Gilbert H. Grosvenor Hall

Gilbert H. Grosvenor Hall is a three-story post office building in Baddeck made of red sandstone with rounded arches framing the doors and windows. The roof combines copper and slate in a high hipped design that gives the structure its distinctive shape.

Construction started in 1886 under architect Thomas Fuller, a designer of major federal buildings across Canada. The structure was completed as a post office to serve the community during the region's period of growth.

The name honors Gilbert H. Grosvenor, a longtime editor of National Geographic Magazine, through a gift from his daughter Gertrude Gayley. The building stands as a reminder of the strong connections between this Nova Scotia community and influential figures from the wider world.

The building now houses the Bras d'Or Lakes and Watershed Interpretive Centre, where visitors can learn about the local environment and ecological systems. Educational displays and resources inside help explain the natural features of this part of Nova Scotia.

An ornamental clock was installed in 1912 on the west gable and features a carved face representing former Member of Parliament Charles J. Campbell. This timepiece remains a notable detail on the building's exterior that connects to the area's political past.