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Cabot Tower, St. John's

4.7
Observation Deck · Tourist Spot
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Hike across Signal Hill to reach Cabot Tower, a historic fortress overlooking the ocean. The monument was built in 1898 to honor John Cabot's discovery of Newfoundland 400 years before. The site had served as a military lookout point for centuries, and in 1902 Guglielmo Marconi received the first trans-Atlantic wireless signal here. A museum inside the tower illustrates the evolution of communication in Canada. Climb up to the top level for views over the landscape, but dress warmly due to high winds. Nearby souvenir shops sell mementos of your visit. Use our St. John's road trip app to visit Cabot Tower on your trip to St. John's, and learn what else travelers and our writers recommend seeing nearby.
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Cabot Tower reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
431 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • The tower wasn't open when we were there (other than the gift shop), but make sure you take the time to explore around Signal Hill. The Queen Battery Barracks and Vista Park behind the Visitor... 
    The tower wasn't open when we were there (other than the gift shop), but make sure you take the time to explore around Signal Hill. The Queen Battery Barracks and Vista Park behind the Visitor...  more »
  • 50 years ago when I visited St. John's last, Signal Hill was the highlight of the trip and what I remember the most (along with the warmth and friendliness of the Newfies). It was wonderful being... 
    50 years ago when I visited St. John's last, Signal Hill was the highlight of the trip and what I remember the most (along with the warmth and friendliness of the Newfies). It was wonderful being...  more »
  • The views of the harbor and Cape Spear off in the distance make this trek up and down very worthwhile. 
    The views of the harbor and Cape Spear off in the distance make this trek up and down very worthwhile.  more »
Google
  • If you use a cell phone or internet, you have this place to thank for, for its part in the making wireless communication possible! The tower museum is packed full of information on the history and the making of wireless communication. Take a climb to the top of the tower for a stunning view of the city. Even on a cloudy day, we managed to get some pretty amazing sights! The gift shop has a great souvenir collection.
  • At the bottom of this hill there's the geocenter which is wonderful and the hike to the top of this hill and then to climb the stairs of the tower is a bit of a project. I would strongly recommend both. There's also a very lovely cafe in the middle that I would also strongly recommend! The view is beautiful and if you go on a nice day sitting on the cliff staring at the ocean is genuinely lovely.
  • Historic place where Marconi sent the first ever trans-Atlantic wireless message. My wife's Great Grandfather William Cantwell was present for the historic event. Beautiful scenic views. Look out for the two silver foxes that hang out here looking for food.
  • Lovely scenic place. The day we visited was very windy. Please keep yourself warm here when you visit.
  • Great views of the harbor below and you might see a fox. They will come into the parking lot so you can get a good picture . Unfortunately I used my real camera for those so I can't easily post them right now. There is plenty of parking and lots of places to boondock around the hill. You can go inside the tower but it's just a gift shop with over priced stuff. Like ten dollar jars of jelly and twenty five dollar socks. This is a must see though if you come to St. Johns

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