Signal Hill National Historic Site

We visited Signal Hill twice – once in the early morning and again in the evening to catch the sunset – and both times offered a unique experience. Even though the place was quite crowded, it never felt crowded. There’s something about the wide-open views and peaceful energy that makes it feel spacious and serene. From the top, you get a breathtaking panoramic view of St. John’s, the coastline, the lighthouse, and the charming Battery area below. It’s the kind of view that makes you pause and truly take in the moment. The cool breeze, peaceful atmosphere, and stunning scenery made this spot perfect for anyone seeking a moment of mindfulness or quiet reflection. Whether you're into photography, nature, or just want to escape the city's buzz for a bit – Signal Hill is definitely worth your time. Highly recommended for both early risers and sunset chasers!

What a great place to visit, so much history, mostly things you’ve heard but so much more happened here. This is a must see when you come to this amazing province (a bucket list historic site for certain). Once you walk around the site it’s a great place to boat watch. There are plenty of vantage points to what the ships enter and leave the harbour.

Hiking Trail Review North Head Trail Loop - 2.5 Miles Trail head is very easy to find and there are loads of parking spots. There are multiple other nearby lots and intersecting trails. This trail itself is breathtaking and stunning. Truly gorgeous views and tons of local history associated with it. Rocky and lots of stairs, you will be sucking wind at certain points but absolutely worth every moment.

For breathtaking views, great outdoor activity and a history lesson I recommend. The hike up the hill on average is about 30 mins. A bit of a work out but worth it hen you get to the top. You can also drive up but I prefer to do the walk because of the scenery and the people you meet going up. If you’re in St. John’s do signal hill! I only took video this time going up. But here are a few pictures of my 8am morning walk.

Amazing views and photo opportunities. Hiking down the trails was mostly easy with a few more tricky sections with uneven rocks. Just take your time, especially during the climb back up. Lots of stairs which are well built and maintained, but still challenging.

This was easily one of the highlights of our trip! Signal Hill offers not only some of the most beautiful hikes we’ve ever taken, but also breathtaking views in every direction. On top of the scenery, the area is filled with fascinating history — it’s famously where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901, a groundbreaking moment in communication history. Whether you’re into hiking, photography, or just want to soak in Newfoundland’s beauty and heritage, Signal Hill is an absolute must-do.

I feel extremely blessed to live roughly ten minutes away from such a beautiful historic site, rife with information and rich in history. The hiking trails are what I enjoy the most; although, the activities throughout the grounds are plentiful. You can hike, bird-watch, check out the sunrise/sunset, visit Cabot Tower, watch the Tattoo reenactment - plus more! If you are heading up on a nice day, be sure to leave a little earlier than planned to give yourself time to find a parking spot. If a visit at night is expected, make sure to bring some extra layers in case the winds are high as it can be much cooler than it seems.

The walk to Signal Hill from downtown St. John’s is definitely worth it. You walk along the ocean and at the beginning you see lots of colorful, unique houses — really fantastic. Later on, you get breathtaking views of the cliffs. Make sure to bring something to eat and drink, because you’ll need it. There are some steep climbs and stairways to get to the very top — wow! But the view is 100% worth every step.

i usually find desert walk and trails boring but the trail leading up to signal hill is phenomenal i loved st. john's when you live in this HOLE (toronto), it's really appreciated in signal Hill has a pretty decent gift shop, I wouldn't bother going up the stairs of the small lighthouse, it's boring

What amazing views! I can see why this is a recommend spot to visit while in St John's. The views are incredible! There are some trials you can walk, but it was just a great spot to see the entire town!

Amazing ! Great views. Challenging hike. Saw a ton of whales due to the time of year we visited. Quidi Vidi just down the road for a pint after burning calories on the hike. Try fries dressing and gravy!!!!!

The view is great. So great that no photo can do it justice. You have to be here, be surrounded by it, to walk within it, to experience it. It is the type of environment that can sip under your skin and grow on you if you let it. And then there is the history, and the majestic building. Signal Hill has an otherworldly feel to it. It is something that can only exist when all the stars align at the exact moment. Signal Hill is a testimony to the past, when people were eager to explore intellectually, and to create scientific breakthrough. It stands here and now. It is up to us to choose to be inspired or to moarn it.

