Visiting Signal Hill
Signal Hill, Newfoundland, is a popular tourist attraction for both its aesthetic beauty and its historical significance. Spectators standing atop Signal Hill's 144 meter high cliffs will experience amazing panoramic views of the ocean, horizon, and Newfoundland coastline. Signal Hill has earned its title as a national historic site because of the crucial role it played in North America's military defense as well as its importance in the advancement of wireless communication under Marconi in 1901.
Signal Hill Military History
Even before confederation, Newfoundland's geographic location along North America's eastern border enabled it to play an important role in the military defense of both Canada and the United States. During WW2, both countries positioned troops at vital locations along Newfoundland's coastline, including Signal Hill, to defend against naval attack. Many old war relics remain on the cliffs of Signal Hill as reminders of the contributions it made during WW2. The military props also create amazing photo opportunities. Follow this link to see more information about the military history of Signal Hill which I provide in a separate blog.
Signal Hill: Cabot Tower
Cabot Tower, built in the late 1800's, is an iconic landmark that sits atop the massive cliffs of Signal Hill, Newfoundland. Its interior, with a narrow, winding stairway and thick casement windows, captures the essence of its late 1800's archaeological design. Entering Cabot Tower, you will immediately encounter a Newfoundland theme gift shop which is an ideal place to shop for keepsakes of your time in Newfoundland. Upper levels of Cabot Tower showcase cultural and historic artifact and provide an access point to the rooftop and the flagpole station.
Signal Hill: Cabot Tower Flag Communication in the 19th Century
Cabot Tower's flagmen played an important in role in facilitating communication between land and sea during the 19th century. Before air and road travel, all goods coming into NL arrived by merchant ships. Each ship bore an identifying character for the company it represented (much like company logos do today). The flagman atop Cabot Tower would identify the approaching ship and, in response, would hoist a corresponding flag from the Cabot Tower flagpole. This acknowledged that the ship had been seen and was a sign to local vendors that a shipment was arriving and that they could meet the merchants at port to conduct business.
Signal Hill: Communication & Technological Advancements
Signal Hill was the site where the first transatlantic message was received by Guglielmo Marconi in 1901. This was an important milestone in the advancement of modern technology. A plaque commemorating his endeavor can be on a ledge overlooking the ocean at Cabot Tower. For those who would like to learn more, I encourage you to visit a museum dedicated to Marconi which is found within Cabot Tower.
Signal Hill: Whale Watching Opportunities
Visitors to Signal Hill are often treated to dramatic performances of humpback whales that are commonly seen in Newfoundland ocean waters during summer months. Humpback whales pound the ocean surface with their fins and tails and sometimes leap out of water in an amazing breach, much to the amazement of onlookers.
Signal Hill: Birdwatching Opportunities
Signal Hill, Newfoundland, offers amazing birdwatching opportunities. In addition to the many different species of gulls and songbirds in the area, a family of bald eagles has maintained a nest on the cliffs of Signal Hill for many years. During fledging, it is common to witness the bald eagles soaring in the skies overlooking the city of St. John's, NL.
Signal Hill Tourist Opportunity: Firing a Musket
During the summer tourist season, Parks Canada staff provide a once daily public tour and information session about the history of Signal Hill, particularly its significance in military defense. Staff also provide a rifled musket demonstration from atop the cliffs of Signal Hill which, for a fee, visitors can participate and fire rounds.
Signal Hill Tourist Opportunity: Firing the Noon Day Gun
The noon day gun has had a presence in Newfoundland since 1842. Early use was to help orient nearby ships and also to serve as a public clock for the residents of St. John's. At present, the noon day gun serves more as a tourist attraction and is fired by a Parks Canada official in a soldier's uniform daily at noon during the summer season. Visitors are offered the opportunity to fire theday gun for a fee.
Signal Hill: Boat Watching Opportunities
Enjoy amazing ocean views and see a wide assortment of ships, including huge cruise ships, entering and leaving St. John's harbour.
Signal Hill: Three Gun Salute as the Nieuw Statendam Cruise Ship Leaves St. John's Harbour
During the summer season, some of the large cruise ships leaving port receive a friendly three gun salute from Parks Canada staff dressed in military uniform. This is the MS Nieuw Statendam Cruise Ship leaving St. John's harbour in '22.
Signal Hill: Hiking Opportunities
Hike Park's Canada hiking paths through the Signal Hill coastline. There are five trails including the Burma Trail, Centre to Citadel Trail, Gibbet Hill Trail, Ladies' Lookout Trail, and the North Head Trail. I provide an overview of Signal Hill hiking trails in a separate blog.
Signal Hill: The Signal Hill Star
The Signal Hill star is lit every year in December to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. From many points through St. John's, the Signal Hill star can be seen shining brightly and is meant to bring peace and feelings of hope to its people.
Visitors to Signal Hill are encouraged to go to the Visitor Information Centre where they will encounter friendly, knowledgeable staff and be given the opportunity to see the many more military and communication displays onsite.
Please continue to follow my blog as I showcase more amazing tourist attractions in eastern Newfoundland.
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