St. John's and Signal Hill
Capital Of Newfoundland And Labrador / Signal Hill National Historic Site · St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
St. John's is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador and one of the oldest European-settled harbours in North America, with fishing use going back to the 1500s. The city climbs steeply from a narrow harbour through rows of brightly painted houses, and the harbour mouth is guarded by Signal Hill, where Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901 near Cabot Tower. Cape Spear, about 11 km south, is the most easterly point in North America. It suits history readers, walkers, pub-goers and anyone chasing icebergs or whales. Allow two to three days; one day covers Signal Hill, downtown and Quidi Vidi but not the coast. Be honest about the weather: fog, wind and drizzle are common even in summer, and icebergs in late spring are never guaranteed. Downtown is small but very steep, and Newfoundland keeps its own time zone, half an hour ahead of Atlantic time. Confirm site hours and fees before you go.
Signal Hill National Historic Site, 230 Signal Hill Road, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1A 1B3, Canada
Signal Hill National Historic Site grounds and trails are open all year, in daylight, and the summit road may close in bad winter weather. The visitor centre and Cabot Tower keep seasonal hours, usually fullest from late spring to early autumn, so confirm opening days and times before you plan around them. Parks Canada also runs Cape Spear with a seasonal lighthouse and visitor centre, while the grounds stay open at most hours. The Rooms museum, shops and tour boats keep their own schedules, and boat tours run mainly from late spring to early autumn. Pubs on George Street run late into the night. Newfoundland Standard Time is half an hour ahead of Atlantic time, so check every booking time against the local clock.
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