Cabot Tower Tours and Activities

Cabot Tower which includes general coastal views and landscape views
Cabot Tower which includes heritage elements
Cabot Tower which includes signage as well as a small group of people
Cabot Tower featuring interior views
Cabot Tower featuring interior views


Enjoy panoramic views from the top of an iconic tower where a successful experiment heralded the start of the era of modern communications.

Sitting on the top of Signal Hill is Cabot Tower, an imposing stone edifice that played a major role in the history of communications technology. It was at this site that Guglielmo Marconi received the first ever transatlantic wireless signal. 

The 30-foot (9.4-meter) red sandstone tower was built in 1898 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s discovery of Newfoundland and Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Marconi made his historic breakthrough at the tower when he received the letter "S" in Morse code. The signal originated approximately 2,200 miles (3,540 kilometers) away in Cornwall, England.

Go on a self-guided tour of the two-story building and visit the museum that explains the history of communications technology with an emphasis on Marconi’s role. View photographs and old pieces of experimental apparatus and learn more about how the Italian inventor revolutionized communications. 

Climb to the top of the tower for superb views of St. John’s Bay. This vantage point is also good for bird-watching and you may even be able to spot whales in the ocean.

After your tour, head to the nearby visitor center for interactive exhibits and short movies about the history and importance of Signal Hill. From the 17th century until World War II, the hill was part of the defenses of St. John's harbor. In 1762, the last battle of the Seven Years' War in North America was fought here. 

Come to the hill during July and August to enjoy the loud and colorful spectacle of the tattoo. Performers reenact scenes of life inside an 18th-century military garrison. See bands, lots of marching and canon and musket fire. 

Cabot Tower is open daily between mid-April and mid-November and there is an admission fee. Discounts are available for family tickets.Signal Hill and Cabot Tower can be seen from just about anywhere in St. John’s. Bring a jacket with you, because the sea breezes at the top of the hill can be cold, even in the height of summer. Drivers will find plenty of parking on-site.

Plan a trip to see Cabot Tower

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Abba Boutique Inn
The Murray Premises Hotel
Dvele Inn

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Cabot Tower

Jag Boutique Hotel

Jag Boutique Hotel

4.5 out of 5
115 George Street West, St. John's, NL
Jag Boutique Hotel
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
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
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
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
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
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
The Murray Premises Hotel

The Murray Premises Hotel

3.5 out of 5
5 Becks Cove, St. John's, NL
The Murray Premises Hotel
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 Cabot Tower

At Cabot Tower in St. John's, immerse yourself in historical tours that showcase the tower's rich past. Enjoy the scenic hiking trails nearby and take the opportunity to climb the tower for stunning views. Discover engaging exhibits inside the tower and indulge in some local shopping in the vicinity. Whether you're walking along the picturesque paths or exploring the tower's significance, there's plenty to do around this iconic landmark.

Shopping

The nearest shopping location is Avalon Mall, just 4.8km from Cabot Tower, where you can enjoy a variety of stores and family-friendly entertainment. Village Shopping Centre is 6.4km away, offering a vibrant shopping experience. If you're up for a drive, visit Lester's Farm Market, located 9.7km away, for local goods.

Recreation

Mile One Centre offers an exhilarating ice skating experience, perfect for sports enthusiasts, situated 3.2km from Cabot Tower. For a tranquil retreat, Pippy Park Headquarters provides wellness and relaxation amidst nature, located 4.8km away. Golf lovers can enjoy Admirals Green Golf Course, also 4.8km from the tower, featuring stunning outdoor views.

Adventure

The Waterford River Walk, located 3.2km from Cabot Tower, offers breathtaking scenery and a delightful hiking experience. For more adventure, explore the Deadman's Bay Path Trailhead, 4.8km away, or the Rennie's River Trail, also 3.2km distant, both promising stunning outdoor vibes and picturesque landscapes.

Nightlife

At Cabot Tower, the nightlife is vibrant and inviting. Just 1.6km away, Spirit of Newfoundland Theatre offers captivating performances in a romantic setting, perfect for families and those seeking cultural entertainment. Experience the charm of St. John's as you enjoy an unforgettable evening out.

Find the best attractions near Cabot Tower

When visiting Cabot Tower in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, you can explore a variety of attractions, including historic forts and art museums, perfect for culture enthusiasts and families alike. Don't miss the opportunity to take guided tours of Cabot Tower, where you can learn about its rich history and enjoy stunning views. It's a wonderful spot for outdoor activities and cultural experiences that will enhance your vacation.

  • George Street: Known for its vibrant nightlife, George Street is a bustling hub filled with pubs, bars, and live music venues. It's the perfect spot to experience local culture and mingle with both locals and fellow tourists.
  • The Rooms: This impressive cultural facility combines a museum, art gallery, and archives, showcasing the rich history and artistic talent of Newfoundland and Labrador. The contemporary architecture complements the stunning exhibits, making it a must-visit for art lovers.
  • Signal Hill National Historic Site: Offering breathtaking views of St. John's and the Atlantic Ocean, Signal Hill is steeped in history. Explore its trails and enjoy the natural beauty while learning about its significance in military history.

Best time to go to Cabot Tower

The best time to visit Cabot Tower is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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 CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February27.0°F (-2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March29.1°F (-1.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
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 CloudyAverageAverage
December33.3°F (0.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cabot Tower

To save money during your visit to Cabot Tower, consider exploring nearby free attractions like the Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and Avalon Mall. For budget-friendly accommodation, plan your trip between December and February, when prices are lower, and aim for a Saturday stay to save more. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly hotels and filter options by price for the best deals. Additionally, booking a package that includes flights and activities can help stretch your travel budget further. Look out for double points, special offers, and ticket deals to maximize your savings!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cabot Tower 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 Cabot Tower is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Cabot Tower is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel that suits you best. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will reveal sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations currently available. 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 booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Cabot Tower with your flights and activities. It's a smart way to make the most of your travel budget!