Last year, we stopped at Signal Hill National Historic Site in St John’s during the previous days we spent in Newfoundland.
Where is Signal Hill National Historic Site located?
It’s right here in St John, and from up there, you will have this fantastic view of the town and the water!
What about Signal Hill?
Signal Hill is one of St John’s most famous landmarks due to its compelling history and spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, the city, and the rugged coastline.
Originally known as the “Lookout” because of its strategic placement overlooking St John’s harbor, Signal Hill was advantageously used in defense, observation, and signaling from the early 1700s to the Second World War. This site was also the reception point of the first transatlantic wireless signal by Guglielmo Marconi in 1901.
What are you going to see during your walk around Signal Hill?
1- Visitor Center & Cafe: Be greeted by one of our Parks Canada guides who will introduce you to the visitor center exhibits and let you know of any daily tours, programs, or special events taking place at Signal Hill. While you’re there, enjoy a ligne snack or lunch in the Newfoundland Chocolate Company Cafe! Enjoy the outdoors and take your lunch to one of the many places on Signal Hill to enjoy a picnic!
2- Performance Fied: Home of the award-winning Signal Hill Tattoo, the performance field is the heart of activity during the summer season at Signal Hill. This is where you’ll see performances by the Tattoo, Shakespeare by the Sea, and many other interactive programs, such as our annual Learn to Camp weekend.
3-Queen’s Battery Barracks: One of the many military structures built on Signal Hill during its history, the barracks sits near the Queen’s Battery and was put in place to prevent enemy vessels from entering the Narrows. Meet our interpreters, learn about life in the barracks during the 1860s, and ask about special programming held here, such as Ghosts of Signal Hill.
4-Cabot Tower: The iconic structure was built in 1897 to commemorate both the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s discovery of Newfoundland and Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
Explore the communications history of the site at our second-floor Marconi exhibit and learn about wireless technology with the Society of Newfoundland Radio Amateurs.
If it’s not too windy, climb the stairs to the top floor and take in the stunning 360-degree view!
5- Ducke of York Battery & Noon Day Gun: The Duke of York was part of the fortifications built on top of Signal Hill during the 1800s to act as a point of last retreat if the town was ever captured. The Noon Day Gun stands beside the battery and is fired on a regular basis during the summer seasons.
Signal Hill is really one of the places we loved in St. John as you feel out of the town, and the views up there are truly amazing!!! So, I recommend you to get there and enjoy!
