Hamilton Ontario and Haida

Canada's most famous destroyer HMCS (Her Majesty's Canadian Ship) Haida is found at Pier 9 in Hamilton Harbour. Built between 1941-43, the Haida is the last Tribal class destroyer from the Royal Canadian Navy's fleet of 400 ships that served in World War 11. After a post-war refit, Haida continued in service through Korean War and Cold war situations. Carla Morse, Collections Manager for Parks Canada, the operators of this floating national historic site, said, "Haida, a Tribal class destroyer, is the only one left in the world. She was de-commissioned in 1963 and completely restored and opened as a museum in 1965. She's a gem to explore."

Thirty-ish William Mikich of Burlington who was touring the ship with his children agreed, "There's so much history here. I can almost feel the sailors clambering around me. It's like I stepped into the past".

Although tours are self-guided, many of the 90 or so Friends of Haida volunteers can often be found on the ship standing a watch. Ray Riddell of Hamilton, who did a hitch in the navy for five years, has been volunteering for the past two years said, "The Haida is a grand old lady. Although I didn't serve on this ship, I love telling visitors about life on board. There was nothing like it."

Locke Street S. Heritage District
When you manager to drag yourself away from the Haida travel to the west end of Hamilton ( about a ten minute drive) to Locke Street S. (it runs parallel to Main Street W.) for another nostalgia experience. This place oozes with charm. There's plenty of exploring to do here in this eclectic find that you won't see listed in the CAA tour book. Wander this heritage area dotted with antique shops, quirky shops, and yummy places to eat. Check out The Bad Dog Cafe. This is where you can eat a Rueben Sandwich on fresh ACE bread, drink a fair-trade coffee in an oversize cup and catch up with old friends or meet new ones. It's easy on the wallet. Pat Brown, one of the owners of the caf‚ described it this way, "we're laid back, easy and cosy. We're kind of like a poor man's Chapters."

Textures, just down the street, is a classy member's co-op featuring juried arts and crafts for sale. The co-op has been around for 23 years and is manned by the artist themselves. The shop also offers, for a minimal fee, a Happy Endings service. Jean Wilson, one of the artists explains, "This is a service we offer people who have started a project and haven't been able to finish it. For example, we finish knitting sweaters, repair stain glass or jewellery pieces, and much more."

Continue your easy stroll to the cool 50s style bar/restaurant Bar on Locke. When you enter this popular hole in the wall you'll feel like you've entered a time warp. The atmosphere is friendly, and you can rub shoulders with the locals who won't even mind that you're a visitor.

Travel back to Niagara the lazier way on old Highway 8 E. It hugs the bottom of the Niagara Escarpment and takes longer than the QEW, but it's worth it.

For More Information
HMCS Haida National Historic Site of Canada, 905-526-0911 or visit www.pc.gc.ca
Bad Dog Cafe -- Phone: 905-524-5732 or visit www.BadDogCafe.ca
Textures -- Phone: 905-523-0636

George Bailey is a Member of the Travel Media Association of Canada and a frequent contributor to OffbeatTravel.com

OffbeatTravel

Hamilton, Ontario Canada: The "Grand Old Lady" HMCS Haida and More