Prince of Wales Tower, Military fortification in Point Pleasant Park, Halifax, Canada

The Prince of Wales Tower is a squat round tower of ironstone rubble masonry, 7.9 m high and 22 m in diameter, with walls 2.4 m thick. Its two storeys held four guns and a barracks for up to 200 soldiers, with six more cannon mounted on the roof.

Construction began in 1796 under the direction of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, during a period of heightened military tensions. The tower was part of a broader British strategy to secure Halifax against European threats.

The tower is named after Edward's elder brother, the future George IV, and gave its name to Halifax's Tower Road. It was the last of five Martello towers built in Halifax, and it is now a national historic site managed by Parks Canada.

The exterior is accessible year-round and offers views across the park and surrounding area. Wear comfortable shoes since the ground around the tower can be uneven and walking paths may slope slightly.

The cannon positions and storage areas are still visible, showing how soldiers actually lived and worked within the tower. These details reveal just how cramped and practical these fortifications truly were.