The Tower's story

Start your visit at the Visitor Centre and watch Carleton Martello Tower: the Sentinel of Saint John. See the tower’s dramatic story unfold in this lively video!

Take a trip through time and learn about the tower’s origins during the War of 1812, and its evolving role from fort to national historic site. You’ll see how the tower has been a witness to over 130 years of Canada’s military heritage.

Fans of fast-paced action will not be disappointed; where else could one see some Fenians, a Great Fire, and two world wars all in under 11 minutes? And there's even a happy ending. Carleton Martello Tower: the Sentinel of Saint John is presented daily in either French or English.