HMCS Haida image

HMCS Haida

Tourist attraction Museum Historical landmark Historical place museum

One of the Best Places To Visits in Hamilton


Address

Pier 9, 658 Catharine St N, Hamilton, ON L8L 8K4, Canada

Website

parks.canada.ca

Contact

+1 905-526-6742

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (1.3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • .: Hide open hours for the week

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: ship (23) visit (15) tour (10) history (10) staff (8) great (8) Canada (8) Canadian (7) friendly (7) Haida (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Tim P. 10 months ago on Google • 115 reviews
    Absolutely fascinating place to visit. It's like stepping back in time. This WW2 vessel is the last of its kind. You can tour the ship on your own or have a guided tour. Do yourself a favor and visit this National Historic Site, you won't be disappointed.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jean K. 9 months ago on Google • 338 reviews
    If you are in the area it’s definitely worth a visit. I was at the Royal Botanical garden and it started raining so I decided to visit! The staff was super helpful and if you are lucky you might even get to meet veterans and navy personnel. I’m 6’7 and had no problem walking around but you need to be aware that some spaces are small and not easy off access.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 SK N. 8 months ago on Google • 210 reviews
    Faith, service, courage, and honor are the tenants that the Canadian Navy holds dear. Each year thousands of brave men and women dedicate their lives to serving under this maritime service branch. Scratching your head wondering what things to do in honor of the Navy? I’m not typically one for museums and ships… but this was an incredible visit that blew me away. The museum Ship is laid out with tons of displays, some interactive, historical facts and exhibits and provides a chance to really explore the labyrinths of this vessel. The volunteers are knowledgeable and friendly, as they provide guidance on how to best experience the museum. I HIGHLY recommend if you are looking for something to do while in Hamilton. I highly recommend to visit with the family and childrens. Parking is free
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 R M. 9 months ago on Google • 90 reviews
    A great way to get a concept of what a real ship is like. There's staff along the way to help answer questions. Was lucky to have been able to tour on Canada Day and see the 40MM boffin guns both fire. Blanks of course. They were fired at 2pm. Didn't ask if this is a regular thing but if you go on Canada Day in the future you can likely see the guns firing.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vanessa M. 1 year ago on Google
    My family isn't generally interested in war history but I thought this would be a nice educational way to spend an afternoon. It was a great experience! Youth under 17 free, a little under$5 for adults, free parking! It was an interesting tour, self guided but many staff located throughout ship to answer questions and share additional facts. There is also a small museum and gift shop. It was fun to climb ladders and see how the people would have lived in the ships. Located in a beautiful setting a well.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Judy H. 2 years ago on Google
    Even though it’s currently temporary closed, we still had a nice time visiting and viewing this famous ship of Canada! There’s also navy here recruiting members. Also saw many Canadian geese and ducks in this area.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex P. 1 year ago on Google
    I was waiting for last two years to visit this historical place. Very well maintained, staff was very friendly and helpful to provide you information if you have any questions. There were volunteers who actually served for country and worked on actual working ship in navy who have gave us detailed guided engine tour. We wondered and amaze with the history of the ship and it was definitely worth to spend time here. Make sure you come with flexible clothing because there is lots of small area to go up and down with the standing ladders. Make sure about head and foot because of the low areas and bumps on the floor.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sandy G. 7 months ago on Google • 129 reviews
    An overdue due visit to a great piece of Canadian Naval history. Great stories from some of the knowledgeable and friendly guides. It was a beautiful day to watch the guns fire and participate in the 80th anniversary celebration. It's great because it's outdoor and indoor and you can either do guided tours or walk around and explore on your own. Thank you!

  • 5/5 David O. 1 year ago on Google
    We love going here. It is an amazing part of Canadian history. Staff are friendly and provide lots of info. Staff are stationed throughout the ship to answer questions. The ship is well maintained and has info posters throughout. There is also a small park area for some shade. Lots of parking. Also has a museum and gift shop on site.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 T �. 10 months ago on Google
    Was the perfect Father's Day activity. There were some places blocked off, but the joy of seeing my husband back on her after 28 years was special. It has been worked on and kept up. Info plaques and little extras like plastic food made visuals interesting for new eyes. The staff were always chatty and asking if there were any questions they could answer. It's a must see. The mini museum/gift shop was also nice to visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stinger s. 1 year ago on Google
    Our car group had a visit to the destroyer this past weekend, the staff was fantastic, accommodating us wherever they could. Staff on board the ship, super friendly and very knowledgeable. Everyone enjoyed the visit, highly recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mary M. 8 months ago on Google • 48 reviews
    Great visit. Very inexpensive for entry fee. Tour is self directed but very easy to follow along. Great kids activity book to have them enjoy the visit too. Paid for the add-on guided tour and enjoyed learning about the ship’s armaments. Definitely recommend the tour for adults and families.

