Old Town Clock, Halifax Travel Guide

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Halifax's historic Old Town Clock, a timeless landmark offering stunning views and a glimpse into the city's rich past.

The Old Town Clock, also known as the Citadel Clock Tower, is a prominent landmark in Halifax, Nova Scotia, gracing Citadel Hill since 1803. A gift from Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, it has faithfully kept time for the city for over two centuries.

A brief summary to Old Town Clock

Halifax Town Clock, Brunswick St, Halifax, Downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3Y3, CA
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Old Town Clock.

Visit during the spring or summer for the best weather and to see the surrounding gardens in bloom.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Halifax Citadel National Historic Site or the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic for a full day of exploration.
Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a quieter experience and better photo opportunities.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Georges Island National Historic Site

Grand Parade

Halifax Public Gardens

Historic Properties

Explore Old Town Clock on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Old Town Clock, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

If you're already in downtown Halifax, walking to the Old Town Clock is a great option. Start at the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk and head north on Lower Water Street. Turn left onto George Street, then continue onto Barrington Street. From there, turn right onto Duke Street and then left onto Brunswick Street. The Old Town Clock will be on your left. This walk is approximately 10-15 minutes.
Public Transport

To reach the Old Town Clock using public transportation, take a bus to the Halifax Transit terminal. From the terminal, board any bus heading towards downtown Halifax and disembark at the stop closest to the intersection of Barrington Street and Brunswick Street. From there, it is a short walk to the Old Town Clock. A single ride fare is $3 for adults. You can pay with exact change or use the HFXGO mobile app.
Car

If driving, make your way to downtown Halifax. From Highway 102, merge onto Highway 111 towards Halifax. Follow signs for the Halifax Downtown and take the exit for Barrington Street. Turn left onto Duke Street, then right onto Brunswick Street. The Old Town Clock will be on your left at the intersection. Street parking is available, but be mindful of parking meters. Parking costs vary.

Discover more about Old Town Clock

Perched on Citadel Hill, the Old Town Clock is one of Halifax's most recognizable symbols. Also referred to as the Citadel Clock Tower, it has been keeping time for the city since its completion in 1803. The clock was commissioned by Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, who was particular about punctuality and wanted to ensure the city's forces were always on time.The three-tiered octagonal tower sits atop a Palladian-style building and was designed by Prince Edward's engineer. The clock mechanism itself was crafted by the House of Vulliamy, a family of royal clockmakers based in London. The clock operates using a series of weights, gears, and a 13-foot pendulum. To minimize stress on the mechanism, the clock is wound twice a week.Over the years, the Old Town Clock has witnessed many significant events in Halifax's history, including the aftermath of the Titanic tragedy and the Halifax Explosion. Although the clock tower has undergone several restorations, the original clockworks are still intact and in use. The tower offers stunning views of the city and harbor. Today, the Old Town Clock remains a beloved landmark and a testament to Halifax's rich history.