Fort Amherst Lighthouse
Fort Amherst Lighthouse
Fort Amherst Lighthouse
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
115 reviews
Excellent
40
Very good
43
Average
21
Poor
9
Terrible
2
solaris_pete
Richmond, Canada331 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
St. john's is a very quaint town/city in Nfld. We came in on a cruise ship and as the cruise ship was rolling in the residents greeted us with signs and friendly waves at the mouth of the harbour. It was a very nice experience and gesture.
The mouth of the port is very narrow so it was an experience watching the large cruise ship navigate and dock at the terminal.
The city/town is actually quite small, and most of the sites are very walkable but there is some uphill. We opted to take an Uber to visit Signal Hill. I highly recommend this site as it's very picturesque and right on top of a hill which oversees the full harbour. It claims the walk is 45 min but it's uphill and a bit steep at some parts... Definitely walkable but can proven to be strenuous in hot summer day... Uber from downtown was only like $13.
We arrived on a sunday and the main downtown streets were closed to traffic. There was a few shops and eateries on the streets for shopping but we didn't find anything too interesting for our tastes. Lot of souvenir gift shops and some men and ladies proper clothing stores.
overall St. john's is worth a visit, but probably one day is enough for us
The mouth of the port is very narrow so it was an experience watching the large cruise ship navigate and dock at the terminal.
The city/town is actually quite small, and most of the sites are very walkable but there is some uphill. We opted to take an Uber to visit Signal Hill. I highly recommend this site as it's very picturesque and right on top of a hill which oversees the full harbour. It claims the walk is 45 min but it's uphill and a bit steep at some parts... Definitely walkable but can proven to be strenuous in hot summer day... Uber from downtown was only like $13.
We arrived on a sunday and the main downtown streets were closed to traffic. There was a few shops and eateries on the streets for shopping but we didn't find anything too interesting for our tastes. Lot of souvenir gift shops and some men and ladies proper clothing stores.
overall St. john's is worth a visit, but probably one day is enough for us
Written September 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brenda S
Winnipeg, Canada134 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
The views were amazing. Parking is impossible. Unless you’re gonna be parking on private property which is a big no-no. The ocean is massive and yet again it was a windy day. Welcome to Newfoundland . Wonderful, Newfoundland . It was nice to see “the battery” from across the port …so beautiful.
Written January 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NFLDGRL
Stayner, Canada8 contributions
Fort Amherst is a lovely place to visit. You feel as though you can touch the ships coming through the harbour of historic St. John's, Newfoundland. Drive to the end of Southside Road, past the Canadian Coast Guard docks and offices until you come to the end of the road. Park your car and walk a short walk to the edge of the city. View the war ruins of history and enjoy the spectacular sight of the Battery and Cape Spear in the distance. Guaranteed to be a memorable journey! Enjoy your visit!
Best regards,
Natasha
squishy@mailcity.com
Best regards,
Natasha
squishy@mailcity.com
Written June 20, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jo R
Hanover, Canada37 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
You can see this Lighthouse when at Signal Hill and on a sunny day going to Fort Amherst Lighthouse is a "Must Do". You can only drive part way up this road and then need to park the car and walk which is a great walk. Along the way there is a hiking path one can take if you like. It looks very interesting but I would say you need to be an experience hiker based on the signage by the trail start. Walking to the Lighthouse give you a great sense of how protected the St. John's harbour and "the narrows" really are.Once you get to the Lighthouse the view of the ocean is amazing. There are places one can rent along the way which would be different experience when staying in St. John's.
Written September 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ladyleamy
50 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
The parking here is very limited, but it usually isn't busy (unless of course there are icebergs close by). There is a bit of an uphill walk to get to the fort. There isn't any access to the lighthouse nor the fort. You can only view from behind a fence. The views of signal hill and the city across are worth the walk. There isn't much need to spend to much time here beside to soak up the views. Keep in mind there isn't any food nor restrooms once you are there.
Written June 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorenzo el Jefe
Ontario, Canada3,384 contributions
May 2018
... from the opposite side of Signal Hill with great views of the Battery houses. The information boards are a necessary education on your walk out to the Lighthouse.
The Rooms should be your first learning stop in Newfoundland but Fort Amherst added on to the interesting details of history.
- The French attacked three times in addition to
Dutch and pirate intrusions.
- The original defensive batteries were started by locals.
- The Germans sent two torpedos towards the ‘gut.’
Q Tip: Bring some nuts and cheese ... soak up the vista.
Q Tip: Keep your reading glasses and binoculars handy.
The Rooms should be your first learning stop in Newfoundland but Fort Amherst added on to the interesting details of history.
- The French attacked three times in addition to
Dutch and pirate intrusions.
- The original defensive batteries were started by locals.
- The Germans sent two torpedos towards the ‘gut.’
Q Tip: Bring some nuts and cheese ... soak up the vista.
Q Tip: Keep your reading glasses and binoculars handy.
Written May 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M P
St. John's, Canada211 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
After doing all the usual sights, Fort Amherst is a different view of the places you have already been. The lighthouse is well kept, but the lower level is falling apart. Watch out for the fences that are falling down and keep in mind that the fog horn can sound at any time. During whale season you can often see whales feeding, and it is always fun to see boats coming and going.
Written July 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wanderwoman50
Belleville, Canada120 contributions
Jul 2016 • Friends
This is a great compliment to Signal Hill and easy to get to. The views are spectacular and the lighthouse is a real one so it is nice to experience its authenticity. Dead Man's Trail head is there and the hike up is so worth the workout. Views astound.
Written August 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suzanne C
Kitchener, Canada39 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
Haven't been here in many years. Sad to see how it has crumbled over time. Great history around this site. Beautiful view of the Gut, Signal Hill and Cape Spear. Perfect for pics. Be prepared to park and walk. Very comfortable walk to the lighthouse. Enjoy the smell and sounds of the Atlantic Ocean.
Written September 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AFallonF
8 contributions
Jun 2014
U cannot drive up to the lighthouse here, making it a little less accessible then Cape Spear but has the same feel. U do have about a KM of uphill pavement to walk up to the lighthouse ( yes it is a hike) Trails lead around the mountain and lighthouse. There r some underground rooms still intact here aswell just harder to find. Again Icebergs commonly pass by here as well as all the big boats entering st john's hr. With here and signal hill on either side. beauty view of downtown and waterfront. Enjoy :)
Written November 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Renee L
Pincourt, Canada
is it easily accessible fron cruiseship docked in St John's.
Written May 2, 2019
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