Old Town Clock, Halifax Travel Guide

4.5 (139)

Visit Halifax's iconic Old Town Clock on Citadel Hill: a historic 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 and historic landmark in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Completed in 1803, it stands as a symbol of the city's rich past and maritime heritage, offering stunning views from its perch on Citadel Hill.

A brief summary to Old Town Clock

Halifax Town Clock, Brunswick St, Halifax, Downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3Y3, CA
Click to display

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light for photography.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Halifax Citadel National Historic Site for a comprehensive historical experience.
Take a stroll around the surrounding area to discover local shops and cafes.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

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

Halifax Waterfront

Georges Island National Historic Site

Historic Properties

Grand Parade

Explore Old Town Clock on the Map

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

Getting There

Walking

From the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk, head north on Lower Water Street, turn left onto George Street, then continue onto Barrington Street. Turn right onto Duke Street and finally left onto Brunswick Street. The Old Town Clock will be on your left, a short walk with views of the city's historic architecture.
Public Transport

Take any Halifax Transit bus route that heads towards downtown Halifax. From the downtown terminal at 5201 Duke Street, it's a short walk to the Old Town Clock. Head east on George Street, turn left onto Barrington Street, then right onto Duke Street, and finally a left onto Brunswick Street. The Old Town Clock will be located at the next intersection. A single adult fare is $3.

Discover more about Old Town Clock

The Halifax Old Town Clock, a beloved icon of the city, has been keeping time since 1803. Situated on Citadel Hill, overlooking Brunswick Street, this three-tiered octagonal tower was commissioned by Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, who sought to instill punctuality among the British military forces in Halifax. The clock's design, attributed to Prince Edward's engineer, features a Palladian-style building topped with the distinctive tower. The clock mechanism itself was crafted by the esteemed House of Vulliamy, Royal Clockmakers based in London. The clock continues to keep accurate time, a testament to the enduring quality of its original construction.Over the years, the Old Town Clock has witnessed Halifax's growth and transformation, standing as a silent observer of pivotal moments in the city's history. It underwent significant reconstruction in the 1960s, but its original clockworks remain intact. Today, the Old Town Clock is maintained by Parks Canada and is a Classified Federal Heritage Building. Visitors can admire the clock's architecture, soak in the panoramic views of Halifax Harbour, and delve into the history of this cherished landmark.