Photo: Tim Gage / CC BY-SA 2.0
Rising from the rugged Labrador coast, Point Amour Lighthouse is a beacon of maritime history and breathtaking isolation. As the tallest lighthouse in Atlantic Canada, this 19th-century limestone tower offers sweeping views of the Strait of Belle Isle and the wild North Atlantic. The surrounding landscape is a stark, beautiful tableau of rocky cliffs, boreal forest, and crashing waves—perfect for travellers seeking solitude and a deep connection to Canada's maritime heritage.
Highlights & What to See
- Climb the 128 steps to the top of the 33-metre lighthouse for panoramic views of the Labrador coast and, on clear days, across the strait to Newfoundland.
- Explore the restored lightkeeper's dwelling, now a museum filled with period furnishings, maritime artifacts, and stories of the lighthouse keepers who braved the elements.
- Walk the coastal trails around the lighthouse, where you can spot icebergs drifting south, whales breaching offshore, and seabirds nesting on the cliffs.
- Visit the Point Amour Interpretation Centre for exhibits on the area's shipwrecks, including the tragic wreck of the HMS Rattler.
- Photograph the dramatic coastline at sunrise or sunset, when the light paints the limestone tower and rugged shoreline in golden hues.
Suggested Time to Spend
Plan for at least 1.5 to 2 hours to climb the lighthouse, tour the museum, and stroll the immediate grounds. If you're keen on hiking the coastal trails or lingering for whale-watching, allow a half-day. The lighthouse is a highlight on a drive along the Labrador Coastal Drive, so it fits naturally into a day of exploring the region.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Red Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring Basque whaling stations, just a 20-minute drive north.
- L'Anse Amour – a small community with a beautiful sandy beach and the burial mound of a 7,500-year-old Maritime Archaic child.
- Battle Harbour – a historic fishing village on an island, accessible by ferry, offering a glimpse into Labrador's outport life.
- Pinware River Provincial Park – a scenic spot for picnicking, fishing, and hiking along the river.
- Forteau – the nearest town with accommodations, restaurants, and the Labrador Straits Museum.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
Explore more
Image credits
- Red Bay — nalends / CC BY-ND 2.0
- Battle Harbour — Keam, Ronald Noel / Public domain