Signal Hill and a good meal: planning a walking day in St. John's

Signal Hill rises over the entrance to St. John's harbour, crowned by Cabot Tower, and the view from the top takes in the city, the harbour, the open Atlantic and, in the right season, icebergs and whales. Walking up is the classic St. John's outing. It is also a fine excuse for a big breakfast before and a long lunch after.

How do you get to the top of Signal Hill?

You can drive or take a taxi to the top, where there is parking near Cabot Tower. Most people who are able to prefer to walk at least part of the way. There are a few common routes:

• Up the road from the edge of downtown, a steady climb on pavement
• The North Head Trail, a dramatic path along the cliffs from the Battery neighbourhood at the harbour's edge, with steep sections, steps and exposed drops
• A route from Quidi Vidi, climbing up from the village

Check conditions before you go. The North Head Trail in particular can be slippery, windy and dangerous in bad weather, and it is not suitable for everyone.

What is there at the top of Signal Hill?

Cabot Tower, the stone tower at the summit, is the landmark. Signal Hill is a National Historic Site run by Parks Canada, with history going back to the defence of the harbour and to early wireless communication. The views are the main reward, especially on a clear day, and the wind at the top can be fierce, so hold onto your hat.

What should you eat before the climb?

A hearty breakfast downtown is a good start. Look for:

• Toutons with molasses, fried bread dough that will carry you up the hill
• A Newfoundland breakfast plate with eggs, beans and toast
• Coffee and baking from a café on Duckworth or Water Street

Bring water and a snack. There are limited places to buy food on the hill itself, depending on the season.

Where should you eat after Signal Hill?

It depends on which way you come down:

• Back into downtown, where you have the widest choice of lunch spots: fish and chips, chowder, sandwiches, or a long sit-down meal.
• Down toward Quidi Vidi Village, where you can have a meal or a drink with a view of the little harbour. Book ahead in summer for a sit-down restaurant there.

A bowl of seafood chowder after a windy morning on the hill is one of the best simple pleasures in the city.

When is the best time to walk Signal Hill?

Summer and early fall offer the best chance of clear, mild weather. Late spring and early summer can bring icebergs into view, and whales may be seen offshore in summer. Mornings are often calmer and quieter than afternoons. Fog can roll in quickly at any time, so check the forecast, but do not be put off by a misty start; it may lift.

What should you bring for the Signal Hill walk?

1. Layers and a windproof jacket, even in summer
2. Good shoes with grip, especially for the trail
3. Water and a snack
4. A camera or phone for the views
5. Sunscreen, since the top is exposed

Is Signal Hill suitable for children and older visitors?

The road and the area around Cabot Tower are fine for most people, and you can drive to the top. The North Head Trail is steep and exposed, with drops, so it is better for confident walkers. Keep children close on any cliff-side path.

How long does the walk take?

It depends on your route and pace, and on how long you linger at the top. Allow at least a couple of hours for a relaxed walk up and down, longer if you take the trail and stop for photos. Then allow time for a well-earned lunch.

How do you combine Signal Hill with other sights?

A full day might include breakfast downtown, the climb, lunch in Quidi Vidi or downtown, an afternoon at The Rooms, the provincial museum and art gallery, and dinner downtown. It is a lot of walking, so plan your meals as rest stops.

What happened at Signal Hill?

Signal Hill has watched over the harbour entrance for centuries, and its history is part of why the walk is worth it. It was a lookout and fortification during the wars of the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, and the last battle of the Seven Years' War in North America was fought here in 1762.

Its most famous moment came in 1901, when Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal near the top of the hill. Cabot Tower, the stone tower at the summit, was built to mark Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and the anniversary of John Cabot's voyage. The site is a National Historic Site, with exhibits to read before you head back down for lunch.

How do you remember the best meal of your walking day?

After a big walk, every meal tastes good, but some are worth remembering. Mosey lets you rate the places you ate at and the dishes you ordered, with photos, and keep a list of places to try on your next visit.

More guides to read next:

• Brunch in St. John's: toutons, fish cakes and weekend lines
• Tipping and the 15% HST in St. John's: how to read a restaurant bill
• Toutons in St. John's: Newfoundland's fried bread and where to find it

More in the Canadian food guides and the ranked lists of places.