Reviews of Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site (Tourist Attraction)

Isaac Rickard

Still undergoing renos and will not be re-open until 2018.

john collins

Cool place, but under renovation

Chuck Griffith

Cool tower to see. When we went was undergoing restorations so we couldn't go inside. Circa war of 1812.

Patrick Valiquette

(Translated) The tower is unfortunately under renovation at the moment. (Original) La tour est malheureusement en rénovation en ce moment.

J Cline

Informative, great collection of artifacts and history. Renovations look good!

Jay Grove

It was closed when we visited but the views from the top of the hill were great.

Joseph Desylva

Great historic place

Michael A. Stuart

Still under renovations

Tamara LLangstroth

A glimpse into the History of Martello Tower in Saint John !!

Lise Danielle Theriault

We quite liked the landscape, view of the harbour & Bay of Fundy. Disappointed we couldn't enter the tower. Had a lovely picnic on the lawn.

Deanna Badeau

Beautiful old architecture and amazing views

Stefan P

The Carleton Martello Tower was the first place that I stopped on my visit to Saint John and I would definitely recommend checking it out if you're visiting the City by car. The tower offers an incredible view of the surrounding area with amazing views of the city skyline as well as of the harbor and the rest of the Bay of Fundy. Once you reach the site you can head into the building to learn more about the local history of the area as well as find out more information about the tower itself. There are plenty of informative signs and pamphlets that you can read as well as staff wandering around that are more than happy to talk to you and answer any of the questions that you might have. Unfortunately the actual Tower is under construction at the moment so you can't walk up to the very top but you can still walk around the bottom part of it where you can get a better look at the structure and still admire the incredible View. Depending on what time you visit there might be a gunpowder display which is a pretty cool interactive experience that's fun for both kids and adults. Parking is free.

Mahbub Islam Shakiell

Good to see that old establishment in SJ

Kamilla Petrosyan

A very nice museum explaining the history of the tower. The video that we watched before the tour was exceptional. Really well-made. Unfortunately the tower itself was closed for renovations , but judging from the movie we watched it is very interesting to watch when it opens.

Alex Martin

Very informative

Dive & Rock

Nice little part of our history.

Jimmy Lung

It's okay.

Harry Nason

History

Daniel Knox (KnoxYourSoxOff)

Great historical landmark with a lot of history

Komal Sandhu

You get full view of the city. Must visit

Karen Hatt

Great view. Interesting historical site.

Lost

History in the making for years

Clay Shannon

Pretty cool place to visit

Christian B

(Translated) The view of the city is amazing. It was not possible to visit the interior of the tower. (Original) La vue sur la ville est incroyable. Il n'a pas été possible de visiter l'intérieur de la tour.

John Walsh

Great view of the city. Again, a high point from our pass.

Patrick Flowers

I've been visiting this place since I was a child. It still fascinates me. The views from in the tower are great, you can see Saint John in its entirety.

Rudi Rau

Absolutely beautiful, Because of the timing I arrived they were unfortunately not allowed inside, but I've been told it's absolutely breathtaking, along with the outside, easy to get there, and when by the tower, the view is absolutely astonishing

David Kingsley

It is an interesting visit. They have a ten minute that I finally watched, (I drive a tour bus) and very much enjoyed the presentation. They also demonstrate a musket load and fire.

Aaron Roberts

Beautiful scenic spot of the bay and the city... Very nice at night on a clear night.

Mackenzie Grenier

This was cool to see and I liked the little museum. It was under renovations when we went so we couldn't go inside, but there are nice views from the base of the tower.

Josh Green

One of New Brunswick's lesser-known tourist sites, for some reason. If you have to go only one "touristy" place in Saint John, I would recommend Carleton Martello Tower over the Reversing Falls. The structure is one of relatively few in New Brunswick that exudes an old world/colonial feel characteristic of the few surviving early stone constructions in the province. Construction began in 1812. Even though it is closed for renovations as of mid-2018, just checking out the tower and surroudns is worthwhile - the view is one of the best possible of the city and surrounding area. Go here on a clear day. Picnic tables and two well-placed lawn chairs make this an interesting and calm place for a lunch on a sunny day.

michele De

Amazing view of the city. You cant go up the tower but can experience a piece of history

Stuart Nicholl

Very interesting. Does not take much time to visit.

