EXPERIENCE, WE RECOMMEND

![]() |
Durand Mid WP (Available for Men and Women)
Amazing comfort and unsurpassed durability from the first step to the millionth! The KEEN Durand Mid WP hiking boots for men are crafted of KEEN PU and dual compound rubber outsole. They deliver durable, dependable longevity for the long haul. PU resists breakdown and compression, while preserving its shock-absorbing qualities no matter how many miles you put on them, keeping you comfortable while hiking. Feet stay dry and comfortable thanks to the KEEN.Dry waterproof, breathable membrane. This men's waterproof hiker is American Built in KEEN's Portland, Oregon, factory. |
![]() |
Liberty Ridge (Available for Men and Women) The Liberty Ridge hiking boot is KEEN’s tough, supportive high-performance leather boot for long trips on gnarly trails. The shock absorbing direct-attach PU midsole delivers lasting comfort, and a full-length shank adds stability. The waterproof upper and KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane combine to keep your feet dry. Designed to handle any trail surface, if you rack up serious backcountry mileage with a full pack, this is your boot. American Built with materials from around the world.
|
![]() |
Gypsum (Available for Men and Women) Lace up the Gypsum and rack up the trail miles. For stability, comfort and moisture management, this lightweight hiker delivers with built-in technology including a specially designed 4mm lugged outsole, KEEN.Zorb strobel and KEEN.Dry waterproof breathable membrane. |
![]() |
Saltzman WP (Available for Men and Women) The Saltzman Waterproof hiking shoe is perfect for long day hikes and rugged global adventure. The closed mesh upper is light, flexible and tough. The waterproof, breathable KEEN.DRY membrane protects from rain and mud. High-traction outsole and springy midsole combine with a metatomical dual density footbed add long lasting cushioning. |
![]() |
Targhee II Mid: (Available for Men and Women) Here's a hiking boot that offers four-wheel-drive performance for your feet. It's designed to be both waterproof and breathable, and the aggressive outsole bites into the terrain. The mid-cut height adds ankle support. |