Montreal’s Clock Tower

You can spot it at the very end of the quay—Montreal’s Clock Tower, its silhouette rising against the skyline. Built in 1922, this striking structure is a proud symbol of Montreal’s past and was designated a Federal Heritage Building in 1996. Also known as the Sailors’ Memorial Tower, it was originally built to honour Canadian sailors in the merchant navy having died in combat during World War I. The tower was topped with a spectacular clock and a beacon, serving as both a timekeeper and lighthouse for sailors entering the Port of Montreal. The clock itself was manufactured in England, an exact replica of the mechanism used in London’s Big Ben—long renowned for its precision. So if you want to take a closer look, don’t forget to sync your watch or phone! Apparently, when the clock stopped working in the past, dockworkers would show up late for their shifts. A Memorial, clock, lighthouse, symbol… and lookout, all at once! Dare I say, that’s one multitasking monument! Anyone brave enough to climb up its 192 steps will be rewarded with a breathtaking view over the Saint Lawrence River and the city of Montreal.