North Head Trail, St. John's: Address, Phone Number, North Head Trail Reviews: 5/5
North Head Trail
North Head Trail
5
About
An exhilarating hike featuring rugged coastal beauty, striking views, and historic sites. This challenging trail built by Parks Canada descends 500 ft and includes a narrow coastal path along the Narrows. Caution: This trail is not maintained by the Grand Concourse Authority. Steep cliffs and hazardous sections are common throughout and caution should be exercised at all times.
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
263 within 5 kms
Classic Cafe East
234
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Diner • Canadian
Bellissimo Bistro & Espresso Bar
67
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • American • Vegetarian Friendly
Coffee Matters
237
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Cafe • Canadian
The Battery Cafe
76
0.1 km$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • Canadian
Get Stuffed
583
0.8 km$$ - $$$ • Canadian • Soups • Vegetarian Friendly
Peaceful Loft
328
0.9 km$ • Chinese • Asian • Vegetarian Friendly
Raymonds Restaurant
730
0.9 km$$$$ • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Zachary's
105
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Canadian
Oppidan
99
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Canadian
Caines Grocery & Deli
42
0.5 km$ • Deli • Canadian
Attractions
81 within 10 kms
Signal Hill
3,550
0.1 kmHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Terry Fox Monument
381
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Alexis Templeton Studio
17
0.2 kmArt Galleries
Quidi Vidi Lake Trail
219
0.6 kmHiking Trails
Commissariat House
54
0.5 kmHistoric Sites
Red Ochre Gallery
3
0.4 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
St. Thomas' Church
10
0.5 kmChurches & Cathedrals
Cabot Tower
423
1.1 kmObservation Decks & Towers
Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
377
1.2 kmChurches & Cathedrals
The Rooms
1,833
1.3 kmObservation Decks & Towers • Art Museums
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5.0
189 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
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Average
1
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1
Terrible
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Heidi
Charlottetown, Canada7 contributions
Sep. 2021 • Couples
Absolutely stunning! This trail is beautiful and convenient if your looking for some amazing views and a good hike. It’s conveniently located by Signal Hill and in the city of St. John’s. There are a few tougher areas of the trail such as lots of steps and walking on some uneven surfaces such as rocks. But it is a very friendly and safe trail. We saw lots of people of all ages walking the trail and lots of people walking their dogs too!
Written November 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
David L
Montreal, Canada71 contributions
Sep. 2021
Great trail, some tricky parts to get through but that made it fun. Make sure to wear good footwear.
Written September 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Julie6802
Sainte-Julie, Canada372 contributions
Aug. 2021 • Family
We did the trail going down, and we absolutely loved it. Magnificent views of the ocean. I was glad we did the trail going down because it was 27 degrees Celsius so people who were going up the 1000 + stairs we very sweaty. A definite must do in St John’s. Walking shoes are a definite must. Our 12 y.o. daughter really enjoyed it too.
Written August 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
R D
Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada27 contributions
Jul. 2021
Start the hike on Battery Road, walk across buddy's deck and make your way up to Signal Hill. Then continue on to Quidi Vidi for a great beer.
Written July 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mac
9 contributions
Aug. 2020 • Family
What a great hike, with amazing views. Dont be scared to take your kids, some of the pics make it look dangerous. We have an 11 and 7 year old and it was perfect for them. I would recommend parking at the visitor center, then take the trail up to Cabot Tower. The kids loved all the canons and history about the war. Then continue on the North Head trail all the way down. The trail is all downhill and easy. We had many stops for blue berries along the trail. The trail eventually ends in the Battery. This is where my wife and kids continued down the hill to the Battery Cafe. They've got great coffee and snacks. I went up the hill to get the car and meet the family at the cafe for a much deserved treat. Dont miss this must see hike.
Written August 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
cmmari0n
Thunder Bay, Canada1 contribution
Aug. 2019
We walked all around. What a beautiful view. We were able to see all around us.it was absolutely breathtaking.
Written April 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ingle
Tofino, Canada845 contributions
Oct. 2019
You’ll have read about the spectacular scenery, the well-maintained trail made up of packed dirt, rock, boardwalk, and wooden steps, and the little Adirondack chair pairs, so I won’t spend any time on those.
We were challenged by a dearth of information on logistics - exactly where to park and exactly how to get back there. I’ll provide details - and photos - on that.
First off, unless you are doing the trail principally for exercise, I suggest that you walk a little uphill and a long trail down, rather than the reverse.
