Sir Sandford Fleming Memorial Tower: A Historic Halifax Landmark
Discover Halifax's history and panoramic views at the iconic Sir Sandford Fleming Memorial Tower in beautiful Dingle Park.
Located in Sir Sandford Fleming Park, the Memorial Tower stands as a testament to Canadian history and engineering. The park itself, often called Dingle Park, was donated to Halifax in 1908 by Sir Sandford Fleming, the renowned inventor of Standard Time. The tower was erected between 1908 and 1912 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of representative government in Nova Scotia. The tower's architecture blends High Victorian and Edwardian Classical styles, reflecting a transitional period in Canadian nationalism. Its design features a monolithic base and Palladian windows. Inside, plaques and stones from across the British Empire symbolize the tower's original intent as a monument to the Empire's parliamentary institutions. The opening ceremony in 1912 was attended by the Duke of Connaught, Queen Victoria's son, highlighting the tower's significance. Two bronze lions, donated by the Royal Colonial Institute of London, guard the tower's entrance. Today, visitors can explore the 95-acre park, enjoy walking trails, and climb the tower for views of the Northwest Arm. The park also features a playground, a sandy beach, and a boat launch. The Sir Sandford Fleming Memorial Tower is open from April 1 to October 31, between 8 a.m. and dusk.
Local tips
- Visit between April and October when the tower is open to climb to the top for the best views.
- Explore the park's trails and waterfront boardwalk for a scenic walk.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy the park's natural beauty and picnic areas.
A brief summary to Sir Sandford Fleming Memorial Tower
- 260 Dingle Rd, Halifax, Armdale, Nova Scotia, CA
Getting There
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Walking
From within Sir Sandford Fleming Park, follow the paved paths towards the highest point. The tower is visible from most areas of the park. The walk to the tower from the park entrance is a moderate incline.
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Public Transport
From the Halifax Transit Terminal on Duke Street, take the #14 bus towards 'Dartmouth Crossing' and disembark at the 'Dingle Park' stop. From there, walk along Dingle Road for approximately 0.5 kilometers until you reach the Sir Sandford Fleming Memorial Tower. The bus runs approximately every 30 minutes. A single fare is $2.75.
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Driving
From the Armdale Rotary, take the exit onto Herring Cove Road. Drive for 450m before turning left onto Purcell's Cove Road. Continue on Purcell's Cove Road for 1.4 km, then turn left onto Dingle Road. Continue down Dingle Road until you reach a large parking lot. From the parking lot, the tower is a short walk away. Parking is free.
