Marconi National Historic Site

Highlights

Note: Due to COVID-19, the visitor experience at Parks Canada places will be different than it has been in the past. The health and safety of visitors, employees and all Canadians is of the utmost importance. 

Parks Canada is asking visitors to comply with recommendations from Nova Scotia public health authorities by wearing a mask in indoor public spaces, and by respecting recommended social distancing measures at all times.

Parks Canada’s network of protected places is large and diverse. Visitor access, services, and even opening dates may vary across Cape Breton Island and Canso depending on local circumstances. Please visit pc.gc.ca/ns and follow Parks Canada’s social media channels for information and updates on the status of all Parks Canada places. 

On July 13, Marconi National Historic Site reopened with select visitor services available. For more information on the services available, visit pc.gc.ca/Marconi

Overview

In a world of nanosecond speeds and cloud technology, it’s hard to remember a time when wireless messages couldn’t even cross the Atlantic. Guglielmo Marconi would change the world forever with the first official transatlantic exchange of radio messages at Glace Bay. Find out how Marconi triumphed at his first permanent transatlantic wireless station at Table Head, and how his work would usher in the age of global communications.

In December 1902, a wire antenna suspended from four giant wooden towers beamed an official wireless message across the Atlantic. Walk along our coastal trail to see what remains of the Table Head Station and marvel at the breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean. Tap out a message in Morse code and chat with our interpreters about the history of wireless communications.