That time a Canadian warship was a popular Toronto attraction

Did you know that an esteemed Canadian warship was once a popular tourist attraction on Toronto's waterfront?

Toronto has built a legacy of preserving the many places that remind us of the past, although one of these landmarks has moved some distance away; specifically, this warship that once sat docked at the waters of Ontario Place, once a mainstay of the now-defunct attraction.

Meet HMCS Haida, a "Tribal" class destroyer originally built during WWII for the Royal Canadian Navy, named after the Indigenous Haida people. 

Perhaps the most interesting tidbit about this ship is that it's the last surviving Tribal-class destroyer in the world, a class of warship constructed for the Royal Navy, Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Australian Navy.

Though the Haida has been gone for decades, it's still remembered as one of Toronto's coolest attractions, once upon a time. 

HMCS Haida docked at Ontario Place. Photo: City of Toronto Archives

Harbouring HMCS Haida at Ontario Place gave Toronto residents and visitors from around the world easy access to visit the acclaimed ship, right at the waterfront. Anyone who came around was able to marvel and reminisce on its days of duty. 

HMCS Haida. Photo: Valour Canada

The ship was launched at the height of the war in 1943. From there, it saw plenty of action during its time serving in World War II, sinking and destroying enemy ships, and even participating in the Normandy invasion in June 1944. 

Transfer of ammunition to HMCS Haida during patrol off the east coast of Korea. Photo: The Canadian Encyclopedia 

It is also well known for serving two tours with the United Nations during the Korean War before retiring from service in 1963. 

After retirement, a group of admirers took it upon themselves to buy the ship, which was first displayed at the foot of York Street as a museum ship in 1964.

However, due to financial difficulties, the ship was later acquired by the Ontario government and was later moved to the site of Ontario Place in 1970, a year ahead of the new park's opening. 

For decades after, the ship stayed docked at Ontario Place, where history buffs could visit and students could take school trips. 

The ship would even blast its guns (firing blanks, of course) in time to Toronto Symphony performances of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture played at Ontario Place's Forum.

HMCS Haida in the Toronto Harbour. Photo: City of Toronto Archives 

In 1984, the Haida was designated a National Historic Site, though this honour did not prevent relocation, which would indeed happen just 18 years later.

In 2002, HMCS Haida was purchased by Parks Canada. But before deciding where to dock it next, the ship was in need of some major fixing up. 

After a $5 million refurbishment, it was then moved to Hamilton and is currently moored in the Hamilton Harbour, at the Pier 9 Port Authority. 

Today, the ship is still known and remembered as Canada's "fightingest" warship.

HMCS Haida in Hamilton Harbour. Photo: Tourism Hamilton 

Although it's no longer docked in Toronto's waterfront, you can still visit HMCS Haida in Hamilton Harbour today and climb aboard to explore the legendary ship.