If you have a car, I recommend you park at Johnson Geo-Vista on the L on the road up to Signal Hill. Big sign, can’t miss it. Deadman’s Pond (see photo) is opposite on the R. Then walk on the sidewalk the rest of the way up. Before you reach the parking lot for Cabot Tower, where the road takes a sharp R, take a 3 minute detour to Ladies Lookout (photo) on your L for the highest point. Then return and start the North Head Trail, with a long, curving flight of stairs down (photo). Walk around the hill flanking the coast until you come to the end, when you walk across someone’s porch (photo) to get to the Outer Battery Road.
Follow Outer Battery Rd past little homes and buildings, and a large grey wall mural (photo) on the R, until you come to Hipditch Hill veering sharply off to the R. Take that until you see a set of wooden steps marked Trail (photo), on the L beside a blue house (photo). Take that and climb up keeping to the L (it’s unmarked) as you walk the path. It’s about 5-6 mins from the top of the stairs to Deadman’s Pond. You will approach the pond from behind, and walk L around it. Johnson Geo-Vista is in front of you, across the street. That’s the fastest and most scenic route back and beats taking the long road back.
The chain-link rail is for comfort where the trail is at its narrowest point above the cliff (photo shows the entire length of it) but its use is not even necessary. The hike is a safe and relatively easy 1.7 km, especially if going from top to bottom.
Make sure your camera is fully charged. After pooh-poohing selfie sticks, we used a gift one received several years ago for the first time and took some gorgeous shots. No flipflops. Running or hiking shoes are a must.
We were challenged by a dearth of information on logistics - exactly where to park and exactly how to get back there. I’ll provide details - and photos - on that.
First off, unless you are doing the trail principally for exercise, I suggest that you walk a little uphill and a long trail down, rather than the reverse.
If you have a car, I recommend you park at Johnson Geo-Vista on the L on the road up to Signal Hill. Big sign, can’t miss it. Deadman’s Pond (see photo) is opposite on the R. Then walk on the sidewalk the rest of the way up. Before you reach the parking lot for Cabot Tower, where the road takes a sharp R, take a 3 minute detour to Ladies Lookout (photo) on your L for the highest point. Then return and start the North Head Trail, with a long, curving flight of stairs down (photo). Walk around the hill flanking the coast until you come to the end, when you walk across someone’s porch (photo) to get to the Outer Battery Road.
Follow Outer Battery Rd past little homes and buildings, and a large grey wall mural (photo) on the R, until you come to Hipditch Hill veering sharply off to the R. Take that until you see a set of wooden steps marked Trail (photo), on the L beside a blue house (photo). Take that and climb up keeping to the L (it’s unmarked) as you walk the path. It’s about 5-6 mins from the top of the stairs to Deadman’s Pond. You will approach the pond from behind, and walk L around it. Johnson Geo-Vista is in front of you, across the street. That’s the fastest and most scenic route back and beats taking the long road back.
The chain-link rail is for comfort where the trail is at its narrowest point above the cliff (photo shows the entire length of it) but its use is not even necessary. The hike is a safe and relatively easy 1.7 km, especially if going from top to bottom.
Make sure your camera is fully charged. After pooh-poohing selfie sticks, we used a gift one received several years ago for the first time and took some gorgeous shots. No flipflops. Running or hiking shoes are a must.
Written November 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dave M
Calgary, Canada38 contributions
Sep. 2019
After our visit to the Cabot Tower (aka Signal Hill), we took a walk on the North Trail from Signal Hill along the trail into town. About 1.5kms over various types of terrain. It's easier from the top down ( 1000 steps down, is easier than 1000 steps up ) if your over 60!!
You will never get a better view of the coast & the harbour of St. John's. There is a constant activity to and fro from the harbour including cruise lines, cargo ships, fishing vessels and the supply ships to the rigs on the grand banks (Hibernia, White Rose, Terra Nova & Hebron).
A steady flow of activity, as is the core of St. John, it would have it no other way. George's Street where many of the famed CBC's 22 minutes comedy originated and called "home". They may be removed for now but shall always return.
Can't wait to go back......
Dave
You will never get a better view of the coast & the harbour of St. John's. There is a constant activity to and fro from the harbour including cruise lines, cargo ships, fishing vessels and the supply ships to the rigs on the grand banks (Hibernia, White Rose, Terra Nova & Hebron).
A steady flow of activity, as is the core of St. John, it would have it no other way. George's Street where many of the famed CBC's 22 minutes comedy originated and called "home". They may be removed for now but shall always return.
Can't wait to go back......
