HMCS Haida is the vessel that used to be by Ontario Place. Now located in Hamilton's Pier 9, it is the last survivor of 27 Tribal destroyers having served on three Commonwealth navies and can now be seen in Hamilton. At arrival, grab a self-guided tour brochure and start what will feel to kids like a treasure hunt. They'll be oblivious to shiny brass and varnished wood but torpedo tubes, all kinds of big guns, mortar barrels and catwalks will do the trick. Reading the signs really adds to the visit, putting things into perspective. On the mess deck, we learned that 40 men lived there, with an 18-inch space to hook their hammock, lockers doubling as seats. We all agreed that the highlight of our visit was the engine room. So many nooks and crannies between boilers and turbines! Pipes, instruments, and throttles were everywhere. From the main deck, we could see the QEW Skyway Bridge far away, and cormorants fishing nearby.
