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Tuesday 13 August 2013

La Grande Hermine II - St. Catherines Ontario



Quick Description: Originally a replica of Jacque Cartiers "Big Weasel", the burnt out hult rests close to shore along the QEW in St. Catherines - creating a very unique eyesore.




Long Description:
The Original "La Grande Hermine" (or Big Weasel) was sailed up the St. Lawrence River by Jacque Cartier in 1535. A replica of the vessel was made as a tour boat in the 1960's in Quebec City. The Replica was sold to a Young Entrepreneur with dreams of making it just the thing to bring hungry visitors to his harbour side restaurant.

The Tour Boat was sailed up the St. Lawrence from Quebec city in the late 1990s, then intentionally moored (anchored) and listed (leaning) to the harbour floor. The Harbour side restaurant never did get built, as the entrepreneur went bankrupt shortly afterwards.

In 2002 arson burned the wooden exterior of the ship to its steel barge-like appearance.


During cold winters you can walk to the ship - but be very careful.
Date of Shipwreck: 1990s

Type of Boat: Powerboat

Military or Civilian: Civilian

Cause of Shipwreck: Intentional mooring - failed gimmicky resteraunt

Accessibility: 
Parking at a turnabout, approximately 20m from shore. If you wish to swim out there i don't suspect anyone will try and stop you.

Diving Permitted: yes
Visit Instructions:
Only log the site if you have visited it personally.
Floating over a site does not qualify as a find if it is a wreck that requires diving - you must have actually visited the site - therefore photos of the site are good.