Explore the unique story of the Outer Battery, 
one step at a time

Travel Through Twine is a guided walking tour of one of St. John’s most captivating areas, led by former resident and storyteller Randy Pearcey. Discover the breathtaking North Head Trail and immerse yourself in the rich history of Newfoundland and Labrador through stories of the Outer Battery, our “outport community within a city.” 

Where Stories of the Land and Sea Come Alive 

The area is rich with history, and sharing its legacy is something we take great pride in. No Signal Hill tour is complete without a stop at the Pearcey Family Twine Store and Stage, built in 1890 by Randy’s great-grandfather. Step into this on-the-water museum to explore the cultural significance of the cod fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador, the global influences on St. John’s Harbour, and the stories that shaped this remarkable community. 

Stories from the Trail

  • "A must do when you are in St. John's, Newfoundland, is the World class North Head Trail and a trip to the one-of-a-kind Twine Store, located in the Outer Battery. Why not combine them into one outing with the most experienced guide around, Randy Pearcey, who growing up in the Outer Battery survived the deadly avalanche. No one knows the history of the Battery better and is more sociable. He truly loves this area.This hike is not for the faint of heart, it’s exhilarating, breathtaking, and a feeling of pride in yourself, once you have done it. Seeing the enormous drops to the sea below from a mountain of rock, feeling the wind on your face, sitting in a red chair staring over to the most eastern part of North America, watching huge ships enter the Narrows, hearing the history of Signal Hill (from wars to the first transatlantic wireless transmission, to a hospital), all the while you have an amazing backdrop, the view of the city you came to visit, St. John’s.I saw my very first iceberg stuck in the mouth of the harbour, and three whales in a row breaching in the water below Signal Hill. You see different views depending on if you ascend or descend on the hike, it’s worth doing it both ways, if you have the time. The Twine Store is the ultimate NL man cave, owned by the Pearcey family, with an enormous collection of fishing memorabilia, Outer Battery history, and a bird’s eye water view of everything that happens in the harbour. Every visit to the Twine Store I see something new hung from the ceiling, that I missed seeing the time before, there is that much stuff to see. I loved the warm welcome we received there, a part of me felt at home there, as I am from a fishing family in Prince Edward Island, the land of no rock, and no real hills; that is why I found Signal Hill was mountainous! I donated two items to the Twine Store, in hopes that I will always be remembered as being there, and that it will give me an excuse to come back and see them.”

    SANDRA LEBLANC
    Cavendish, Prince Edward Island

  • "While passing through the Battery in St. John’s on a hike around Signal Hill, we walked by a colourful house with the front door open. At first glance we wondered if this was someone’s home or if it was a museum. We learned it’s a place where everyone is welcome! There was all kinds of old photos, books, boat parts, fishing gear and articles that were hanging on the walls and from the ceiling. That’s when we met Randy (R.P.) Pearcey. R.P. spent hours speaking to us about all the memories and memorabilia in the Twine Store (small dwelling to hold fishing gear and supplies). We were so engaged to learn about all the history of St. John’s, especially the Battery area. Each article in the store had a story, and R.P. had the story to tell! R.P.’s ultimate goal is to share his and his family’s story and the history of the Battery area, so he created a walking tour of his neighbourhood. We joined R.P. and walked around the area where he recounted many stories from his youth involving his family, his hockey career and ongoing support from and for his community. R.P. knows so much about St. John’s that most are unaware. He was so passionate with every story that we felt present in the experience. You will never learn the history of this area from a textbook or internet. R.P.’s stories are authentic and recount the history of this area from his past and mostly, from his heart. We learned more than we could have ever imagined, and now R.P. is a friend for life. He is engaging, entertaining, passionate, caring, funny, but especially authentic speaking about his life, his family, his friends and St. John’s."

    JEAN & SHARON
    Orleans, Ontario

What are you waiting for? Book your tour today: