Old Town Clock, Halifax Travel Guide

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Halifax's iconic Town Clock: a historic timekeeper overlooking the city from Citadel Hill since 1803. A must-see landmark!

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Old Town Clock

The Halifax Town Clock, also known as the Old Town Clock or Citadel Clock Tower, is an iconic symbol of Halifax. Standing since 1803, it was commissioned by Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, to instill punctuality in the British military and Royal Navy garrisoned in the city. Its distinctive three-tiered octagonal tower atop a Palladian-style building offers a glimpse into Halifax's rich history.

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 early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light for photography.
Combine your visit with a trip to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site for panoramic views of the city.
Take a stroll around the surrounding area to discover local shops and cafes.

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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, walk up George Street/Carmichael Street until it intersects with Brunswick Street. The Town Clock will be directly in front of you. The walk is steep, so wear comfortable shoes.
Public Transport

Take any bus to the Halifax Transit terminal at Duke Street. From there, transfer to a bus heading towards downtown Halifax. Disembark at the stop closest to the intersection of Barrington Street and Brunswick Street. Walk up Brunswick Street to the Town Clock. As of September 2024, a single ride costs $3.00.
Driving

From Highway 102, take Exit 1A onto NS-111 S, then merge onto NS-102 S towards Halifax. Turn onto Barrington Street, then left onto Brunswick Street. The Town Clock will be at the intersection with Granville Street. On-street parking is available; paid parking is in effect from 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Friday. Parking rates vary by zone. Payment can be made at pay stations using coin, debit, credit (tap only) or via the HotSpot app. Check signs for zone details and rates.

Discover more about Old Town Clock

Perched on Citadel Hill, overlooking downtown Halifax, the Town Clock has been a steadfast timekeeper for over two centuries. Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, later the father of Queen Victoria, ordered its construction in 1800 to encourage timeliness among the troops. Designed by Captain William Fenwick, it was originally intended to be near the guard house but was instead erected on its current site to serve both the military and the townspeople.The clock's mechanism was crafted in London by Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy, King's Clockmaker to George III, and remarkably, the original mechanism still functions today. The Palladian-style structure consists of a symmetrical rectangular base supporting a three-tiered octagonal tower, complete with classical elements. The tower features a colonnade, an octagonal clock storey, and an arcaded storey, crowned by a copper dome. The four clock faces display Roman numerals, with the number four represented as 'IIII' for aesthetic balance.The Town Clock has witnessed significant events in Halifax's history, including the aftermath of the Titanic tragedy and the Halifax Explosion. It underwent a complete reconstruction in the 1960s and further refurbishment in 2018-19, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Today, the Halifax Town Clock remains a beloved landmark and a testament to the city's enduring heritage.