You can knock out two or three really cool "beginners guide to seeing St. John's" with this one... Drive (or hike) up. If you hike do the North Head Trail. It's a spectacular view from the top. You can see the natural protected harbor of St. John's. See the Atlantic Ocean and icebergs, and the commercial ships coming in. There are historical timeline plaques throughout the top/visitor area. Plenty of opportunities for excellent photos. There is a bona fide visitor center, not really much to that, and an observation tower that is only open during summer months. Worth the drive up to walk around and take in the spectacular scenery. On your way down, stop at the GEO-centre museum. Then go to Mallard's Cottage for lunch. Then walk around Qidi Vidi. There. I just made one of your days.

Not only is this a historic site but, it's an excellent place to get a view of the entire city. If you are there around noon time you will get to see them fire the "noon gun". As for history, the Battle of Signal Hill was the final battle of the Seven Year's War in North America which secured Great Britain as the prominent European power in North America. In 1901, Guglielmo Marconi, using an antenna suspended 500 feet by kite, received the first transatlantic wireless signal, the letter 'S' in Morse code. The main floor of the tower is the Heritage Shop. You can enjoy music and and meet the staff. There is also a great selection of gifts, craft, music and books.

This place has beautiful views of St. John's and the surrounding areas like the ocean and a light house. This place also has a lot of history and we were really lucky to be there for the noon gun so we watched staff prepare, load and shoot the gun, and talk about the importance of the noon gun back in the day. Now that was a really cool experience, we learned a lot about some history and even got to see them shoot the gun in person! It was louder than I expected and was pretty neat because I've never seen anything like that before, but apparently it happens every day in the east coast in multiple cities. Too bad it was cloudy when we came, but I can imagine it being beautiful here to watch the sunrise.

This place is a must visit should you be in the St. John's area. My family and I visited twice during our vacation last week. This site is well kept and maintained. Traffic is absolutely no issue and tourists are respectful and well behaved when in the area. You can hear a pin drop as tourists are just there to take in the beautiful sights and sounds of the site. There is a gift shop within the building and you can even go right up onto the roof of the building to look out. There are displays on the second floor of the building depicting the signals sent and there is a Morse code demonstration. It was amazing to spot whales off the shore from Signal Hill as well. Look for birds floating off the surface of the water...there will be whales nearby for sure!

This is a beautiful place to hike! Picturesque views! My husband and I did the green trail to Cabot Tower then did The North Head trail. We took it all the way around. You will end up in a small neighborhood, but it is well marked. The whole loop took us under an hour total! This is definitely a fun place to hike!

Great spot! Must visit in St. John's with amazing views of the city. Slightly overcrowded occasionally, but in general one of the nicest places in town!

First - if you're smart, start the North Head hike from Cabot Tower at the top of signal hill. That way you avoid climbing hundreds of stairs at the end of your treacherous hike. Second - do this!! It is really beautiful. The views will take your breath away, and the wind will take your hat away. Pack water and wear layers. We went off season (November) and it was still fantastic, and no crowds to be seen. Lots of locals still around impressing us with their stamina jogging the trails. Enjoy! Hold on tight to the chain and have yourself a hearty lunch post-walk.

Marconi received the first wireless transatlantic signal here, hence the name Signal Hill. Eventually St. John's became a major telegraph hub. The hill looks down on the entrance to St. John's harbor and the Atlantic--which in Spring and early Summer is often dotted with icebergs and whales. If you look back, you have a panoramic view of the city and harbor. The winding, and steep, road to the top is a favorite of some dedicated bicyclists and joggers. Make sure to stop at the Visitor Center and treat yourself to a beverages and chocolate.

Before you even begin to explore the awesome city that is St. John's, do yourself a favour and head straight to Signal Hill...you won't be able to miss it so just find it on the horizon and drive there. Once you wind your way up its slope you'll be rewarded with one of the grandest views you've ever seen of a city. The beautiful thing about the vista from Signal Hill is it offers something different every time you go so make sure to go there in the morning, afternoon and evening and when it is sunny and when it is overcast. Truly something unique about the light in all those instances making for fantastic photo opportunities. Looking across the Narrows you can see Fort Amherst guarding the harbour at a lower level and far off in the distance you can actually see Cape Spear (the most easternly point in North America). If you're lucky you might even be able to see a whale or an iceberg from this vantage point. For those with a good pair of hiking shoes and the endurance there's also a walking/hiking trail that skirts the face of the hill and takes you down into the Battery at the foot of the hill. Don't forget to snap a picture of the "how far from here to" sign that you'll notice in the opening credits of locally shot "Republic of Doyle".

