Signal Hill National Historic Site — Attraction in St. John's

We did a 45 min walk over from Central St John’s to check out this historic site. It is pretty hot in Summer so make sure you protect yourself from the sun (hat, sunscreen etc) and bring water.

A good place to stop on the way there or afterwards as we did is the Battery Cafe. Their amazing Rhubarb Lemonade and Chimi Chicken Sandwich are exactly what you need on a hot day!

You get a great view of St John’s including the harbour so it is worth it for that. Cool to see the cannons use to protect the city. If you time it tight you can catch the firing of the 3 pound gun at 12pm. We were told by park staff this was used to help mark time for boats as they could be coming from places in different time zones. It is very loud and I felt the force or it firing even though it was a blank which surprised me!

The big 32 pound guns in the Queens Battery that used to protect the harbour are still in really good condition. You can see the ingenuity of putting railroad wheels and tracks on the bottom so you could change the direction the cannons are pointing at.

You get a great view from the top of Cabot Tower on Signal Hill. It is very windy so be aware as I almost had my baseball cap get blown of my head twice so I had to tighten the fit on it.

There is a lot of history to see and it is well worth the $9 adult admission we each paid. Time it so you can see the 3 pound gun firing at 12pm as it is...

Not just disappointed, I am disgusted!

Amazing experience and rich history of this landmark diminished by Parks Canada.

The day we visited there was a problem with the water pump and all of the buildings were closed due to this maintenance issue. When asked, the parks employee reluctantly gave me a map and information brochure from the stack in his hand so at least I was able to gain some insight as to the significance of the location. TOTALLY DISAPPOINTED that the gun was not fired at noon. We called the office and when pressed on the issue they nonchalantly stated that “there were maintenance issues and it would fire again soon. You will know it’s fixed when you hear the bang” AGAIN, so disappointed. This is a tradition and these should not be taken for granted. You write on the placard that the gun has only not been fired at noon on only 3 occasions since 1900. You need to remove or edit this to include not firing on “the day the bathrooms didn’t work.” I could say so much more about the lack of communication from and by parks Canada… but I will stop here. SHAME ON YOU for just skipping over an important Canadian tradition. I am extremely disappointed in Parks Canada and infuriated as a proud Canadian!

Would they do the same at Old Fort Henry? Would Buckingham palace just not bother with the changing of the guard in a similar situation?

Not just...

I recently visited Signal Hill with my wife and friends, and it was an unforgettable experience! This place is not only beautiful but also has a rich history. It's famous for being the spot where the first signal from the Titanic was heard, which makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in history.

The view from Signal Hill is breathtaking, offering a panoramic look over the city and the ocean. Whether you're there for a romantic moment with your loved one or hanging out with friends, the scenery will leave you in awe. The peaceful atmosphere is perfect for relaxing, and we had a great time just enjoying the beauty of the place.

Apart from the history, the whole experience was incredible. Walking around the trails, taking in the fresh air, and learning about the historical significance made our visit extra special. It's a wonderful place to spend quality time with your loved ones while also appreciating a piece of history.

If you're looking for a great spot to hang out and take in some history, Signal Hill is definitely worth the visit. We had an amazing time, and I highly recommend it to anyone...