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Prince of Wales Tower: Halifax's Historic Guardian

Explore Halifax's oldest Martello tower, a historic defense structure in Point Pleasant Park with stunning harbor views.

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The Prince of Wales Tower National Historic Site, located in Halifax's Point Pleasant Park, is the oldest Martello tower in North America. Built in 1796-97, it was part of the city's coastal defense network. Visitors can explore the tower's exterior and learn about its history through interpretive panels.

A brief summary to Prince of Wales Tower National Historic Site

Local tips

  • Take a walk along the trails in Point Pleasant Park to discover other preserved ruins of early fortifications.
  • Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and during tourist season.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the park's green spaces while taking in the historical ambiance.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Halifax, walk southwest towards South Park Street, then continue onto Summer Street. Follow Summer Street to Point Pleasant Drive, turn right, and walk approximately 1 kilometer. The tower will be on your left within Point Pleasant Park. This is a free and scenic way to reach the site.

  • Public Transport

    Take Halifax Transit bus number 29 from Hollis Street After Sackville Street. The bus departs every 30 minutes and takes approximately 11 minutes to reach the Tower Road At Tower Road Turning Loop stop. From there, it's a 10-minute walk to the tower. The bus fare is approximately $2.75.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from downtown Halifax to Point Pleasant Park takes approximately 6 minutes and costs between $11 and $15. This is the quickest option.

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Discover more about Prince of Wales Tower National Historic Site

The Prince of Wales Tower National Historic Site stands proudly within Point Pleasant Park, guarding the entrance to Halifax Harbour. Constructed between 1796 and 1798 under the direction of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, it was named after his brother, the future King George IV. This solid, thick-walled Martello tower is the first of its kind in North America. Originally designed by Captain James Straton, the tower served as a crucial component of Halifax's defense system. Its strategic location on the highest point of Point Pleasant Park allowed it to protect British sea batteries from potential landward attacks. Over the years, the tower underwent several modifications, including the addition of granite machicolated galleries in 1862 to enhance its defensive capabilities. Today, visitors can explore the grounds of the Prince of Wales Tower and delve into its rich history through interpretive panels. Although the inside of the tower is closed to the public, the exterior offers a glimpse into the past and provides stunning views of the Halifax waterfront. The surrounding Point Pleasant Park offers 39 km of trails, perfect for a scenic walk. The park was originally called Amtoukate (Spirit Place) by the Mi'kmaq First Nation. In 1866, the British military leased the park to the City of Halifax for 999 years at an annual rent of one shilling.

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