Chasing Giants and Ice: Whale Watching & Iceberg Viewing from Fishing Point Lighthouse, St. Anthony
Experience the thrill of spotting humpback whales and majestic icebergs from Fishing Point Lighthouse near St. Anthony. This easy coastal hike offers front-row views of Newfoundland’s wild Atlantic edge, blending adventure with accessible terrain and practical tips for a memorable day outdoors.
Wear Sturdy, Waterproof Footwear
The trail's uneven bedrock and sandy patches can be slippery, especially when wet. Solid boots with good grip ensure steady footing.
Bring Binoculars or a Zoom Lens
Whales and icebergs can be some distance offshore. Optical gear will enhance your viewing experience greatly.
Dress in Layers for Wind Protection
The coastal wind can chill quickly; windproof jackets and layers help you stay comfortable during long viewing sessions.
Start Early for Fewer Crowds and Softer Light
Morning visits offer calmer seas, prime wildlife activity, and better lighting for photography.
Chasing Giants and Ice: Whale Watching & Iceberg Viewing from Fishing Point Lighthouse, St. Anthony
The rugged coastline at Fishing Point Lighthouse, just outside St. Anthony, Newfoundland and Labrador, offers more than a historic beacon—it opens a front-row seat to two of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles: whales breaching and icebergs drifting like slow monuments. Perched on rocky cliffs where Atlantic currents challenge the shore, this vantage point lets you witness giants of the sea and frozen giants both fiercely themselves.
Approaching the lighthouse, the crunch of gravel underfoot gives way to an ocean breeze carrying the sharp taste of salt and cold. The hike is short but purposeful—about 2 kilometers round trip with a gentle elevation gain of 70 meters—along a rugged trail dusted with hardy spruce and waving grasses. The terrain demands solid boots to grip uneven bedrock and sand-swept soils, while the wind dares you to hold steady for the best view.
Whales—mostly humpbacks and occasional fins—circle nearby waters, their massive forms darting beneath the waves before rising in powerful breaches or sending sprays skyward with mighty exhales. Timing your visit from late spring through early fall increases your chances of encounters, with June through August often delivering the best activity. On colder days, towering blue-white icebergs appear in the bay, calved from Arctic glaciers and carried South by ocean currents. These luminous, chiseled ice sculptures inch silently, their shadows rippling on water like ancient sentinels.
For planning, pack layers against rapidly changing weather, including windproof jackets and quick-dry clothing. Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to catch details from afar. Arrive early in the day for softer light and fewer visitors, and if you’re lucky, you might spot bald eagles circling the cliffs or puffins bobbing offshore.
Respect for this wild interface between ocean and ice is crucial. Currents here are stubborn and strong—swimming is not advised. Stay on marked paths to protect fragile vegetation and avoid slippery rocks. The lighthouse itself has limited facilities, so bring water, snacks, and check local weather reports.
Fishing Point Lighthouse is both a natural stage and a practical gateway. It invites explorers—whether casual adventurers or dedicated wildlife watchers—to observe living elements of the Atlantic’s untamed forces. Here, whales and icebergs perform without direction, and the land holds firm beneath their passage. This isn’t a spectacle to conquer but to witness with patience and respect.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see whales near Fishing Point Lighthouse?
The months from June through August typically offer the highest chances to spot humpback and fin whales actively feeding offshore.
Are there guided tours available for whale watching here?
While some operators offer sea-based tours from St. Anthony, Fishing Point Lighthouse is primarily a self-guided vantage point for shore-based whale and iceberg watching.
How difficult is the hike to Fishing Point Lighthouse?
The trail is considered easy, about 2 km round trip with gentle elevation gain, suitable for most visitors with everyday fitness levels.
What wildlife besides whales may I see from the lighthouse?
Keep an eye out for bald eagles circling overhead, seals basking on nearby rocks, and seabirds such as puffins offshore.
Is there access to facilities like restrooms or food at the site?
Fishing Point Lighthouse itself has no visitor services, so plan ahead with water, snacks, and use facilities in St. Anthony before heading out.
Can I safely swim or kayak near the lighthouse for a closer view?
Strong currents and cold waters make swimming and kayaking risky in this area; it’s best to enjoy views from designated safe points on land.
Recommended Gear
Waterproof Hiking Boots
Protect your feet from uneven, wet terrain while providing traction on rocky and sandy surfaces.
Windbreaker Jacket
Blocks strong coastal winds and helps regulate temperature during variable weather.
Binoculars
Crucial for getting close enough views of whales and distant icebergs beyond the shoreline.
Layered Clothing
Allows quick adaptation to changing weather, from foggy chills to sunny breaks.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- "The small adjacent pebble beaches offer intimate spots to listen to ocean waves shaping smooth stones."
- "Nearby Lesser-known lookout points provide closer views over iceberg paths, especially at the eastern cliffs."
Wildlife
- "Bald eagles frequent the cliffs between late spring and early fall, swooping low as they search for fish."
- "Seals often lounge on outcroppings just offshore, providing resting spots and occasional playful displays."
History
"Fishing Point Lighthouse was constructed in 1907 and served as a critical navigation aid for fishermen traversing the cold Atlantic waters."