Chris Hylton

Great history wonderful views easy to access won't take long

Ellie

(Translated) I went around 5 o'clock but there was a cloud and I could not see anything And I can not even get inside! It would be nice if you go in the daytime !! (Original) 5시쯤 갔는데 구름이 끼어 아무것도 볼수가 없었음 게다가 안에도 들어갈수없음! 낮시간에 가보면 좋을듯!!

Maria Pachon

The tower seems to be modified on the higher plan. Is a good place to have good views of the city of St John's. But apart of that is not too much to see there.

Jacky Pratt

The eleven minute film is so good, it is worth visiting just to see this. Very interesting place to stop for half hour.

Mohammad Niazi

A very beautiful view of the Bay and the city. Breathtaking!

JL Northorp

Went on a tour here and got a little uncomfortable with the tight spaces, but interesting.

Morphia32

Interesting piece of Canadian history. Disappointed to find out the tower is under restoration work for next several years. They do have a 10 minute historical video about the tower and city of Saint John.

Jean-pierre Langlois

Really nice place bring you in the past

Leah Fitzgerald

Currently under renovation so you can't see the actual tower, but the little museum is great and the views are amazing.

Louis Horvath

Piece of history, you have to swing by....

Speckled Jim

A fine display of musket firing by the Martello tower. Unfortunately when we visited the actual tower was being refurbished however there is a museum next to it which shows the working of it.

Kizito Ikeri

Historical landmark

Jazz S

We went to this place and I’m glad we did even if it was very foggy and windy!! It was amazing to read the history of the tower and why they made it. It’s worth stopping by and read about the history of this place. It was close when we went there so we couldn’t see the inside and it was very foggy we couldn’t see the whole city from the top but it was still an amazing experience!! :)

Jim Watters

Great view. Excellent place on West side to watch fireworks that are shot from the harbour. Very disappointing that not able to get i side and do a tour. Closed to public for more than a year.

Jeanne Dawn Monks

Needs restoration and repairs... But the ghost ???? walk was creepy, cold,and windy, but fun ???? ????

Walter Shroyer

Nice tower although we didn't pay to go in.

Chantal Pierre

Last I checked, still closed for tours until further notice, but worth it just for the incredible views. Make sure you climb up the hill in front of the tower to see it!

Sergio Nuñez

A little foggy that day

David Tait

Nice historical place to visit with a great view of the harbour. There is an exhibit and educational movie. Unfortunately the tower is closed until around 2020

Sean D

It's neat for an old fort however it's currently closed due to structural issues. If you're taking a hot on/off tour skip this stop.

Jennifer (sidekyck)

Due to construction unable to see inside good view of harbour

Myra Imran

Although the entrance to the Tower was closed for renovation but the outside is amazing just the same. The breath taking view, the amazing air - just dont forget to take a picnic basket with you.

James Turner

The best place for an overview of St John. Worth the trip if the weather is good. Nice little museum too.

Callee Stauffer

It's closed for renovations but we walked around outside and enjoyed the spectacular views.

David Carlson

Nice video and flintlock demonstration. Great views of city.

iam footer

This is great place yo visit on a clear day. Best view of the city and bay.

Shelley Peel

Great view

Dwayne Jones

It was cold and windy when here. You can see a long way from here.

Jose Dias

Nice views but the tower itself is closed. The museum about the tower is cool and informative. I would have liked it more if we could've gone into the tower proper.

Lord Commander

Great place, beautiful view of the harbour.

Starleana Rose

Right now I'm giving it a 3 star because they are doing renovations inside the tower so we can't access it. Beautiful views from the outside and there is a mini museum in the vister center.

Derek Johnson

There is an excellent video to watch inside the visitor center.

Terry Aitcheson

What a great Historic landmark and story with an amazing view of Saint John for miles in all directions.

Johnny V Wright

Historic and interesting yes , exciting and thrilling not exactly but a good site to check out while waiting for the tide to come in .

Carla Vaz

Awesome view

Karen Shubert

Interesting

John Fralick

Built for the battle of 1812 never saw battle interesting building

Christine White

Exceptional views of St. John and the harbour.

Treffery Barker

It's a part of our history and I'm glad they are taking care of it and still giving people information when needed .

Andrew Dykeman

Love it

kamal kishor

Only if you love history I would recommend this place otherwise it is not for you. It is small but a significant historical place.

