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Newfoundland & Labrador Landmarks


Signal Hill

If you ask anyone in Newfoundland what one of the most recognizable landmarks in the province was, they'd probably tell you Signal Hill, or more specifically, Cabot Tower.

Cabot Tower was built in 1897 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot's discovery of Newfoundland, and Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. In 1901, Marconi received the first trans-Atlantic wireless message at a position near the tower, the letter "S" in Morse Code sent from Cornwall, England.

Cabot Tower is now the centre of the Signal Hill National Historic Park, Canada's second largest historic park, with walking trails, and an interpretation centre where the visitor can hear very interesting stories about the area. Hikers will be rewarded with spectacular views of the city, the harbor, and the ocean.

Cape Spear

From downtown St. John's, Cape Spear is only a short drive away on Route 11.

Cape Spear is the most easterly point in North America. The Cape Spear Lighthouse is the oldest existing lighthouse in Newfoundland. The two-storey, wooden structure was built in 1835 and served as a marine beacon from 1835-1955.

The lighthouse is now a museum where you can look back at the life of a lighthouse keeper and his family in the early 19th century. For almost 150 years, the beacon at Cape Spear has been tended by one family. The first lighthouse keeper was Emmanuel Warre, after his death in 1845 James Cantwell was named as the new keeper and members of the Cantwell family have looked after the light ever since. The new, modern automated lighthouse is still tended by a descendent of the first Cantwell at Cape Spear.

 

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