This day-tripping adventure took us to the waterfront town of Port Burwell, where the focus was on the drydocked HMCS Ojibwa Submarine. This is how we’ll spend an afternoon inspecting the inside of this Cold War submarine.
Now, to be fair, going through a military submarine is not on everyone’s summer bucket list. However, for the inquisitive minds and those who don’t mind tight quarters, this would be an interesting afternoon, touching, looking at the inside of the Cold War Submarine.
Did you know,
(HMCS) “His Majesty’s Canadian Ship.”
Was the trip to the Cold War Submarine worth the drive??
For under 2 hours of travel time, you could explore the inner workings of the Cold War HMCS Ojibwa Submarine. I did, and to answer your question: “Was it worth the Drive?” Well, let’s find out.
Any fine day is a good day to venture out and experience new places and new things in Ontario. Today, venturing to Port Burwell to see the once-terror of the seas called HMCS Ojibwa Submarine is on my bucket list.
But this was our experience, short review and my opinion.
Did you know, “not only walking through a Submarine I found interesting,” this daytrippen adventure to Port Burwell also offered a visitor a glimpse of a quiet, sandy beach on the north shore of Lake Erie.
Besides the beach and the picturesque fishing boats, you could make a full day of wonder, and lets not forget, you’ll see the final destination for this massive, five-story-tall Cold War warrior.
Now, one would not expect to find a 295-foot naval powerhouse hiding in plain sight in a quiet Lake Erie beach town. Yet, right alongside Big Otter Creek in Port Burwell, there it sits, the HMCS Ojibwa, an Oberon-class diesel-electric submarine that served Canada covertly during the Cold War years.
As you would expect, it sits out of the water and on concrete pedestals for all to visit, explore, and visualize what it would be like to be a submariner in the open sea.
In my opinion, HMCS Ojibwa is one of Ontario’s most unusual and immersive tourist attractions and definitely worth seeing, and it’s only a two-hour drive from home. “I’ll even be home for supper.”
The Main Event: Stepping Aboard the Silent Hunter
On arrival, you will start your adventure by walking through a newly cut-out doorway in front of the ship. That addition was incorporated for tourists to safely embark into the interior of the submarine. When entering, the first room you come into is the forward torpedo room. There, firsthand, you can get the feel of cramped spaces and the amazement at how big those torpedoes were.
Once inside, you’re squeezing past 6-foot crew bunks and exploring the control room “brains” of the ship.
The guides, who volunteer are well-versed in HMCS Ojibwa Submarine and its history.
These passionate experts who share thrilling, sometimes “classified” tales of cat-and-mouse Cold War games. They walk through immersive, highly educational, and shockingly tight quarters that only the adventurous would dare.
The hour and a bit to get there was worth the drive. This is one of those adventures in life a person should take for one very good reason. **
The cramped quarters, the days, weeks of solitude. It’s one of those moments when you either do or you don’t want to be a submariner as a career choice. However, on the flip side, I heard a younger group going through it thought differently. “This would be neat and jokingly, in the same breath, “where do I sign-up?”
Summer Hours 2026
From June 28th -September
7 days/week
Open at 11:00 – 5:00 & the last tour starts 4:40 pm. First bookable tour 11:20.
Tours approx. 1 hr. 15 min.
To book a time slot that meets your plans, click the orange button above. Payment on arrival.
Children must be 8 yrs old and up.
Pets are not permitted on the submarine.
Here is my honest review — Beyond the Submarine, you could make a full day exploring Port Burwell.
Not only walking through these tight quarters but also showing more respect to the sailors manning this ship. “Now I know what I don’t want to do for a living.”
If you are a history buff, a tech enthusiast, or just looking for a unique daytrippen escape, this hidden gem delivers an unforgettable day back in time. The highlight of the trip is the standard 75-minute guided tour through the submarine’s interior
Did you know, Port Burwell is incredibly walkable, making it easy to stretch your visit into a full afternoon itinerary.
Lunch with a View:
Grab a patio seat at Izzy’s Schooners Patio and Lookout on Robinson Street. It offers the absolute best vantage point in town to look at the massive sub while eating.
Local Eats:
Do not leave without trying fresh Lake Erie perch, a staple at the local diners.
Hit the Beach:
Pack your swimsuit and head to Port Burwell Provincial Park or the local municipal beach. The sandy shoreline is spacious and perfect for a post-tour swim.
- A Family Tip: If you have younger kids or family members who dislike tight spaces, you can purchase exterior-only “Fish Eye” tickets to marvel at the massive ship from the outside.
- Important to remember: Pre-booking tickets online is highly recommended, as indoor tours are limited to small groups.
***** A fun Daytrippen afternoon and still home for supper. *****
Places to stay. Bed and breakfast or hotels at Port Burwell
Yes, Port Burwell even has local lodging options, primarily charming bed and breakfasts, lodges, and vacation rentals rather than large commercial chain hotels.
Grey Gables Bed and Breakfast: A historical, award-winning heritage home located at 22 Erieus Street, just a short walk from the local beach, marine museum, and the Ojibwa submarine.
Earthquest Lodge: A nature-focused lodge situated within walking distance of the village amenities.
MonJardin Bed and Breakfast: Located just outside the immediate village area on Calton Line, offering highly rated rooms, a garden, and diverse breakfast options.
Otter River Farms: Nearby rural accommodations situated along the Big Otter Creek area.
Other Stay Options:
Port Burwell Provincial Park: Offers extensive camping and trailer sites with access to sandy Lake Erie beaches if you enjoy the outdoors.
Private Vacation Rentals: Various local cottages, river houses, and cabins are available to book through platforms like Airbnb and Vrba.
Review Rating
Visiting the HMCS Ojibwa I noticed they did not have a gift shop and through other observation, the grounds did not have an appealing look like you would expect, “so what you see is what you get.” However, that was fine with me, the Submarine tour was all I was there for and, that’s too bad. My research showed there was so much more to be seen in the area that I missed.
*** And I hope you take the time to explore. ***
DayTrippen Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
| Worth the Drive | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Family Friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Photo Opportunities | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Learn Something New | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
** If you like submarine adventures and you live in beautiful Quebec, check out HMCS Onondaga
Pointe-au-Père Maritime Museum, Quebec/St Lawrence River
Comments from Visitors.
#1 I toured her today. It was fantastic. I encourage anyone to make the trip. She is well preserved and unlike other museums, you can get a really authentic feeling of what it was like onboard. 2 hours from Toronto, sirens the weekend in Port Burwell or Port Stanley. The beaches are excellent on Lake Erie.
#2 A friend of mine served on he for ten years until her retirement. Best job he ever had .she was constantly broken down and subs have the best chow of all military.
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