National Parks and National Historic Sites of Canada in Newfoundland and Labrador

Signal Hill National Historic Site of Canada

Cabot Tower Parks Canada / Pam Coristine

Signal Hill has played a key role in Newfoundland’s military and communications history since the 18th century. Remnants of over 250 years of military fortifications are located throughout the site. Flag signals flown on the hill forecast the arrival of military and merchant vessels. In1901, Guglielmo Marconi made communications history at Signal Hill by receiving the first trans-Atlantic wireless radio signal.

Getting There

Signal Hill National Historic Site of Canada is located on Signal Hill Road, St. John’s

Making the Most of Your Visit

• Plan 3-4 hours to tour the Visitor Centre and take in the Signal Hill Tattoo or a guided history walk.
• Visit Cabot Tower, built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s explorations in the New World. Take in the Marconi exhibit and the Society of Newfoundland Radio Amateurs HAM station on the second floor. Find a keepsake in the first floor Heritage Shop.
• Hike some of Signal Hill’s 5 km of walking trails. Watch for whales, seabirds and icebergs along the coast. Check with Parks Canada staff prior to starting for orientation and safety precautions.
• Take in the Signal Hill Tattoo, a re-enactment of the drills of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment as formed in 1795. Call for show times.
• Signal Hill National Historic Site of Canada hosts and participates in a wide variety of tourism related events. Call for more information.

For Your Convenience

• Public washrooms
• Parking
• Gift Shop
• Picnic facilities
• Public telephone
• Please note: Visitor Centre and washrooms are accessible. Cabot Tower is not accessible. Grounds and some trails are accessible with assistance.

Hours of Operation

Telephone : (709) 772-5367/4444
E-mail : signal.hill@pc.gc.ca

Season & Hours of Operation

Visitor Centre

May 15 to October 15 - 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Daily
October 16 to May 14 - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday

Cabot Tower (incl. Heritage Shop)

Mid-January to March 31 - Closed
April 1 to May 31 - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Daily
June 1 to Labour Day - 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Daily
Labour Day to Mid January - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Daily

Individual admission tickets give you access to the Visitor Centres at Signal Hill and Castle Hill and Cape Spear Lighthouse. Special events (i.e. theatrical performances) on site grounds are extra.

Payment

Cash, VISA, American Express, MasterCard, and Interac*

* not available at Cape Spear Lighthouse

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