DayTrippen Adventures Series takes us to many interesting day trips around the area. The HMCS Haida docked in Hamilton happens to be one with a closing and honest opinion on whether it was worth the drive.
This is how the adventure starts out.
Another beautiful afternoon meant another DayTrippen Adventure, and this time we headed to Hamilton Harbour to explore Canada’s famous Tribal-class destroyer, “HMCS Haida”.
If you’ve never visited Hamilton Harbour, it’s an easy drive from much of Southern Ontario. About an hour from Toronto, Kitchener, or Niagara Falls, making it the perfect destination for a family day trip getaway.
Permanently docked along the Hamilton waterfront is the HMCS Haida, Canada’s most celebrated destroyer and the last surviving Tribal-class warship in the world. And better yet, admission is free during the summer of 2026, making this one of the best-value attractions in Ontario.
Now, with the practical details out of the way, it’s time for the important part: my adventure and honest opinion on whether this historic ship is worth adding to your DayTrippen bucket list or not.
Did you know: HMCS stands for “His/Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship” depending on the reigning monarch.
Did you also know the “HMCS Haida” moved to Hamilton in 2003 from Toronto, where it proudly sat for many years. If I remember correctly, we had a school trip through the Haida and, that, my friends, was a few years back.
Entering the premises and then stamping the hand.
Touring an old warship isn’t everyone’s idea of fun. But if some family members aren’t as interested, there’s a pleasant waterfront boardwalk with picnic tables and sheltered seating. There is also a gift shop where they can relax and browse while the history buffs explore this unique ship.
Our adventure on the ship started with a well-marked tour throughout the ship, and that part is recommended. You can either go right to the bowl of the ship or the watchtower overlooking the waterfront or, just stand in one spot and visualize what it would be like to be a sailor in the open sea.
Of course, with my background, I asked one of the helpful volunteers if I could see the engine room. I said to myself, I may as well start at the bottom and work my way up to the captain’s quarters.
Having said that, I’ve been on many ship tours, like the recent adventure to HMCS Ojibwa Submarine in Port Burwell. On a submarine, it’s basically one floor. So you walk right past the engine and torpedo room.
But the real propulsion was in that small hole under the engine. That, my friends, is where I drew the line.
So, in essence, we all know many of these ship tours don’t allow people to go into cramped and dangerous quarters of an engine room; however, the guide pointed me in the direction, and I took advantage.
From there, I worked my way through every deck like a kid in a candy store, peeking into every compartment I could find.
Two hours disappeared surprisingly quickly. After chatting with the knowledgeable volunteers and exploring nearly every corner of the ship, I still felt like I’d missed a few things of interest. Thankfully, with free admission this summer, I already have a good excuse to come back.
Now, before we move on to the next Daytrippen adventure in Ontario, a Little History of HMCS Haida.
HMCS Haida is the last of the Tribal-class destroyers, which saw heavy action with the Australian, British, and Canadian navies during wartime.
Did you know the name Haida came from the Indigenous Haida Nation on the Pacific coast? As part of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Tribal-class naming convention, the ship was named to honour this prominent First Nations people from Haida Gwaii during World War II.
And folks, that was in 1943 when Canada did pay tribute to Indigenous people.
Spanned the Second World War and up to the Korean War.
Decommissioned in 1963. Saved from the scrap heap by HAIDA Inc. it was on display at Toronto Harbour until 2023, and was moved to Hamilton Harbour for all to see today.
Admission is FREE ALL SUMMER OF 2026
My Honest Review
HMCS Haida easily earns five happy faces from me. The friendly volunteers were knowledgeable, accommodating, and genuinely passionate about sharing the ship’s history while making sure visitors stayed safe.
Whether you’re interested in Canadian history, engineering, photography, or simply looking for an inexpensive family outing, HMCS Haida delivers far more than I expected.
If you’re still feeling adventurous after your visit, take a short walk to Pier 4 Park, the nearby waterfront trail, the 31 Canadian Brigade Group Museum, or stop at Williams Fresh Café for a well-earned coffee.
I hope this DayTrippen Adventure helps you plan your next Ontario getaway. It’s Close to home. Easy on the wallet. and your “Home for supper.”
That’s what DayTrippen Adventures are all about.
Happy Travelling!
DayTrippen Tip
While you’re in the Hamilton area, don’t forget to visit Niagara Falls or, close by, the historical “Niagara-on-the-Lake.”
https://www.visitniagaracanada.com/explore/niagara-on-the-lake/
And if you’re visiting Hamilton in August, try to plan your trip around the Warbird Fly-in to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the de Havilland Canada Chipmunk. https://www.warplane.com/
On the same day as the HMCS Haida adventure, I noticed the intriguing parts inside this torpedo. Check out my article (CLICK HERE) on the interesting Torpedo display that’s sitting unnoticed, an engineering feat all its own.
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