Hector Rodriguez

Enjoyed the visit and its recommended. Disappointed the fortress was closed and we were not given prior notice by Royal Caribbean Tours.

Muhammad Azeem

It has a nice view of city.

Tracy Cossabone

Cool historical site with beautiful views!

Jesse Hernick

Really unique site to visit. I would have loved to see inside it, but it's under restoration for a few years.

Mylène St-Cyr

(Translated) Very nice place, but it was closed to visitors when we visited (under renovation). (Original) Très bel endroit, mais il était fermé aux visiteurs lors de notre passage (en rénovation).

Paul W.

(Translated) You can't enter the fortress to visit, you can only take pictures of the outside, and overlook the city of St. John from the heights, you don't need to go. (Original) 不能進入堡壘內參觀, 只可外圍拍攝, 及高處眺望聖約翰市, 可以不去。

Drew Vai

Informative tour. Staff was very helpful, knowledgable and awesome.with kids. The Acivity book for kids is definitely a highlight. We had a great time there

Anthony Muljadi

You have to pay to get in. Just a tower.

Shane Wilson

Use to go up Martello tower to slide when I was younger, this landmark sat at the top of my street when I lived in my old childhood home, before it was torn down due to being a fire hazard..

Douglas “Doug” Voutour

Amazing historical site.

Villagemayor

Really neat national historic site in the middle of a residential neighbourhood. There are interpretive plaques outdoors if the visitor centre is closed. Overall it is recommended even for a quick visit.

A.E. Hellstorm

Great historical site. The visitor centre is well planned and the short movie about the tower's history is entertaining and informative.

Kingsley Bailey PM.

Great view

Sandra Lebreux

Tower was close for repair.

Camille Bouchard

(Translated) No internal visit available, caused by the restoration. (Original) Pas de visite intérieur disponible, causé par la restauration.

Christina Crossman

We weren't able to go inside the tower, because of renovations being done. But the stone work is amazing to look at.

Steve P. Mackin

Perched high on a rocky cliff overlooking Saint John, the British-built Carleton Martello Tower dates from the War of 1812 and played a pivotal role in conflicts leading up to World War II. Visitors marvel at the spectacular city and harbour views while exploring the award-winning interactive exhibits in the Visitor Centre. The tower was the heart of Saint John defences until 1944. 1 of only 9 Martello Towers remaining in Canada.

Don Mowry

Wonderful slice of history. We visited the site on a cloudy day but that did not dampen the spirits and enthusiasm of the excellent park staff. Military history is replete with examples of huge investments that are quickly outdated by advances in the science of war and killing.

Evgeniy Chernyshov

Great views and such an interesting history of this tower!

Mary Rasa

Really interesting video. Place was nicely done and good exhibits.

Sian Woosnam

Very historic with fabulous views

Hector

????

Amber Cockey

Fantastic for kids and adults alike!

Cédric Chevalier

(Translated) Nice view . But a pity for the tower that was not yet open (Original) Belle vue . Mais dommage pour la tour qui n'était pas encore ouverte

Mike Ma

Great views but the tower itself was still closed

Beth Webb

Lots of interesting history at this well preserved site. Wish we could go inside

Riss Wiebe

Yawn...

Hans Bamberg

Awesome views

Steven Odum

A fort that was never involved in a fight but still has an interesting history.

Tony Reitz

Friendly staff and a neat location. Nice displays. I wish we could have toured the tower itself, but it is under going renovations to make it even better.

Nancy Sloan

Nice film, informative.

Kelly Gray

While it was closed for renovations it is still a wonderful point of history and has beautiful veiws of Saint John.

John Abel

Staff was friendly and the place was clean The tour was informative. The only drawback was that the tower was closed for renovations at this time. The view of the harbour from the base of the tower was still good due to it being on a hilltop.

Darryl Wright

Great way to get the lay of the land. Good view of the harbour and the city. The tower was closed when we went but you really don't need it to get the great view.

Hirak Dz Channel

Very nice historical place

Jamie Brannan

Great video describing the historical significance of the tower.

Alistair Norris

Carlton Martello tower is an interesting enough place to warrant a stop off if you are waiting for the local rapids to reverse. It's a Canadian national site preserving a British Martello type fortification used to defend from American attack during the wars of independence. Though it never saw action during that war or any other it is now a museum and exhibit. The tower is normally open for visits, however is as of 2018 under restoration.

