Signal Hill
Signal Hill
4.5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksHistoric Walking AreasMilitary Bases & Facilities
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
A hill overlooking St. John's Harbor which has been given "National Historic Site" status.
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- Fauve4ever40 contributionsHistoric lookoutWe went twice to signal hill. The first time was part of a tour and we went back the 2nd time on foot using the coastal trail. For those who wants to use the trail, make sure you have good walking shoes, water and snacks.Visited August 2022Written December 27, 2022
- Marc HBrunswick Heads, Australia96 contributionsWalk to signal hillA very cold place to walk to in winter! But views were amazing ! Covered in white it was quite magical !! It was a shame the geo tech museum was not open as that would have complimented this signal Hil . Signs around the area were great though with the history !!Visited January 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten February 1, 2023
- Telah MOttawa, Canada337 contributionsThe top attraction!A must see when in St Johns. The Cabot tower offers stunning views of the city, and the history of this place is not to be forgotten. A visit to the discovery centre is a must do as well. Worth waiting for a break in the fog.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 11, 2023
- Robin BPhoenix, Arizona1,412 contributionsGreat viewsWe walked up the hill (you can also drive). It’s a consistent, uphill hike. About two-thirds of the way you can veer off to the right and take a real trail instead of the sidewalk. At the top there are great views, other trails to take down and the actual signal tower you can go into for better views. We walked down along a trail (instead of the sidewalk/road) and took it to Quidi Vidi Brewery. You will spend less than an hour if you drive up; 1-2 hours if you walk or take any of the trails around the hill.Visited June 2023Written June 17, 2023
- Dave D2 contributionsIncredible views on a clear day.The views were amazing from the bottom and the top of the tower. There are many hiking trails but we were on a tour so time was limited. If going on a hike remember to wear good footwear. We were fortunate as the sky was clear. The previous day was raining with low clouds and fog.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 22, 2023
- Amanda T6 contributionsNeeds to be viewed on a sunny dayWe were fortunate enough to be able to go back on a sunny day. The first time we visited, it was so foggy, we couldn't see a thing! Our second visit was much better - the best way to see St. John's from above.Visited June 2023Written June 25, 2023
- LCP61 contributionsInteresting history in St. John'sInteresting history given on a number of information boards. From the Cabot Tower at the top of Signal Hill is a good view over the city. It is a steep climb up but cars can go up and park at the top. Recommend visiting the Johnson Geo Centre on the way down.Visited June 2023Written June 30, 2023
- AnniversaryGalCalgary, Canada99 contributionsBest views of St John’s!Best views of St Johns and surrounding areas. Lots of hiking trails. Lighthouse is cool. Free. Lots of parking. Went twice at different times of day. One of the days was fascinating watching the fog come in and out. Get to see all the ships and boats leaving and coming into St John’s harbourVisited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 2, 2023
- Ray SOrangeville, Canada178 contributionsAn interesting part of our historyWe visited the Signal Hill visitor Centre as well as the Signal Hill Cabot Tower yesterday. Very informative and an interesting part of our history. However, when we were at the visitor centre my wife tripped and hurt her toe on the 1 inch brown platform at the entrance of the movie room. There was no marking on the step. This is a safety issue and the staff dismissed it saying « it’s just a small incline ».Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 7, 2023
- Katie L25 contributionsCannons, history and great viewsLots of elevation change so could be challenging if you hike around here. Beautiful views and can explore as much or little as you choose. We caught the 12:00 noon cannon which was great (and very loud)! Loved the view from the top of cabot tour and the red chairs, rock edges around signal hill. Harbour view is great and also saw whales!Visited July 2023Written July 14, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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3,627 reviews
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Sharon
Canada506 contributions
Aug 2021
Fantastic views! Went to the Information building where you paid $3.90 a person to review some artifacts and a 20 minute film on the history of Signal Hill. Very interesting. Glad that I was able to visit without the usual crowd, as you got to enjoy the visit.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aurora2827
Panama160 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
Pretty windy but the view is amazing. We even had the opportunity to meet Chief a gorgeous Newfoundland dog that his owner kindly let us take a photo with. The building was close due the season but you can stroll through the place and enjoy a good hiking or the crispy clean air while you appreciate the view of the city and the ocean.
Written March 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Connie Firtree
Milton Keynes, UK181 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We found out about this place on another travel related website whilst researching what to do whilst in St.Johns, where we had 2 extra days added whilst the itenary caught up with us.
We wanted to take the hop on / hop off bus, but that had finished for the season around 3 weeks previous, so we took a taxi from the cruise port costing $12 one way,
it was windy when we got to the top, but we were fine with that, found the signposts to all over the world including the place in Cornwall, UK, where Marconi received the signal marking the 1st trans atlantic phone call from.
