Cape Spear 3

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This photo of a ship heading for St. John's Harbour was taken on our way to Cape Spear. The ship is approximately 10 K (6 miles) distant.

Cape Spear is further east then any other point in North or South America. To get an idea how far east; it is about 2,735 KM (1,700 miles) to Europe and 5,150 KM (3,200 miles) to California.

Because Cape Spear was on a direct convoy route between Europe and North America, it took on a whole new military significance during WWII. Gun emplacements, tunnels and barracks were built by Canada (Newfoundland was still its own country at that time) to house a coastal defense battery. After the war, most of these military defenses were destroyed. However, the gun emplacements and tunnels have been stabilized and provide a sheltered view of the ocean. Plaques denoting the importance of this area have been erected and walkways provide visitors with the opportunity to view whales, icebergs, seabirds and ships headed in and out of St. John's Harbour.

Because these cliffs are approximately 15 m (50 ft) tall, it's not surprising that the sign near this point says, "The cliffs and seas in this area are dangerous. Utmost care must be taken, particularly with small children."