{"id":13656,"date":"2024-10-22T17:51:57","date_gmt":"2024-10-22T21:51:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/niagarafallscliftonhill.com\/blog\/?p=13656"},"modified":"2025-01-23T17:04:05","modified_gmt":"2025-01-23T22:04:05","slug":"abandoned-ship-niagara-la-grande-hermine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cliftonhill.com\/falls_blog\/abandoned-ship-niagara-la-grande-hermine\/","title":{"rendered":"That Abandoned Ship into Niagara: “La Grande Hermine”"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’ve ever driven along the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) from Toronto to Niagara Falls, you’ve likely noticed a mysterious ship resting along the shores of Jordan Harbour. This vessel, affectionately known as the “Pirate Ship” or “Ghost Ship,” has long fascinated passersby. Officially named La Grande Hermine<\/em>, which translates to “The Big Weasel” in French, this iconic ship has captured imaginations for decades. Sadly, its time as a roadside curiosity has come to an end.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"La<\/a>
Header Image by: Christine Hess<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Originally built in 1914 in Quebec, La Grande Hermine<\/em> began its journey as a ferry on the St. Lawrence River. It later became a cargo ship before being converted into a floating restaurant. However, in 1991, the ship was transformed into a replica of one of the ships used by Jacques Cartier during his 1535 exploration of the St. Lawrence River. This 140-foot-long vessel was the largest of three ships that Cartier used during his famous expedition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1997, La Grande Hermine<\/em> arrived at Jordan Harbour with ambitious plans to turn it into either a restaurant or casino. The ship was docked in the harbour, waiting for its new purpose. Unfortunately, the businessman behind the project passed away before these plans could come to life, and the ship remained abandoned, becoming a fixture along the highway. Over the years, the ship’s weathered and rusted appearance only added to its allure, drawing curious travelers who wondered about its story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div>
View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/blockquote>