St John's - Signal Hill National Historic Park

Signal Hill, the steep cliffs of which make up the north side of the harbor entrance in St John's, was the scene of the final engagement of the Seven Years' War between Britain and France. During the annual Military Tattoo, held here the battle is commemorated by the sounding of the last post.

Despite its strategic position Signal Hill remained unfortified following the Seven Years' War until the present defenses were built during the hostilities of 1812. The hill traditionally served as a marine look-out however, which is how it acquired its name.

The thump of cannon can still be heard each midday, echoing round the Signal Hill National Historic Park. The Park is one of the largest of its kind in Canada and, being situated 152 m (500 ft) above the sea, affords superb views day and night over the city, the harbor and the adjacent coast.

Signal Hill is also what many visitors consider a "must see" attraction in St John's. It covers a large area and, depending on how much you want to take in, there can be a fair bit of walking involved.