Our Story
Travel Through Twine is a guided walking tour of the Outer Battery, an area that owner and tour guide Randy Pearcey calls an outport community amongst a city.
The guided tour will take you on the breathtaking North Head Trail; watch the waves of the North Atlantic Ocean roll as Randy gives an authentic account of the area as only he can. Randy was born in St. John’s and raised in the Outer Battery by a family of fishermen – his knowledge of Signal Hill and its history, coupled with his outgoing personality, creates memories that will last a lifetime.
No Signal Hill tour would be complete without a visit to the Pearcey Family Twine Store and Stage. Erected in 1890 by Randy’s great grandfather, experience an on-the-water museum while learning about the cultural significance of the cod fishery to Newfoundland and Labrador, the international influence on St. John’s Harbour, and so much more!
Want to journey back in time on your next vacation or staycation? Drop us a line — you will not be disappointed!
The History of the Area
The Outer Battery, nestled at the entrance of St. John’s Harbour, is a historic fishing community that embodies Newfoundland’s rich maritime heritage. Once an isolated settlement connected to Signal Hill, the area played a crucial role in defending the city from naval threats, with cannons strategically positioned along the cliffs. Over centuries, it evolved into a vibrant outport community where fishing stages and twine stores dotted the rugged coastline. Known for its colorful homes and narrow, winding lanes, the Outer Battery remains a testament to the resourcefulness and enduring spirit of those who have called it home. Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into a way of life shaped by the sea, steeped in tradition, and brimming with stories waiting to be told.
Meet Randy
Born and raised in St.John’s, Randy grew up in the Outer Battery with his father (a fisherman), his mother, and four siblings. Randy added a sibling in 1959 — which he will tell you more about on the tour!
Randy attended Memorial University of Newfoundland, majoring in Education, while becoming a local hockey star in the local Semi-Professional hockey circuit. After college, Randy taught Physical Education at various K-12 schools in St. John’s while owning and operating a hockey training business in the region. Now retired, Randy has a genuine passion for educating people from all walks of life about the place he grew up, the Signal Hill-Outer Battery region.
Randy has a unique story to share — not only about the Outer Battery but about himself. From business ownership to entrepreneurship to being a color commentator for an AHL hockey team, Randy is a one-of-a-kind tour guide whose joy of storytelling and charisma will keep audiences hanging on his every word.
