Experience Signal Hill’s famed Tattoo
Relive historic battles, fire a real cannon and hike unmatched scenic trails all in one place
There is no doubt Signal Hill is one of St. John’s most popular landmarks. Not only is it stunningly beautiful, but it is the site of a rich historic military past dating back to the late 1700s. as its name suggests, Signal Hill is also a famed communications triumph because of the successful “signalling” on its summit using flags to communicate between land and sea as early as the 17th century and in 1901, when the world’s first transatlantic wireless transmission was received, remaining operational right up to 1960.
For history buffs, Signal Hill marks the site of the infamous final battle of the Seven Years’ war in 1762 in which the French surrendered St. John’s to British Colonel William Amherst and his 200-man militia that overtook 295 French soldiers. Once called “The Lookout,” amherst renamed the site Signal Hill and it was later designated a citadel for St. John’s in the late 18th century.
Take a step back in time and tour the Queen’s Battery Barracks, completely restored to its 1862 glory when it was manned during the American Civil War. For a truly spectacular 360-degree view of St. John’s and the Atlantic Ocean and the Narrows into the harbour, climb the winding staircase to the top of the Cabot Tower, which sits on the summit of Signal Hill, 167 metres above sea level.
Construction of this iconic tower began in 1897 as a commemoration to both Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 and the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s discovery of Newfoundland in 1497. Although the original building in which Guglielmo Marconi received the world’s first transatlantic wireless signal (in Morse code from the U.K.) on December 12, 1901 was destroyed by a fire, Cabot Tower was used as a Marconi wireless station until 1960. Signal Hill was also the site of U.S. maintained anti-aircraft guns during the Second World War.
Today, visitors can take part in the daily Noon Day Gun, a lucky few actually getting to fire the historic cannon. while this would probably be the highlight of anyone’s visit to Signal Hill, witnessing the Signal Hill Tattoo in action is something you won’t soon forget. this awardwinning, internationally known historical re-enactment group is sure to thrill and excite children and adults of all ages as they listen to the echoing of cannon, musket and mortar fire, accompanied by the electrifying sounds of the fife and drum band.
Watch as the famed Signal Hill Military Tattoo perfectly depicts later 18th-century garrison life and the duties of His Majesty’s Royal Newfoundland Regiment of Foot and the 27th Company-2nd Battalion-royal Regiment of Artillery who endured the harsh conditions of the Newfoundland Station. this coveted group has performed for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Prime Minister, and a number of Canadian governor generals and has won a number of prestigious awards, including the Canadian Heritage Award, the City of St. John’s Tourism Event of the Year Award, the Historic Sites Association of Newfoundland and Labrador Manning Award as well as being named the Top 100 Tourist Attractions in North America by the American Bus Association.
Be sure to bring you hiking shoes and camera if you want to see some of the province’s most captivating scenery (including whales and icebergs) on the many hiking trails at Signal Hill National Historic Site, which all connect to the Grand Concourse that leads to most parts of St. John’s.
The park is open until Sept. 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information on all of the events at Signal Hill National Historic Site, visit www.pc.gc.ca.