Dave
Written October 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tafierce
North Bay, Canada181 contributions
Aug. 2019
There are so many hiking trails around St. John's and it is hard to decide which one to do. So, thinking about distance and ease, we went with this hike. We weren't sure where to start the hike from Signal Hill. The route starts at the entrance of the parking lot. Some people recommended hiking up instead of down, but we ignored this idea and looked up for views as well as down! The people we passed coming up were sweating and breathing hard. We, on the other hand, were enjoying our leisurely walk and beautiful views. I did not find any walking areas uncomfortable or unsafe. It is well maintained. We loved ending in town by the harbour. However, we were unsure how to get back. My husband walked up a little road and took a trail in hopes of finding a way back to Signal Hill. He ended up at the first parking lot with the coffee shop. Then, he had to walk up a big hill to Signal Hill to get our car. My kids and I waited in a little park and then walked up Signal Hill Street/Road assuming it would lead us there. Shortly after, my husband picked us up along the street. If we did this again, we would have parked at the first parking lot at the base of the Signal Hill, walked up to the path, and then proceeded.
Written October 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
world_MD
Thunder Bay, Canada249 contributions
Oct. 2019
This hike is not to be missed even if you are not in the best of shape.
I started in downtown St. John's. Walked out to the start of the trail at the end of the Battery. The climb took just under an hour with stopping for many many beautiful pictures. Got to the top and then went down Ladies Lookout to Quidi Vidi village but also did some "unmarked" trails down to the cliffs and then up to the hill that you see from the top of the Ladies' Lookout. Although, not on the map, they are well traveled and easily identifiable. The vistas are incredible.
I started in downtown St. John's. Walked out to the start of the trail at the end of the Battery. The climb took just under an hour with stopping for many many beautiful pictures. Got to the top and then went down Ladies Lookout to Quidi Vidi village but also did some "unmarked" trails down to the cliffs and then up to the hill that you see from the top of the Ladies' Lookout. Although, not on the map, they are well traveled and easily identifiable. The vistas are incredible.
Written October 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
lisago52
Richmond, VA2 contributions
Hi, what are the other options you mentioned for getting to the top of Signal Hill? My husband may not be so interested in the climb. Thanks, we are going next week.
reed622
Central Saanich, Canada296 contributions
Yes drive to Signal Hill. You can take the stairs going down to the rock cliffs. There are also some other trails you can take from the parking lot. The North Trail is very scenic and worth the walk and less travelled.
Diane K
South Brunswick, NJ1,133 contributions
I have taken the North Head trail from Signal Hill down towards the Narrows and back to the city. I was wondering if the trail going the other direction from Signal Hill toward Quidi Vidi and then around George's Pond and back to the visitor center is just as pretty. I don't think I'll have time to do both.
Voyage40455019269
Chandler Heights, AZ
The Ladies Trail from Signal Hill to Quidi Vidi has a couple of nice view points but the footing is not great - very big and uneven rock base. Once you get past the lookout, it it basically all in the trees and then onto a gravel path. The North Trail is the winner here - so much prettier and very easy walk on the board walks.
Jack B
Rochester, NY64 contributions
We are arriving by cruise ship to St Johns Newfoundland. What is the best way to get to the North Head Trail?
lynnP1113XD
Kingston, Canada52 contributions
Hello,
You have a couple of options re the North Head Trail.
1) If you go to the top of Signal Hill (you can walk, drive or take the bus to get there), you can then walk down the North Head Trail (well marked) from the top at Signal Hill to the harbour area. I personally think that this is the nicest way to go because the views are spectacular and in front of you.
2) Some people choose to walk up the North Head Trail from the Harbour area to Signal Hill. As a tourist, I am not sure how easy it is to find the beginning of the trail. There are a lot of stairs to climb up. And the view is behind you.
My granddaughter and I did the loop: up Signal Hill Road to the top and then down the North Head Trail. Remember your water, hat, good shoes and sunscreen.
I would not recommend doing the North Head Trail with kids. There are some steep parts close to the edge.
Have fun.
Lynn
TravelGuy
Collingwood, Canada46 contributions
Hi All
Looking for information on Signal Hill and surrounding area.
Can I park a car somewhere, walk up the North Head Trail, explore the Historic Site, walk down to Quidi Vidi,
and buy a sandwich somewhere along the way?
Is this doable?
Is it a good idea?
I like walking if the scenery is interesting.
I prefer hiking uphill, not down.
Thanks
F
dundr2015
Victoria, Canada132 contributions
You can park the car close to the trail head, maybe near the Terry Fox memorial. From there it is uphill - a very beautiful and scenic hike. Walking downhill isn't all that bad because the other side of the hill - along the road - is not very steep (but also not that interesting). Once you are down you just follow the Quidi Vidi Road to Quidi Vidi. There is food and there is a brewery in the village.
It is definitely doable, but it will take some time. Specially the last leg from Quidi Vidi to your car isn't that interesting.
Hope that information helps.