Mark Mcintyre

great tourist attraction. the hours of operation could be longer in the summer months.

Fred Iskander

Great place for a history lesson on British fortifications at Saint John. Unfortunately, the tower itself was closed for renovations, and there were no red chairs :-/.

John Edmonson

Tower is closed this year. No indication at tower when it would open again. Nice overlook but wish we could have gone in. Also, there is a black chain-link fence around the tower right now.

Sandra Mason

My daughter and her family went to visit Martello during the week of August the 10th and were very disappointed to find that it is not wheelchair assessable. We have been a few times as we have family and thought the grandchildren would enjoy it. Cant rate it as we didn't get to see it.

Genevieve Masse

(Translated) Nice place on the other hand it is impossible to visit the interior of the fort because it is closed for renovation for the entire 2018 season! (Original) Bel endroit par contre il est impossible de visiter l'intérieur du fort car il est fermer pour rénovation pour tout la saison 2018 !

Brandon Mcvicar

Breathtaking view of St John.

Ryan Bonnevie

Great family experience

Ann C

It is worthy to visit and know about the history of Halifax and Canada.

Lu L

Great view

Allen Gordon

Just an old fort that is currently closed for renovations has a little building in front of the Fort that shows 10 minutes film about it's history.

Alan Morris

It would have been nice to visit if the place was actually open. Doors locked and washrooms inaccessible. We were there mid day during the week. The view was the saving grace, and nice view of the surrounding area.

Sanket Baxi

Great views of the city

Patrick Dallaire

(Translated) The landscape is breathtaking, but for the moment the tower is closed for repair. Still possible to know beautiful shot (Original) Le paysage est à couper le souffle, mais pour le moment la tour est fermé pour réparation. Possible tout de même savoir de belle prise de vue

The Clearys

Great historic site. Tower access is not aloud at this time. Will likely be a couple of years before the tower reopens.

Shahrzad Nabi

Was so beautiful place but unfortunately today was so foggy and we couldn't see around properly

Annette Sammut

Beautiful history and view

Cindy Taylor

Nothing says war of 1812 quite like a cell tower. What an eyesore , Im sure you could have done a better job at blending it in.

Zero Degreez

Can't wait to see this place with all the landscaping finished, the renovations look amazing, great job on preserving another historic landmark.

Kay Ge

Beautiful spot to part take now legal activities

P Morrison

Excellent Staff at an Excellent Historic Site. Even though I arrived a bit later in the day the Staff were still Super Nice, Professional, & Knowledgeable. I still had the chance to see the entire Visitor's Centre, Ask Questions, & take Photos. It was a Great Visit. Job Well Done. The Only disappointment was that the actual tower/fort is closed due to renovations. But it's understandable that a tower/fort that is over 200 hundreds year old would need renovations.

Magda M

(Translated) Hmm ... ???????? (Original) Hmm... ????????

Sherry Wang

So sad that they were doing construction so we were unable to go up the tower but the little museum inside was very interesting and packed with information. Staff was super friendly. Daughter was able to try on a uniform and they had a mini scavenger hunt in a booklet for kids and she received a dog tag at the end. If you're into history like my husband, you can probabaly spend an hour in there reading everything.

Matthew MacPherson

Nice

Karina Lee

This building was built for the 1812 war between the US/Irish, and Canada/Britain, and protected Canada during WW2 as we transported goods across the country to our eastern Canada ports for the war.

Sham T

Came on Feb 3rd. It's closed

Laura Edgington

Tower is closed for restoration

Gheorghe Lupan

(Translated) Nice view of the city. (Original) Belle vue sur la ville.

Jackie Simon

Under construction

july jeferson

Loved the view of this place, it has a very entertaining tour...

Greg Bartlett

Okay. Not a must see.

Kevin M.

Lost my glasses, high winds blew them right off my shirt. They found them and kindly shipped them back to me! Nice place!

Deborah Brooks

The guys running the place were helpful and made the experience more fun

James Latour

Pretty cool history, would be better if you could go into the tower

hasan bamir

Peace of History from the past

Benjamin Toews

An interesting place with a fantastic view of the bay. It looked like a great place to take a picnic lunch in warm weather. There are no picnic tables, so bring a blanket if you don't want to sit on the rocks. Not a good place to let toddlers run free. We hope to go back during tourist season so we can take a tour of the tower and mini interpretive center.

Cindy Kapphan

Great place