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, 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.
Originally built in 1914 in Quebec, La Grande Hermine 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.
In 1997, La Grande Hermine 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.
Then, in January 2003, tragedy struck. La Grande Hermine was set ablaze by an arsonist, leaving its hull charred but still standing. Despite the fire damage, the ship remained intact, and its haunting, half-burned frame became even more of a photographic draw for visitors. The scarred, skeletal remains of the ship gave it an even more ghostly appearance, earning it a place in local lore.
The Final Chapter: Removal of La Grande Hermine
In 2021, concerns about the ship’s stability and potential environmental hazards led to action by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Working with the Canadian Coast Guard, they removed the ship’s masts as a precautionary measure, after a technical assessment highlighted the risk of the ship collapsing into the water. While the masts were taken down to prevent further structural damage, the hull remained in place, though clearly deteriorating.
Recent reports from local Facebook groups and conversations with Niagara residents have confirmed that La Grande Hermine is now being dismantled and removed from Jordan Harbour permanently. Pieces of the ship are being taken apart as part of a final effort to mitigate environmental risks and eliminate safety concerns. This marks the end of an era for a ship that has long stood as an intriguing, if forlorn, roadside landmark.
Visiting Jordan Harbour Before It’s Gone
For those who still wish to catch a final glimpse of La Grande Hermine before it disappears completely, the ship is located at 2793 Beacon Boulevard, Jordan Station, Ontario. Though much of the ship is being dismantled, the site still offers a glimpse of its eerie, tilted frame resting just meters from the shoreline.
- From Toronto: Take the QEW to exit 55 (Jordan Road), turn left at the stop sign, and left again onto Jordan Road. Turn left on North Service Road, and the destination will be on your right.
- From Niagara: Take the QEW to exit 55 (Jordan Road), then turn left on North Service Road. The site will be on your right.
Admission to the site is free, and it remains a popular stop for those passing through. With the ship’s removal underway, this may be one of the last chances to capture a photograph of La Grande Hermine before it vanishes from the landscape forever.
Looking Back on the Legacy of La Grande Hermine
As La Grande Hermine is taken apart and removed from its decades-long resting place, its memory will live on in the stories shared by those who witnessed it. From its early days as a working ship to its later years as a historical replica and eventual abandoned landmark, the ship’s journey has been anything but ordinary.
Though the ship itself may no longer be part of the Niagara landscape, its story will continue to captivate those who remember seeing it standing proudly on the shores of Jordan Harbour. Whether you caught a glimpse of it on your drive to Clifton Hill or made a special stop to photograph its haunting frame, La Grande Hermine remains a symbol of adventure, history, and the passage of time.
As it fades into memory, La Grande Hermine will forever hold a place in the hearts of those who traveled the road to Niagara Falls, a reminder of the mysteries and stories that lie just beyond the beaten path.