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Prince of Wales Tower: Halifax's Historic Guardian

Explore Halifax's oldest Martello tower in Point Pleasant Park. Discover history, enjoy scenic views, and wander through beautiful trails. Free admission!

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The Prince of Wales Tower, a stout Martello tower in Halifax's Point Pleasant Park, is North America's oldest of its kind. Built in 1796-97, it once defended Halifax Harbour and now offers visitors a glimpse into the city's military past and scenic park views.

A brief summary to Prince of Wales Tower National Historic Site

Local tips

  • Explore the grounds and read the interpretive panels to learn about the tower's history and significance.
  • Take a walk along the Point Pleasant Park trails for scenic views of the coastline and harbor.
  • Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and during tourist season.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the park's serene surroundings.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the park's trails.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From within Point Pleasant Park, follow the well-marked walking trails towards the highest point in the park. The Prince of Wales Tower is located in a clearing at the top of the hill. The walk is moderately easy and takes approximately 15-20 minutes from the park entrance. Admission to the park is free.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Halifax, take Halifax Transit bus number 29 to the Tower Road at Tower Road Turning Loop stop. From the bus stop, walk approximately 10 minutes along the path into Point Pleasant Park to reach the tower. A single fare on Halifax Transit is $2.75.

  • Taxi

    From downtown Halifax, a taxi or ride-sharing service to the Prince of Wales Tower at Point Pleasant Park will cost approximately $11-$15 and take about 6 minutes. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Tower Road entrance to Point Pleasant Park. From there, it is a short walk to the tower.

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Discover more about Prince of Wales Tower National Historic Site

Perched atop the highest point in Point Pleasant Park, the Prince of Wales Tower National Historic Site stands as a silent sentinel, guarding the approaches to Halifax. Constructed between 1796 and 1798 under the direction of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, the tower was named in honor of his brother, the future King George IV. This solid, thick-walled Martello tower is the first of its kind in North America, a testament to British military engineering. Originally armed with cannons and carronades, the tower played a crucial role in Halifax's coastal defense network. It was designed to protect the sea batteries at Point Pleasant from landward attack, guarding against potential threats to Halifax Harbour. Over the years, the tower underwent several modifications, including the addition of granite machicolated galleries in 1862 to enhance its self-defense capabilities. Today, the Prince of Wales Tower is a National Historic Site, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and explore a key piece of Halifax's military heritage. While the interior of the tower is currently closed, the grounds are open year-round, inviting visitors to wander and discover. Interpretive panels dot the site, providing insights into the tower's history, architectural features, and significance as a defensive structure. The surrounding Point Pleasant Park offers 39 km of trails, ruins of old fortifications, and beautiful views of the coastline. The site is located approximately 2.5 km from downtown Halifax, making it an easy and enjoyable stop on any itinerary. Admission is free, allowing everyone to experience this historic landmark. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, the Prince of Wales Tower offers a unique and enriching experience.

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