On a mild sunny day this is a breathtaking spot for history, scenic views, and a hike. The visitor centre can provide you with basic information and maps. There is also a Newfoundland Chocolate Company outpost here that has sandwiches and bottled water. From the parking lot at the visitor centre, there is a trail up to the top that is a 15 minute walk. You can also skip the trail and drive up as well. (There is also a more extensive trail system that connects to this area.) At the top there is a great view of the city, Harbour, and Cape Spear. The Cabot Tower at the top has an interesting historical display on Marconi and the invention of the wireless. On the day of my visit I saw whales splashing in the ocean as well. It is worth your time to check out the history and beauty of this site.

If you're coming to St. John's at all, I suspect Signal Hill is already on your to-do list. If it's not? Well, then I worry that you just have no idea what you're doing because Signal Hill is Newfoundland at its finest. Well, the best you'll get within five minutes of downtown St. John's, that is. The winding Signal Hill Road takes you past Deadman's and George's Ponds up one side of the incredible narrows of the city. On top, you'll find Cabot Tower and the most spectacular views the city has to offer. In one direction, the vast Atlantic ocean with a chance of Cape Spear (the furthest eastern point in North America) on a clear day. In the other, the city itself - a view that is electrifying by night. Of course, you can also pop into Cabot Tower which is open to the public with a shop on the lower level, more historic elements on the higher ones, and a wind tunnel-y observation deck on the top floor that'll knock your socks off. Perhaps literally. Other attractions include the changing of the guard which I've admittedly never witnessed. This happens a little lower down on the hill next to the visitor's centre. If you are of able body and somewhat unsound mind, you can tackle the Signal Hill hike that's equal parts beauty and beast. I'd rank it pretty high up there on the fitness scale with hundreds of wooden steps, the occasional rock jump, and a surprisingly low amount of 'stupid tourist safety measures.' In fact, for most of the hike just one slip would have you in the ocean so watch where you walk. Just remember to take breaks occasionally to take in the cliff-side views, would you? The walk, while wonderful, does take anywhere from an hour to an hour-and-a-half. Having done it both ways, I'd recommend starting at the bottom off Battery Road and hiking up along the water, then enjoying the downward climb of Signal Hill on the way back.

A must see if you visit the city The amazing views of the city. Rich history and great place to hike

I had the privilege of visiting Signal Hill on a calm and clear day. The temperature was just right for a hike. My advice would be to cab up and climb down. The hike down was fun and completely unrestricted! Very memorable!

The views up at Signal Hill & Cabot Tower are amazing. The gift shop on Cabot tower is really small but there's more to see at the visitor center. For one thing they have yummy Newfoundland chocolate company products there. And a small cafe as well. If you're in town as a tourist this is one of the must visit spots.

This is my favourite spot in the city to go when I want to sit and reflect for a little while. Beautiful, overlooking both the ocean and the city, and some great hiking. The hike is a bit tough if you're not fit, but definitely doable by anybody!

Beautiful views, with a lot of hiking trails so if your into hiking up and down mountains plan to spend a good 6+hours here. Or you can just park at the top and and enjoy the view.

(4) ~ very good overall combination of hiking, scenery & history. And if you're diligent there's actually a trail that goes all the way around;)

A MUST to visit every year I visit Canada. It's minutes from Downtown St. John's and gives you on of the prettiest views I have ever seen. My favorite time to go here is during the really windy time of year because the wind is really unlike anything you've experienced and it's almost as if it could knock you right off your feet! There's a guest book to sign when you walk inside so don't forget to sign and check out where other people have been visiting from also! This is pretty much Newfoundland all wrapped up into a tower. If you're lucky, you could spot a whale down in the water.

The North Head Trail is one of my favorite things to do in the city. It's not nearly as bad as some people make it out to be if you're able bodied and know your footing. Just one thing to do: DO IT IN CLEAR WEATHER. The "chain rock" section is a bit slippery sometimes but nothing too bad. Lots of great photo opportunities and right next to downtown St. John's. Absolutely awesome.