Signal Hill
Signal Hill
4.7
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
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
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.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Signal Hill
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
241 within 5 kms
Attractions
103 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.7
3,658 reviews
Excellent
2,695
Very good
860
Average
85
Poor
11
Terrible
7
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
empathology
Rotterdam, The Netherlands616 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
This important hill has lots of history plus a spectacular view over to St. John's.
Park at the visitor centre (2/3 of the way up) and walk first to the Batter, complete with the old cannons to defend the city and harbour. Then climb to the top.
The tower was used by Marconi for his early radio work and there are some exhibits and detail about this - all quite fascinating that not so long ago, Europe to N America communication was massively different from what we're used to today.
And those 360-degree views. Far out to sea, or down onto the harbour, the city and beyond. Breath-taking.
If you're thinking of walking all the way from town, be sure you've got the stamina for it - it's a long way up. That said, you'll pass lots of those lovely old colourful houses en route.
It's free, though the visitor centre will try to persuade you to shell out for their exhibition.
Park at the visitor centre (2/3 of the way up) and walk first to the Batter, complete with the old cannons to defend the city and harbour. Then climb to the top.
The tower was used by Marconi for his early radio work and there are some exhibits and detail about this - all quite fascinating that not so long ago, Europe to N America communication was massively different from what we're used to today.
And those 360-degree views. Far out to sea, or down onto the harbour, the city and beyond. Breath-taking.
If you're thinking of walking all the way from town, be sure you've got the stamina for it - it's a long way up. That said, you'll pass lots of those lovely old colourful houses en route.
It's free, though the visitor centre will try to persuade you to shell out for their exhibition.
Written August 28, 2024
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.
somegalfromcan
Victoria, Canada245 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
Cabot Tower, as I have learned can be seen from just about anywhere in St. John's, but my first glimpse of it filled me with excitement as it felt like that was the moment I truly knew I was in Newfoundland. I recommend doing what my friend and I did - hike up a trail to get to the top and then walk down via the road. The scenery from the trails is stunning (especially on a sunny day) and it is easy to imagine why they chose this place to defend the city so many centuries ago. The history here is so fascinating. Make sure to stop and visit the statue of the Newfoundland and Labrador dogs while you are up there and then get yourself a treat at the Chocolate Cafe.
Written May 21, 2024
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.
Karen BF
Edmonton, Canada701 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
We hiked up from the lot, down to the outcropping and back up to the signal house, looked inside and out, and just got away before a bus load of senior tourists arrived. This is a great spot loaded with history and amazing views, but the stairwells are tiny. If you see a big group going in, just hang back a few minutes so you have more time and space.
Written September 15, 2024
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.
wigsy
Hamilton, Canada608 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Not only does this hill have a lot of history to it, the views of the ocean and the city are amazing from the top. There are also a number of easy to moderate trails you can take to get different vistas and visit other historic buildings. Definitely worth a visit when in St. John’s.
Written July 9, 2024
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.
Jurora
Peterborough, Canada600 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
After being picked-up at St. John's airport by family, we wanted to eat dinner, then go right away, up to S. Hill. We parked, then looked over the embankment area, and thankfully it was a clear night, great view, as we could see forever, and the sight was beautiful, with all the shimmering city lights. We basically walked around the Cabot Tower that night, and looked out over the dark Atlantic Ocean area, which we couldn't see, but saw some building lights over the other side of the The Narrows. At the end of our holiday, we went there during the late afternoon, parked, saw the same city views in daylight, then walked northward along a path, (which was a bit scary for me, as the large hillside sloped downward, a little ways away, and I don't like heights), which then curved up some stairs to a look-out, where we sat up much higher on a grassy area, enjoying the views again. It was made better, by a blue-sky, very sunny afternoon! The sun was actually blinding, as we were facing south. At areas, you can hear in the distance, some crashing waves on the shoreline, and see people walking trails, well below, the top of the hill!
Written May 17, 2024
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.
Luiza D
Mississauga, Canada26 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
We went on a rainy, stormy, and foggy day, but it was still fun. At the end sun came out and we took amazing photos.
Lots of World War 2 History, and fascinating history of the beginnings of WIRELESS technology
First wireless signal over the ATLANTIC was sent from Cabot Tower
Lots of World War 2 History, and fascinating history of the beginnings of WIRELESS technology
First wireless signal over the ATLANTIC was sent from Cabot Tower
Written July 27, 2024
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.
MissLaFlamme
Fredericton, Canada813 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Signal Hill offers breathtaking views of St. John's Harbour and the surrounding area. This site is steeped in history and culture, making it a must-visit destination. The hill is famously known as the location where Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901, marking a significant milestone in communication history. Visitors can explore the iconic Cabot Tower, which stands as a symbol of Newfoundland's contribution to global communication and military defense. The interpretive center provides engaging exhibits that delve into the site's rich history, from its military significance to its role in early transatlantic communications. The hiking trails around Signal Hill also offer spectacular vistas and opportunities to learn more about the area's natural and cultural heritage.
Written July 7, 2024
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.
jlandry35
Shannon, Canada52 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
We went to Signal Hill this summer for a full tour of Newfoundland and were just delighted.
The site is beautiful with a sea view that is memorable. This historic site is definitely a must in a St. John’s travel itinerary. We enjoyed every minute, took lots of pictures and brought home lots of stories to tell to family and friends.
A must to see!
The site is beautiful with a sea view that is memorable. This historic site is definitely a must in a St. John’s travel itinerary. We enjoyed every minute, took lots of pictures and brought home lots of stories to tell to family and friends.
A must to see!
Automatically translated
Written September 1, 2024
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.
Janine B
Cambridge, Canada98 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Absolutely stunning views ! Wear running shoes and bring water
Very clean trail and apparently it is better to start at the bottom and work your way up.
Visitor Center has bathrooms
Enough parking the day we were there
Very clean trail and apparently it is better to start at the bottom and work your way up.
Visitor Center has bathrooms
Enough parking the day we were there
Written June 25, 2024
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.
Herb I
Danville, PA208 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
A moderately strenuous hike to the top of the hill outside town, and at the head of the harbor. You can drive to almost the top but that feels like cheating. So we walked to the top from the middle of town and enjoyed beautiful vistas! Don’t miss the Chocolate cafe or the geology museum on the way down. Both are outstanding!
Written September 7, 2024
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.
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!
Written January 16, 2020
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.
Written January 25, 2020
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
Written May 15, 2019
Google Map says 37 min walk one way. The stairs were fun to do, I had no idea how many there would be!!
Written June 4, 2019
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.
Written March 25, 2019
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.
Written April 22, 2019
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?
Written September 1, 2018
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.
Written September 1, 2018
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.
Written August 6, 2018
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.
Written August 7, 2018
Is it feasible to do Quidi Vidi, Mallard Cottage for lunch, the brewery AND signal hill in a day?
Written June 19, 2018
It would be a full day, but very doable.
Written June 25, 2018
Hi, for some reason I can't get to the website. Can anyone tell me what the fees are? Thanks
Written March 9, 2018
free to visit the hill. The museum part was around $8 adult
Written March 30, 2018
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
Written July 26, 2017
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.
Written July 27, 2017
Showing results 1-10 of 19
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing