Bonavista Lighthouse (Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site)
Newfoundland and Labrador
Bonavista Lighthouse, located on Cape Bonavista in Newfoundland, is a historic lighthouse built between 1841 and 1843. It served as a crucial navigational aid marking the entrances to Bonavista and Trinity bays and guiding mariners bound for Labrador. The lighthouse is the fourth-oldest in Newfoundland and features a two-story wooden building constructed around a masonry tower topped with a lantern. Its original lighting apparatus came from the Bell Rock Lighthouse in Scotland and was later replaced by a catoptric system from the Isle of May, both installed by Robert Oke, the first Chief Inspector of the Newfoundland Lighthouse Service. The lighthouse was operational until 1962 when it was replaced by an electric light on a nearby steel tower. In the 1970s, it was restored as a museum, preserving furniture and artifacts from the pre-1870 period and displaying the rare catoptric lighting system composed of Argand oil lamps and parabolic silver mirrors. The museum also features exhibits on local industries such as fishing, whaling, sealing, and coopering, alongside the ecological history of Cape Bonavista. The lighthouse remains a significant cultural and historical landmark, attracting visitors interested in maritime heritage and Newfoundland's coastal history.
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Consejo: Visitors are advised to check current operating hours before visiting, as they may vary seasonally. The best time to visit is during the warmer months for more comfortable weather and full access to outdoor areas. Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons. The site offers guided tours with experienced interpreters who provide in-depth knowledge about the lighthouse and local history. Discounts may be available for seniors, students, and groups. Wear sturdy footwear for exploring the rocky cape surroundings.
Datos interesantes
- •Bonavista Lighthouse is the fourth-oldest lighthouse in Newfoundland.
- •Its first lamps and reflectors were originally from the Bell Rock Lighthouse in Scotland.
- •The lighthouse features a rare catoptric lighting system with Argand oil lamps and parabolic silver mirrors.
- •Robert Oke, the first Chief Inspector of the Newfoundland Lighthouse Service, installed the original and replacement lighting systems.
- •In 2001, the lighthouse tower was struck by lightning three times during a severe electrical storm, causing a fire that was quickly extinguished.
- •The lighthouse ceased operation in 1962 and was replaced by an electric light on a nearby steel tower.
Historia
The Bonavista Lighthouse was constructed from 1841 to 1843 to aid navigation into Bonavista and Trinity bays and to assist mariners heading to Labrador.
It is the fourth-oldest lighthouse in Newfoundland.
The original lighting equipment was sourced from the Bell Rock Lighthouse in Scotland and later replaced by a catoptric system from the Isle of May, both installed by Robert Oke, Newfoundland's first Chief Inspector of Lighthouses.
The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1962 when replaced by an electric light on a nearby steel tower.
In the 1970s, the provincial government restored the lighthouse as a museum preserving its maritime heritage.
In 2001, the lighthouse survived a lightning strike-induced fire due to prompt firefighting efforts.
Guía del lugar
The Lighthouse Tower1843
The central masonry tower is topped by the lantern room which housed the original lighting apparatus, including the rare catoptric system made of Argand oil lamps and parabolic mirrors. Visitors can explore the tower to understand the lighthouse's navigational role.
Museum Exhibits
Inside the two-story wooden building, exhibits showcase furniture and artifacts from the pre-1870 period, along with displays about local industries such as fishing, whaling, sealing, and coopering. The ecological history of Cape Bonavista is also featured.
Contacto
Teléfono: (709) 468-7444
