The HMCS Nanaimo will make its final visit to Nanaimo, before deploying to Canada's East Coast, on Canada Day. (Jordan Roderick)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

last chance

HMCS Nanaimo making final stop in Harbour City for Canada Day festivities

Jun 26, 2025 | 9:44 AM

NANAIMO — A coastal defence vessel bearing the city’s name is returning for a Canada Day port call.

HMCS Nanaimo will dock in Nanaimo as part of the city’s Canada Day festivities, marking a milestone for the vessel, as it will be the ship’s final trip into Nanaimo before transferring to Canada’s east coast.

The vessel is expected to dock Sunday, June 29 and remain in the Harbour until Friday, July 4.

Public tours will be available on board, via the W.E Landing dock on Promenade Dr., on both Tuesday, July 1 for Canada Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., as well as Wednesday, July 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Commissioned in 1997, the 55.3 metre (181 feet) long vessel has patrolled the eastern Pacific Ocean for the majority of its service.

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It has served in a variety of missions including several vessel intercepts and drug seizures.

The current vessel is the second to sail with the name HMCS Nanaimo, with its predecessor serving in the Second World War across both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

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