The most adorable lighthouse in Newfoundland can be found in Heart’s Content, along the eastern side of Trinity Bay. It’s candy cane painted stripes make it nearly impossible to miss (both on land and sea) which is fantastic because you’re going to want to visit and learn all about this iconic little town.
This lighthouse is a beauty and a beast. It’s delicately painted, modest, well-preserved, and made from cast iron that can withstand the harshness of Newfoundland’s coastline. The fixed red light in the tower had a focal plane of 25.5 metres. Heart’s Content received this tower in 1901 and it’s been standing sweet and strong ever since.
Heart’s Content has a very special harbour that’s deep, urn-shaped, and protected by it’s Norther and Souther rocky points. In 1612, John Guy from Cupids described it as an “excellent good place for fishing”. In 1864, Cyrus Field thought it the perfect location for the eastern end of the transatlantic Telegraph cable due to it’s deep waters almost directly to shore. In 1871, Lovell’s Newfoundland Directory described it as “the most important fishing station on the south side of Trinity Bay”. I think this candy cane lighthouse is the perfect tower to mark such a harbour and aid ships in and out of its waters.
The lighthouse stands at 8.7 metres tall and features a crow’s nest, window, main door, original lantern, and a weathervane at the very top. It’s mounted into a concrete base and connects to a wooden walkway that leads to the parking lot. It’s located at the very end of Norther Point Road (N Point Rd).
Visiting this lighthouse sent me on a deep dive into research. I’ve been reading about British colonies, the transatlantic cable connecting the old world with the new, fishery and trading, Beothuk in Newfoundland, cast iron fabrications, ship building, and so much more. I knew I’d have fun taking photos and exploring during the Newfoundland Lighthouses series, but I underestimated how much mental fun it would be too.
I plan to re-visit Heart’s Content sometime during Summer 2024. There are shops I’d like to check out and folks I’d like to meet and chat with. I’m working on my family ancestry as well so I’ll have to roam the local cemeteries too in hopes of finding connections. So much to do and see… until next time!
Whoa Dana 
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