There is a celebration gun on the hill normally fired at 12 noon in season, luckily for us there was some visitors from Ireland and they fired the gun especially for them, twice.
We went into the tower to see the history of that phone call and I climbed on to the roof, before seeing the souveniers in the gift shop.
We walked back down to the city stopping off at other places en route.
We wanted to take the hop on / hop off bus, but that had finished for the season around 3 weeks previous, so we took a taxi from the cruise port costing $12 one way,
it was windy when we got to the top, but we were fine with that, found the signposts to all over the world including the place in Cornwall, UK, where Marconi received the signal marking the 1st trans atlantic phone call from.
There is a celebration gun on the hill normally fired at 12 noon in season, luckily for us there was some visitors from Ireland and they fired the gun especially for them, twice.
We went into the tower to see the history of that phone call and I climbed on to the roof, before seeing the souveniers in the gift shop.
We walked back down to the city stopping off at other places en route.
Written November 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ramblin_Ken
Ottawa, Canada31 contributions
Aug 2022
Besides the magnificent views of the City and harbour, Signal Hill is a very historic site in the history of telecommunications. Excellent guide provided details about the work of Marconi and the Hill's involvement with local shipping and international disasters like the Titanic. It gets very windy so do wear a fleece even on a sunny day!
Written September 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CdnWorldTraveller14
Toronto, Canada32 contributions
Sep 2021
I highly recommend a visit to this stunning vista. Spectacular views of the ocean and the city--lots of great photo opps. It's quite windy so make sure you bring a windbreaker and hold on to your hat. Plan to spend a bit of time here.
Written September 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2plytraveller
Toronto, Canada303 contributions
Aug 2019
We drove up Signal Hill and parked near Cabot Tower. My husband and I visited in the early morning before Cabot Tower opened for the day. The panoramic views are stunning.
We also walked part of a trail by Georges Pond, and the trail around Deadman's Pond. Both trails were scenic.
Washrooms were scarce but we found a clean washroom at the visitor centre, which was not yet open for the day, but the cafe was open.
Signal Hill is a must see!
We also walked part of a trail by Georges Pond, and the trail around Deadman's Pond. Both trails were scenic.
Washrooms were scarce but we found a clean washroom at the visitor centre, which was not yet open for the day, but the cafe was open.
Signal Hill is a must see!
Written July 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SJH
Ottawa226 contributions
Aug 2022
There is a beautiful view and we learned a lot. It would be better to visit out of hours because you can experience the view all the same without all the other people. The only thing open during business hours is the gift shop and a small museum - But it is up to you. Just remember to put on your walking shoes!
Written September 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BAM1113
New York City, New York, USA1,110 contributions
Jul 2022
My husband and I spent a few hours exploring Signal Hill, The Battery and some of the hiking trails. You could easily spend all day on the trails if you had the time and energy and there are choices for different fitness levels. We were there on a clear day and the views are breathtaking. The small history museum is enjoyable as well and doesn't take much time to tour. This is definitely a must-see attraction in the area. Note that the visitor center opens at 10 am, however you can access the trails earlier to avoid the crowds since it is a very popular site.
Written August 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LCP
61 contributions
Jun 2023
Interesting history given on a number of information boards. From the Cabot Tower at the top of Signal Hill is a good view over the city. It is a steep climb up but cars can go up and park at the top. Recommend visiting the Johnson Geo Centre on the way down.
Written June 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Telah M
Ottawa, Canada337 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
A must see when in St Johns. The Cabot tower offers stunning views of the city, and the history of this place is not to be forgotten. A visit to the discovery centre is a must do as well. Worth waiting for a break in the fog.
Written June 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can we book ice berg boat tours when we arrive in St Johns in early June or will they all be sold out.Thankyou
How crowded does St John get in July? Is it so bad that you need to arrive early at attractions in order to get parking or is it really not bad at all? We’ve been to Iceland and Tuscany in the last two years and found them overrun by tourists, to the point that it wasn’t enjoyable anymore. Thanks!
springbanktraveller
Callgary870 contributions
We were there in mid September, not too many people about. But do make sure you have a map of St.Johns or a GPS on your phone as there are few directional sights on any of the roads to points of interest. Also discover the Johnson Geo Centre sited just below Signal, a worthwhile attraction. Parking could be a problem in the summertime.
how long does it take to walk from downtown to Signal Hill returning via stairs ? We are just there for day via cruise.
Cheers Dianne NZ
VacationingCanadians
Regina, Canada133 contributions
Google Map says 37 min walk one way. The stairs were fun to do, I had no idea how many there would be!!
