Signal Hill National Historic Site Tours

Signal Hill showing general coastal views as well as a small group of people
Signal Hill which includes general coastal views as well as a small group of people
Signal Hill which includes a bay or harbor
Signal Hill featuring heritage elements and general coastal views
Signal Hill featuring landscape views, general coastal views and a city


Retrace historic moments of this landmark hill, the site of wartime defenses and where the first transatlantic wireless signal was received.

A trip up Signal Hill offers more than just the spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Here you can learn about key moments in global and local history and see rock forms that are hundreds of millions of years old. The hill overlooks the city of St John's and is home to a tower, underground museum and military installations.

Hike up to the late 19th-century Cabot Tower, where inventor Guglielmo Marconi received the world’s first wireless message. Visit the tower’s museum to discover more about this historic moment and then go up to the observation platform on the top floor.

Further down the hill is the visitor center where there are exhibits that detail Signal Hill’s history as a key part of the defense of St. John’s. Learn about the city's role against Nazi Germany and during French attacks in the 17th century. Then walk around the hill to find some of the old concrete bunkers and gun turrets from World War II.

Make even more fascinating discoveries by going underground at the Johnson Geo Centre. The museum has been carved into Signal Hill’s rock and presents an exploration of the geological history of the Earth. There are also exhibits on the future of space exploration.

Signal Hill hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year, but its calendar is fullest in the warm summer months. The Signal Hill Tattoo in July and August is a popular spectacle where military performers put on a show dedicated to the area's military history. For the full calendar of events, visit the pages dedicated to Signal Hill on the Parks Canada website.

Signal Hill is situated just 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from St. John’s town center. Although you can visit at any time of year, the visitor center and Cabot Tower close for several months during the winter and spring.

If you feel like going for a hike, there are several short trails on the hill. The North Head Trail is the most difficult, while the wheelchair accessible Lookout Trail has excellent views of St. John’s.

Plan a trip to see Signal Hill National Historic Site

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Holiday Inn St. John's Conference Centre by IHG
Dvele Inn
The Murray Premises Hotel

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Signal Hill National Historic Site

Jag Boutique Hotel

Jag Boutique Hotel

4.5 out of 5
115 George Street West, St. John's, NL
Jag Boutique Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton St. John's Harbourview

DoubleTree by Hilton St. John's Harbourview

3.5 out of 5
2 Hill O'Chips, St. John's, NL
DoubleTree by Hilton St. John's Harbourview
Holiday Inn St. John's Conference Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn St. John's Conference Centre by IHG

3.5 out of 5
180 Portugal Cove Road, St. John's, NL
Holiday Inn St. John's Conference Centre by IHG
Alt Hotel St. John's

Alt Hotel St. John's

3.5 out of 5
125 Water Street, St. John's, NL
Alt Hotel St. John's
Delta Hotels by Marriott St. John's Conference Centre

Delta Hotels by Marriott St. John's Conference Centre

4 out of 5
120 New Gower Street, St. John's, NL
Delta Hotels by Marriott St. John's Conference Centre
Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland

Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland

4.5 out of 5
115 Cavendish Square, St. John's, NL
Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland
Hilton Garden Inn St. John's Newfoundland, Canada

Hilton Garden Inn St. John's Newfoundland, Canada

3 out of 5
150 New Gower Street, St. John's, NL
Hilton Garden Inn St. John's Newfoundland, Canada
The Murray Premises Hotel

The Murray Premises Hotel

3.5 out of 5
5 Becks Cove, St. John's, NL
The Murray Premises Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott St. John's Newfoundland

Courtyard by Marriott St. John's Newfoundland

3.5 out of 5
131 Duckworth Street, St. John's, NL
Courtyard by Marriott St. John's Newfoundland
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Signal Hill National Historic Site

At Signal Hill National Historic Site, immerse yourself in stunning scenic views while exploring hiking trails and various trail options. Enjoy a leisurely walk, take a sightseeing tour, and discover the rich history of this iconic location. Don't miss the chance to shop nearby for unique local souvenirs and experiences that capture the essence of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Shopping

While visiting Signal Hill National Historic Site, you can shop at Avalon Mall and Village Shopping Centre, both located 4 miles away, offering a mix of family-friendly stores and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, Lester's Farm Market is 6 miles away, featuring local goods and a vibrant atmosphere.

Recreation

Mile One Centre offers an exhilarating ice skating experience, perfect for sports and adventure enthusiasts, just 2 miles from Signal Hill. For relaxation, Pippy Park Headquarters provides a tranquil recreational area 3 miles away, while Admirals Green Golf Course invites you to enjoy outdoor sports amidst beautiful surroundings, also 3 miles away.

Adventure

Embark on the Rennie's River Trail, located 2 miles from Signal Hill, where you can enjoy stunning scenery while hiking. The Waterford River Walk, also 2 miles away, offers a similar outdoor adventure experience. For a longer trek, explore the East Coast Trail, located 29 miles from the site.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Spirit of Newfoundland, a charming theater just 1 mile from Signal Hill National Historic Site. Enjoy captivating performances in a cozy atmosphere that blends culture, family-friendly fun, and romance for an unforgettable evening.

Find the best attractions near Signal Hill National Historic Site

When visiting Signal Hill National Historic Site in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, you'll find a wealth of attractions including historic forts, art museums, and beautiful landmarks. This area offers a perfect blend of culture, family-friendly activities, and outdoor experiences, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Explore the rich history through the historical buildings and enjoy the stunning views from Signal Hill, all while immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture.

  • George Street: Known for its vibrant nightlife, George Street is lined with pubs, restaurants, and live music venues. This lively atmosphere invites you to experience local culture through food, music, and dance, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
  • The Rooms: This impressive art museum combines history, art, and culture, showcasing Newfoundland and Labrador's rich heritage. With stunning exhibits and panoramic views of the city, The Rooms offers a unique cultural experience that captures the essence of the region.
  • Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist: A stunning example of Gothic architecture, this cathedral features beautiful stained glass windows and intricate woodwork. It serves as a spiritual landmark and offers a glimpse into the area's religious history and artistic craftsmanship.

Best time to go to Signal Hill National Historic Site

The best time to visit Signal Hill National Historic Site can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Signal Hill National Historic Site falls in August, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Signal Hill National Historic Site falls in February, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January28.8°F (-1.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February27.0°F (-2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March29.1°F (-1.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June49.1°F (9.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
October48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
December33.3°F (0.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Signal Hill National Historic Site

To save money on your visit to Signal Hill National Historic Site, consider traveling during the off-peak months of December to February when hotel rates are lower. Saturdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Thursdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to filter hotel options by price and take advantage of package deals that combine hotels with flights and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and cash back for future stays. Additionally, explore the area on foot to enjoy the scenic views without spending extra on transport.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Signal Hill National Historic Site are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Signal Hill National Historic Site is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Signal Hill National Historic Site is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and type of hotel you’re looking for. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Signal Hill National Historic Site with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.