Fort Amherst Tours and Activities

Fort Amherst showing building ruins and general coastal views
Fort Amherst featuring a lighthouse
Fort Amherst showing general coastal views
Fort Amherst which includes a city and a bay or harbour
Fort Amherst which includes general coastal views


Newfoundland’s first lighthouse has stood sentry over St. John’s harbor for more than 200 years and is where you can take in glorious sea views.

Since the early 19th century, the beacon from Fort Amherst’s lighthouse has been an important navigational aid for boats entering St. John’s harbor. The white clapboard structure sits on the top of a promontory on the southern side of the Narrows, the channel that leads to the harbor. Hike to the top of the cliff for the excellent views and to see old military installations.

Due to its strategic location, the British fortified the area soon after they occupied it in the late 18th century. Although the original fortifications are no longer in existence, you can see the remains of World War II gun emplacements.

You cannot take your vehicle up to the lighthouse, so your route to the top is via a short walk. The original lighthouse, built in 1813, was Newfoundland’s first. Today’s building is the third lighthouse on this site and was erected in 1951. It is a private working lighthouse with a beacon and accompanying foghorn that serve as guardians of the harbor to this day.

Look over the traditional red and white exterior of the wooden tower, read the information panel and climb the stairs to the front door. Note, however, that the lighthouse isn't open to visitors. The big draw of this location is its views. Observe ships coming into and going out of the harbor and gaze out to sea. Depending on the season, you may see whales and icebergs. Nearby, the former keeper's residences have been turned into vacation homes.

While you are on the cliff, explore the crumbling remains of World War II installations. Step into bunkers and see gun turrets and the barrels of large cannons.

Fort Amherst is a 10-minute drive from St. John’s. Occasionally, hikers on the East Coast Trail make a short detour to the lighthouse.

Plan a trip to see Fort Amherst

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The Killick Inn & Suites
Dvele Inn
The Roses Heritage Inn

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Fort Amherst

Jag Boutique Hotel

Jag Boutique Hotel

4.5 out of 5
115 George Street West, St. John's, NL
Jag Boutique Hotel
Holiday Inn St. John's Conference Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn St. John's Conference Centre by IHG

3.5 out of 5
180 Portugal Cove Road, St. John's, NL
Holiday Inn St. John's Conference Centre by IHG
DoubleTree by Hilton St. John's Harbourview

DoubleTree by Hilton St. John's Harbourview

3.5 out of 5
2 Hill O'Chips, St. John's, NL
DoubleTree by Hilton St. John's Harbourview
Delta Hotels by Marriott St. John's Conference Centre

Delta Hotels by Marriott St. John's Conference Centre

4 out of 5
120 New Gower Street, St. John's, NL
Delta Hotels by Marriott St. John's Conference Centre
Hilton Garden Inn St. John's Newfoundland, Canada

Hilton Garden Inn St. John's Newfoundland, Canada

3 out of 5
150 New Gower Street, St. John's, NL
Hilton Garden Inn St. John's Newfoundland, Canada
Alt Hotel St. John's

Alt Hotel St. John's

3.5 out of 5
125 Water Street, St. John's, NL
Alt Hotel St. John's
Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland

Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland

4.5 out of 5
115 Cavendish Square, St. John's, NL
Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland
The Murray Premises Hotel

The Murray Premises Hotel

3.5 out of 5
5 Becks Cove, St. John's, NL
The Murray Premises Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott St. John's Newfoundland

Courtyard by Marriott St. John's Newfoundland

3.5 out of 5
131 Duckworth Street, St. John's, NL
Courtyard by Marriott St. John's Newfoundland
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Fort Amherst

At Fort Amherst, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including guided tours of the historic fort, which offer insights into its fascinating past. The scenic Farmscapes Trail is perfect for leisurely walks, while shopping opportunities nearby provide a chance to pick up local crafts and souvenirs. Be sure to explore the short tour options available to make the most of your experience at this picturesque location in St. John's.

Shopping

For shopping in Fort Amherst, check out Avalon Mall, 4.8km away, and Village Shopping Centre, 6.4km away, both offering family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, visit Lester's Farm Market, located 8.0km away, where you can find local goods and a vibrant atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the thrill of ice skating at Mile One Centre, just 3.2km from Fort Amherst, where sports and entertainment come alive. For a serene escape, visit Pippy Park Headquarters, located 4.8km away, perfect for relaxation amidst nature. Enjoy a round of golf at Admirals Green Golf Course, 6.4km away, surrounded by stunning outdoor scenery.

Adventure

Explore the scenic Waterford River Walk, located 3.2km from Fort Amherst, offering beautiful outdoor views and an adventurous atmosphere. Venture 4.8km to the Deadman's Bay Path Trailhead and the Rennie's River Trail, both promising thrilling hikes amidst stunning landscapes and fresh air.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Fort Amherst with a visit to Spirit of Newfoundland, a charming theatre just 1.6km away. Enjoy a delightful evening filled with culture and entertainment, perfect for families and couples seeking romance in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Fort Amherst

Fort Amherst, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, offers a variety of attractions for visitors, including the historic Fort Amherst National Historic Site and its iconic lighthouse. Here, you can immerse yourself in local culture while enjoying outdoor activities and family-friendly experiences. Whether you're exploring the area's rich history or taking in stunning coastal views, Fort Amherst provides a unique and memorable destination for tourists.

  • George Street: Known as the heartbeat of St. John's nightlife, George Street boasts a vibrant atmosphere filled with lively pubs, restaurants, and live music venues. It's the perfect spot to experience local culture and hospitality.
  • The Rooms: This cultural facility combines art, history, and archives, showcasing the rich heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador. With stunning views of the city and an impressive collection of exhibits, it's a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts.
  • Signal Hill National Historic Site: A prominent landmark offering breathtaking views of St. John's and the Atlantic Ocean, Signal Hill is steeped in history. Explore its scenic trails, historic structures, and enjoy outdoor activities amidst stunning natural beauty.

Best time to go to Fort Amherst

The best time to visit Fort Amherst can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Fort Amherst falls in August, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Fort Amherst falls in February, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January28.8°F (-1.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February27.0°F (-2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March29.1°F (-1.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
April35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June49.1°F (9.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
October48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December33.3°F (0.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Fort Amherst

Visiting Fort Amherst can be budget-friendly with various money-saving tips. Explore free attractions like Memorial University of Newfoundland, Avalon Mall, and Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Plan your visit between December and February for lower accommodation rates, particularly on Saturdays. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to find affordable hotels by filtering for eco-certified options and combining bookings for flights and activities. Look out for deals in St. John's and consider travelling during off-peak times to further reduce expenses.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Fort Amherst are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Fort Amherst is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Fort Amherst is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels quickly. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category; for instance, by selecting the "Eco-certified" filter, you will discover sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on your trip by combining your Fort Amherst hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.