Easy🌊 Coastal Trail🏛️ National Historic SiteParks Canada
North Head Trail
Signal Hill National Historic Site · St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada
★★★★★
4.9✔ Verified Trail
📏3.5 kmDistance
⛰️110 mElevation Gain
⏱️1–1.5 hrsEst. Time
🔁LoopRoute Type
🐕 Dog Friendly👨👩👧 Family Friendly🌊 Ocean Views🏛️ Historic Site🌅 Sunset Spot🦅 Seabird Watching📷 Photography🐋 Whale Spotting
🏛️1762Battle of Signal Hill
📡1901First Wireless Signal
🌊150+ mCliffs Above the Sea
The North Head Trail is one of Newfoundland’s most iconic short hikes a stunning loop around the dramatic cliff faces of Signal Hill National Historic Site, right on the doorstep of St. John’s. Managed by Parks Canada, the trail winds from the Signal Hill summit parking lot along exposed headlands high above the crashing Atlantic, delivering some of the most breathtaking ocean views in eastern Canada.
Signal Hill is steeped in history. This is where Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901 a moment that changed global communications forever. The hill also saw the last battle of the Seven Years’ War in North America in 1762. The iconic Cabot Tower crowns the summit, and interpretive signs along the trail bring centuries of Atlantic and military history to life.
The trail itself is relatively easy at 3.5 km, though hikers should be mindful of steep cliff drop-offs in exposed sections this is not a trail to wander near the edges in windy conditions. The path is well-maintained and clearly marked throughout. The reward? Sweeping panoramas of the Narrows (the entrance to St. John’s Harbour), the open Atlantic, and the colourful cityscape below. On clear days, you may spot humpback whales, icebergs (in spring), and seabirds nesting in the cliffs.
This is the best sunset hike in St. John’s arrive an hour before sunset for the full experience. Accessible year-round, though winter winds can be fierce. Parking is available at the Signal Hill summit lot.
Absolutely one of the best short hikes I’ve ever done. The views from the cliffs are jaw-dropping we could see humpback whales in the harbour below and a massive iceberg floating past The Narrows. The history adds so much to the experience; stop at the interpretive signs, they’re fascinating. We did it at sunset and the light over the city and ocean was unreal. A must-do if you’re in St. John’s.
🌅 Sunset hike🐋 Whale sighting☀️ Sunny
TC
Tanya C. · St. John’s, NL
★★★★★
I’ve lived in St. John’s my whole life and still walk this trail regularly it never gets old. The views of the harbour entrance and the open Atlantic are spectacular every single time. Spring is my favourite season for it: the icebergs are often visible and the wildflowers are blooming along the path. The trail is well-maintained by Parks Canada and very easy to navigate. Bring a windbreaker it can be very breezy at the exposed sections.
🌸 Spring wildflowers🧊 Iceberg views💨 Windy
BM
Brian M. · Halifax, NS
★★★★★
Did this on a foggy morning completely different atmosphere but still amazing. The fog rolling in off the Atlantic gave it an eerie, dramatic feeling. Trail was easy to follow even with poor visibility. We saw Cabot Tower appear out of the mist at the top which was quite something. The cliff sections have some steep drop-offs so watch your footing near the edges, especially in wet conditions. A wonderful introduction to St. John’s.
