Finishing construction in 1843, the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse is one of the oldest surviving lighthouses in the province, and also one of the earliest. It shares structural similarities to the earlier lighthouses built at Cape Spear and Harbour Grace Islands, but has a distinctive red and white vertical striped pattern. The lighting apparatus used at the lighthouse was one that was formerly installed at the famous Bell Rock lighthouse in Scotland, consisting of over sixteen argand lamps and reflectors. The lighthouse would finally be deactivated in 1966 and replaced with a modern skeletal tower built adjacent to it. The original lighthouse still stands today, and is a provincial heritage site and museum. The light apparatus is still able to be revolved, and is often shown off to museum-goers.

Bonavista itself is long thought to be the location where explorer John Cabot landed in the late 1400s. The area takes its name from when John Cabot declared; “Oh Buona Vista!” or “Oh Happy Sight”. By the time of the lighthouses construction the town of Bonavista had a population of over 2000 and was considered the epicentre for northern fisheries.