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Castle Hill National Historic Site: A Window to Newfoundland's Colonial Past

Explore the ruins of French and British fortifications and discover Newfoundland's colonial past at this historic site overlooking Placentia.

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Explore the remnants of 17th and 18th-century French and British fortifications at Castle Hill National Historic Site in Placentia, Newfoundland. Overlooking the town, the site offers a glimpse into the struggles between European powers for control of North America and its rich fisheries. Discover the ruins of Fort Royal, walk scenic trails, and delve into the area's fascinating history at the visitor center.

A brief summary to Castle Hill National Historic Site

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the site's trails and exploring the uneven terrain of the fort ruins.
  • Visit the site between June and September for the best weather and full access to visitor facilities.
  • Check the Parks Canada website for information on special events and programs during your visit.
  • Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of Placentia and the surrounding coastline.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Castle Hill National Historic Site is located in Jerseyside, just off Route 100. From the Freshwater-Argentia Junction, follow the signs to Placentia. Once in Placentia, follow the road to Jerseyside and then the signs to Castle Hill. Parking is available on-site. Note that parking may be limited during peak season. There are no fees to park.

  • Public Transport

    While public transportation options directly to Castle Hill are limited, you can take a taxi from Placentia to the site. Taxi services are available in Placentia, with a short trip to Castle Hill costing approximately $15 - $25 CAD.

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Discover more about Castle Hill National Historic Site

Castle Hill National Historic Site, located in Jerseyside, Newfoundland, offers a captivating journey into the heart of the island's colonial history. Perched high above the town of Placentia, the site features the remains of fortifications built by the French and British during their battles for control of Newfoundland. Originally established by the French in 1662 as Plaisance, the area was strategically important for its access to the rich cod fisheries. To protect their interests, the French constructed Fort Royal between 1693 and 1703. The fort successfully repelled British attacks for years. However, in 1713, the Treaty of Utrecht ceded Plaisance to the British, who renamed it Placentia and the fort became Castle Hill. The British maintained a presence at Castle Hill until 1811. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of Fort Royal, including earthworks, stone walls, and artillery batteries. The visitor center features interactive exhibits that showcase the site's history and the daily lives of the French inhabitants. Scenic walking trails wind through the area, offering panoramic views of the town and harbor. Thousands of artifacts have been unearthed at Castle Hill, including cannonballs, tools, and ceramics. Parks Canada offers free admission to Castle Hill National Historic Site from June 20 to September 2, 2025.

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