Signal Hill National Historic Site
By Newfoundland & LabradorStand atop Signal Hill and let your soul be stirred by the crack of muskets and the roar of cannon fire. Discover the story of how British and French soldiers battled fiercely to control this strategic location. Explore the iconic Cabot Tower and experience a view of St. John's and the North Atlantic that is truly spectacular.
As its name implies, centuries before the advent of ship-to-shore radio, signalman perched on Signal Hill and surveyed the ocean for ships headed toward the port of St. John's. Flag signals flown on the hill communicated the names of arriving ships to those who inhabited the harbour-front below.
Take a journey back in time to 1901, when the famous Guglielmo Marconi made communications history at Signal Hill by receiving the first ever transatlantic wireless signal.
During the summer months, experience a performance of the award-winning Signal Hill Tattoo. This engaging re-enactment demonstrates the military drills of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment of foot as formed in 1795.
The experience at Signal Hill is very much an outdoors one. Be sure to hike the five kilometres of trails, especially the famous North Head Trail, which offers a unique traverse along the Narrows of St. John's Harbour and into the colourful community called the Battery.
The Johnson GEO CENTRE and surrounding Geopark are the hill's other main attraction. The GEO CENTRE, built partially into a small pond that was drained to expose the rock, uses the plentiful geology of Newfoundland and Labrador to explore the evolution of the planet. Drop by the Visitor Centre for a guided tour.
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Signal Hill National Historic Site is conveniently located in the east end of St. John's on Signal Hill Road. For more information, visit the Parks Canada official website: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/nl/signalhill/index.aspx
Do you have a tale to tell about a visit to Newfoundland and Labrador?