Signal Hill

Frommer's Review

You'll come for the history, but stay for the views. Signal Hill is St. John's most visible and visit-worthy attraction. This rugged, barren hill is the city's preeminent landmark, rising up above the entrance to the harbor and topped with a craggy "castle" complete with flag fluttering overhead -- the "signal" referred to in the name. The layers of history here are rich and complex: Flags have flown atop this hill since 1704, and over the centuries a succession of military fortifications have occupied these strategic slopes, as did three different hospitals. The castlelike structure (which is officially called Cabot Tower) dates from 1897, when it was built in honor of Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee and the 400th anniversary of John Cabot's arrival in the new world. The hill secured its spot in history in 1901, when Nobel laureate Guglielmo Marconi received the first wireless transatlantic broadcast -- three short dots indicating the letter S in Morse code, sent from Cornwall, England -- on an antenna raised 120m (394 ft.) on a kite in powerful winds.

A good place to start a tour is in the interpretive center, where you'll get a briefing about the hill's history. (Military drills and cannon firings still sometimes take place in the field next to the center; check here if you're interested.) From the center, you can follow serpentine trails up the hill to the tower, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Narrows and the open ocean beyond -- Cape Spear can even be seen in the distance to the south, and look for icebergs in the early summer and whales anytime. Interpretive placards, scattered about the summit, feature engaging photos from various epochs.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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