Cape Spear is the most easterly point in Newfoundland, and in all of Canada after Newfoundland joined confederation in 1949. Recognizing the importance of the site and the role it would play in serving as first landfall for many ships crossing the Atlantic, and for traffic around the vital St. John’s Harbour, the province's second lighthouse (after Fort Amherst) would be built there in 1835.

In 1955 a new octagonal, white, concrete lighthouse was constructed adjacent to the original structure to serve as an updated navigational aid. The lighting apparatus was transferred from the original structure to the new tower, where it is still in use today. The new tower exhibits a flashing white light 3 times every 15 seconds at a focal height of 71 metres, out to a range of 20 nautical miles.