Cape Race Lighthouse Travel Guide

Cape Race Lighthouse, a prominent beacon on Newfoundland's southeastern coast, has stood as a sentinel of the North Atlantic since 1856. The original cast iron tower, now located in Ottawa at the National Science and Technology Museum, was replaced in 1907 by the current reinforced concrete structure. This new lighthouse was equipped with a hyperradiant Fresnel lens, one of the largest and rarest in the world, capable of emitting a one million candle power flash.Cape Race's significance extends beyond navigation. In 1904, a Marconi wireless station was established here, making it among the first locations to receive radio signals from ships. Famously, in April 1912, the station received the distress call from the Titanic. The lighthouse also played a vital role in communicating with Allied convoys during both World Wars.Today, Cape Race Lighthouse is a National Historic Site, offering visitors a chance to explore its rich maritime history and witness the stunning natural beauty of the Avalon Peninsula. The Myrick Wireless Interpretation Centre, a replica of the original Marconi station, provides exhibits and artifacts that immerse visitors in the world of early wireless communications. The surrounding area is also a nature-lover's paradise, with hiking trails and the nearby Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient fossil beds.