Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site — Attraction in Bonavista

Cape Bonavista Lighthouse is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Newfoundland's stunning coastline. This iconic landmark offers a perfect blend of history, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery.

The lighthouse itself is a marvel of engineering, built in 1903 to guide mariners through the treacherous waters of the North Atlantic. Its white silhouette stands proudly against the dramatic backdrop of the Bonavista Peninsula. The lighthouse keeper's residence, now transformed into a visitor center, offers a glimpse into the lives of those who once called this remote outpost home.

The real star of the show, however, is the abundant wildlife. The surrounding cliffs are home to a thriving puffin colony, offering visitors an unforgettable encounter with these charming seabirds. We were lucky enough to witness hundreds of puffins darting in and out of their burrows, a truly magical experience.

The area around the lighthouse is also known for whale sightings, particularly during the summer months. While we didn't spot any whales during our visit, the possibility of such an encounter adds to the excitement of the experience.

The drive to Cape Bonavista Lighthouse is equally rewarding, with stunning coastal scenery and opportunities for wildlife spotting along the way. The park is dog-friendly, making it a great option for those traveling with furry companions.

Practical Information: Admission: There is a fee to access the lighthouse and puffin viewing area. Best time to visit: The peak puffin season is typically from late May to early August. Dog-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on the grounds.

A visit to Cape Bonavista Lighthouse is an unforgettable experience. It's a place where history, nature, and wildlife come together in...

We have been on the road traveling through Newfoundland for several weeks now, and have visited the western peninsula, the northern Kittiwake coastline (including Twillingate), and parts of the Avalon peninsula. Our favorite place so far has been the Bonavista peninsula. Note: we did NOT go inside or otherwise tour the lighthouse, so this review is about what you can see and experience on a trip to the lighthouse. The coastline is gorgeous, and we would have loved climbing on and hiking around the rocks and cliffs whether in whale season or not, but what made this a 5-Star experience for us was definitely the whales! They were feeding right along the shore (not just passing by), so we watched for probably well over an hour and never had more than a couple of minutes of waiting for another one to break the water. We had a great pair of binoculars, and I highly recommend bringing a pair - not because the whales are far enough to require them, but because they are close enough that a good pair of binoculars allow you to even see them under the incredibly clear water before they swim up and blow. We also saw puffins and other seabirds, but for the most amazing puffin viewing, go to nearby Elliston. The puffin viewing there is incredible, even without binoculars. But we have a great pair, so viewing the puffins and their burrows was like being just a few feet...

We had a wonderful time watching the whales and later in the evening, the Puffins. The Lighthouse was amazing and the guides were informative and wonderful at answering all our questions about the Lighthouse and it’s changes over the years. We also appreciated a very helpful fellow that loves to come watch the whales and share his love for the area with others.He had suggested we come back between 7-8 pm to see the Puffins in great numbers. He was so right. He also pointed out the whales to everyone and even had a pair of binoculars to pass around. How lucky you are to have such a great community fellow to make us feel welcome and patient to share stories with. thank you Eric!! The only unfortunate thing was that the buildings all close at 5pm so we got to see the Lighthouse but could not see the Matthew ship or the plantation.I recommend that during tourist season or at least the two summer months these historical areas...