  • 5/5 Swati J. 5 months ago on Google • 34 reviews
    If you are into naval ships and it’s history this place is for you. We spend around one and half hours on the ship, the staff was very knowledgeable and passionate about the Canadian Navy, as some of them had served in Navy. Over all nice day activity.

  • 5/5 Chak Yin T. 7 months ago on Google • 29 reviews
    Great ship! The only remaining tribal class in the world! You can access to a lot of different sections of the ship. Staff are very friendly! Museum is very well maintained and cool!

  • 5/5 F40 P. 4 months ago on Google • 28 reviews
    I visited during the time HMCS Harry DeWolf spent docked along side Haida, so this is where the photos are from. If you are interested in Naval ships or history, this is a great way to spend a day. There is lots to learn about the ship, and its history.

  • 5/5 Martin H. 7 months ago on Google • 9 reviews
    We two paid just a bit extra for a guided tour, I recommend it. Wear shoes or boots with good grip, there was a light drizzle when we went. After a tour you can browse the ship at your leisure, some areas are accessible by ladder. I found it a fascinating morning learning of how people lived on board, the many battle stations and arms handling, tiny kitchens, captains tiny bridge quarters, engine room complexity, open steering position waaay at the stern and so much more.

  • 5/5 Fairy Good Designs Co (Amanda W. 1 year ago on Google
    Very cool place to visit. Kids are free and adults were $4.50. Great inexpensive way to get out of the house and see something different. My son who is into war stuff loved it

  • 5/5 K W. 1 year ago on Google
    2022 August 4.5★ Located at one b of b the n Hamilton Pier's, from afar, this ship doesn't look that massive. Step onboard and it'll impress you. This ship was famous for an entire career of exemplary service. Earning an impressive 5 battle honours during her 20 year career, the mighty Haida fought in the Second World War and Korea, stood watch in NATO exercises and on UN missions. Haida continually evolved and changed alongside an increasingly independent Canada. As this nation took its place on the world stage, Haida proved the perfect vessel to represent Canada to the world. HMCS Haida was built for Canada in a British shipyard. At the beginning of the Second World War, Canada was very dependent on guidance from Britain. Although Canadian sailors held great pride in the traditions of the British Royal Navy, there was a growing desire to also be known as Canadian. Good trip for the day. $4.25 for adults. Currently Free for children and youths under 17. Expect to spend about 2.5 to 3 hours here. Between taking pictures and reading the signage. Limited parking inside. Worth visiting.

  • 5/5 Matt (. 7 months ago on Google • 4 reviews
    I honestly came to the Haida on a whim and the blue attraction sign on the highway. I didn't know what to expect and ended up having a great time. There's a lot of history here and it was great to be able to actually climb aboard. You have access to quite a lot of the ship, just mind your head and feet. And expect to climb a ladder or two. The staff were all very friendly and knowledgeable. Admission was all of$4.25. I took the go train down so I can't comment on parking.

  • 5/5 Amanda C. 1 year ago on Google
    Tripping through history lane, this historic ship is well worth a visit. Climb aboard (literally - wear good shoes, clothing with some give, and watch your head) and take a look at what life was like above and below decks. There are plenty of signs to explain things along the way but also Parks Canada Guides as well as some naval officers in various parts of the ship to provide additional information and to answer questions. It’s a truly unique experience to be able to tour a ship like this and to get so up close to the living history. In particular I enjoyed seeing where the officers slept and ate and otherwise lived aboard ship during the Haida’s storied career. If you’re in to the guns, the radios etc., it’s all there to be explored as well. Lots of ship ladders and tight spaces to check out! $4.50/adult and after if you’re there on a Saturday, be sure to check out the free military museum right next door.


Call +1 905-526-6742 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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