Buckle up for a 6km hike over rocky terrain if you’d like the visit the lighthouse in Brigus! I decided to check it out during my birthday (back in March) which made it even more of a challenge because parts of the trail were still covered in snow. I lost the trail entirely at some parts but trudged along anyway knowing the general direction of the lighthouse. Luckily the fairies didn’t take me away and I made it out and back without too much trouble.
The trail begins at the end of Battery Road but I couldn’t see anywhere to park. Perhaps there is a parking area under the snow build-up, or further down the hill, but I ended up parking up at the very end of Ratteley Row and walking back down the hill to the trail.
I’d highly recommend bringing water and snacks, especially if you’re doing this trail during off-season. I honestly didn’t bring anything with me because my inner tough girl figured she could handle the hike easy peasy… and I completed it, sure, but gosh it was exhausting at parts and I wished I had water. Please don’t be reckless like me and always bring water and snacks during hikes. I would have been so screwed if I got hurt and stuck out there. Phone service isn’t great out there either so please be careful and learn from my mistakes.
This cast iron tower was operational in Brigus since 1885. It has a concrete foundation and painted in red and white stripes. It originally had a keeper’s dwelling built next to it that was also painted in the same vertical red and white stripes. The dwelling is no longer there but you can see some remains of where it stood in the area. The tower stands at roughly 9 metres tall and with it’s sixth-order lens produces a fixed red light with a focal plane of roughly 34 metres.
There are some interesting features about this lighthouse that caught my eye, the main one being these stars on the supports for the balcony. I’ve yet to see these on any other lighthouse I’ve visited and it intrigues me. What do the stars represent? Is it faith related? Simply a design choice? I like symbols and finding their meaning so if anyone could enlighten me that’d be greatly appreciated.
Another cool feature about this lighthouse is actually something that’s been built nearby by the by’s over at Rock Solid Builds. They built a bench and signpost to stay a spell and enjoy the view of Brigus harbour and I think it’s a wonderful idea. You can find a lot of peace when you take a moment to just sit and truly appreciate life… and also catch your breath from that hike!
There are spots on the supports for the bench where you can attach a lock so if you’re interested in that be sure to bring a lock along. There are quite a few locks there already and it warms my heart to see other adventurer’s out and about living their best lives. A huge shoutout to everyone who has taken the time visit this part of our island.
So grab your water, snacks, lock, and a few friends (or alone like me!) and enjoy an absolutely satisfying hike to see the Brigus Lighthouse. This was the most exhausting tower to visit so far during my challenge to Visit all of the Lighthouses in Newfoundland, but it was also the most rewarding and fun.
Until next time…
Whoa Dana 