The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is investigating how a man came to die at one of the most popular tourist attractions in the St. John's area.

Two hikers spotted a man's body at the bottom of a hill at Cape Spear. The national historic site — which is billed as the most easterly point in North America — is a year-round draw for visitors, although its rocky cliffs and lashing waves pose continual safety challenges.

The St. John's Regional Fire Department recovered the man's body at about 6:30 p.m.

"No one actually saw the person go over the cliff," said Supt. Don Byrne of the St. John's Regional Fire Department.

"There were two people out and about here hiking and they discovered the body and contacted the RNC," Byrne told reporters.

The man was found face down on rocks about 60 metres from the top of a hill.

The RNC noted that there are narrow hiking trails near the area that veers close to Cape Spear's steep cliffs, but Acting Insp. Barry Constantine said investigators have not determined how the man fell.

"At this point we can't really confirm anything. The investigation is in its preliminary stages right now," Constantine said.

Police have identified the man but are withholding the name until the next of kin have been notified. A car was removed on Monday evening from the Cape Spear parking lot.