Alan C
Newcastle Upon Tyne17 contributions
Hi, could you give me an idea of how far it is from the town centre to the top of Signal point please Hannah. Or how long to walk up from town? Is the walking route from town easy to follow?
We are in St Johns for a day this summer on a cruise ship from England and this sounds our sort of trip if not too far.
Thanks and kind regards Alan.
dermott03
St. John's, Canada25 contributions
it is a decently long walk and the hill is very steep. my recommendation would be to get a taxi from down town to the top of signal hill, the hike up is boring along the road. this way you can hike down the hill back in to the down town area and see the ocean, harbor entrance and the harbor itself. you will see some amazing sights, the trail starts at the top leading away from the parking lot down a long set of wooden steps, then winds down the rest of the way. at one point you will be on some pretty exposed rock and near the end you will literally be walking through peoples yards! that is just part of the charm. an added bonus is that there is a home called blue moon pottery near the end for some really nice souvenirs. the hike down will probably take you 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your fitness levels.
Chickpea1167
Baddeck, Canada17 contributions
We will be in St. John's for a day in mid Oct. as the result if a flight layover. I figure we will have 5 hours and are planning to rent a car. On a Sunday so traffic shouldn't be an issue. I just checked and signal hill historic site will be closed for the season. Is it possible to still drive up there and get the view? We also want to visit the Rooms and have lunch. Any suggestions?
Natalie B
Oakville, Canada35 contributions
To my knowledge you can always drive up to Signal Hill, the shop there will not be open.
My first visit was in March and it was cold and windy, the view was awesome.
Joey613
Battambang, Cambodia693 contributions
Hi! We are getting into St. John’s airport in a few days at 10am and need to leave 5am the next morning. We are looking into doing signal hill (hike there for a few hours max) to jelly bean row and then to George street for some pub/night life before we hear back to the airport at an obscene hour. Is this possible? Any information would be extremely helpful as we are having a hard time finding any information on this and good short hikes etc... thank you SO much in advance.
Pat2Max
White Rock, Canada70 contributions
Yes you can do all of that in the time you have. For a real Newfoundland Pub I would go to the Duke of Duckworth. It off an alley on Duckworth St.
gattgang
Toronto, Canada3 contributions
Is it feasible to do Quidi Vidi, Mallard Cottage for lunch, the brewery AND signal hill in a day?
SylvainLeroux
Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Canada144 contributions
It would be a full day, but very doable.
981travelgirl
Edmonton, Canada98 contributions
Hi, for some reason I can't get to the website. Can anyone tell me what the fees are? Thanks
scottmelvin96
Olmedo, Italy34 contributions
free to visit the hill. The museum part was around $8 adult
Is the Canada 150 sign still up on Signal Hill?
J T
Nanaimo, Canada199 contributions
No it is no longer there. I was back in November and the sign was gone
kimmc64
Bracebridge, Canada
Hi, kimmc64. What would you like to know about this attraction?
I am on my way and staying in St. Johns.. need to know where to see. I only have 4 days and no car. but will take taxi if it is worth going to thanks
Donna H
Okotoks, Canada9 contributions
As far as I'm concerned, Signal Hill is a must for the view. The Rooms was good, but exhausting to see it all and if you're not into museums, don't go if you only have 4 days. We took an O'Brien's Bay Bulls boat tour and we saw some whales and thousands of birds, including puffins...they will pick you up and take you to the boat launch at Bay Bulls for a fee. Well worth it. Also, taste the night life on George Street with the live music...pick any bar you like and just enjoy! The Terry Fox mile 0 monument is by the water and if you go to the convent, you will see the most amazing marble statue carved from 1 piece of marble....the Veiled Virgin. Hope this helps a bit.
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Claim your listingSignal Hill - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Signal Hill
- Hotels near Signal Hill:
- (0.09 mi) Hometel on Signal Hill
- (0.07 mi) Signal Hill Gate by Premiere Suites
- (0.15 mi) Ocean Front 'Bakeapple Cottage' Built Into the Cliffs.
- (0.15 mi) Ocean Front Cottage, Built Into the Cliffside, Overlooking St. John's Harbour
- (0.15 mi) Ocean Front Cottage, Built Into the Cliffside, Overlooking St. John's Harbour
- Restaurants near Signal Hill:
- (0.16 mi) The Battery Cafe
- (0.15 mi) Ethiopian cuisine plus
- (0.20 mi) Bellissimo Bistro & Espresso Bar
- (0.17 mi) Belbin's Grocery
- (0.32 mi) Classic Cafe East
Signal Hill Information
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