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.
Built by Vickers-Armstrongs in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Haida was launched on 25 August 1942 and commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy on 30 August 1943. She escorted Arctic convoys, including JW 55B when the Scharnhorst was sunk, and in April 1944 helped sink the German torpedo boat T29 and ran T27 aground. She served until 1963, through World War II and the Korean War.
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.
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