HMCS Haida, Museum ship and historic site in Hamilton, Canada
HMCS Haida is a Tribal-class destroyer permanently moored at Pier 9 in Hamilton Harbour as a floating museum. The vessel contains multiple decks, command areas, and crew quarters that visitors can explore.
The destroyer entered service in 1943 and served until 1963 during World War II and the Korean War. It achieved significant success in naval combat during both conflicts.
The vessel takes its name from the Haida First Nation and displays how naval service shaped Canadian life and identity. Visitors can see how sailors lived and worked aboard during active duty.
Visitors can explore the ship independently or join guided tours to learn about different areas. Plan for sturdy footwear and allow time for climbing stairs, as access to some decks may be limited.
Among the 27 Tribal-class destroyers built for Commonwealth navies between 1937 and 1945, Haida is the only one still surviving. This makes the ship a rare link to an entire generation of warships that otherwise disappeared.
Location: Hamilton
Operator: Parks Canada
Website: https://hmcshaida.ca
GPS coordinates: 43.27530,-79.85540
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:00
This collection brings together warships that shaped naval warfare across three centuries, from wooden sailing vessels to nuclear-powered submarines. The ships represent turning points in maritime military technology, including the age of sail, the transition to steam and iron hulls, and the advent of nuclear propulsion. Preserved vessels such as HMS Victory and USS Constitution demonstrate life aboard warships during the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812, while USS Missouri and USS Nautilus illustrate the strategic role of naval forces during World War II and the Cold War. Visitors can explore the decks where historic battles were commanded, examine artillery from 18-pound cannons to modern naval guns, and walk through the cramped quarters where crews lived during extended deployments. The collection spans continents, with museum ships located in Portsmouth, Pearl Harbor, Stockholm, and Saint Petersburg. Each vessel tells the story of its nation's naval ambitions and the sailors who served aboard, offering a tangible connection to maritime history that no textbook can match.
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