THE North Vancouver waterfront will get a show of force this weekend as Royal Canadian Navy patrol boats and a United States Navy cruiser will dock for public tours.
Two maritime coastal defence vessels, HMCS Saskatoon and HMCS Nanaimo, four ORCA patrol craft training vessels, along with USS Lake Champlain will be berthed at Burrard Pier, next to Lonsdale Quay.
The Lake Champlain is a 173-metre long, 9,600-long ton Ticonderoga class cruiser, capable of launching cruise missiles. However, none of the heavy firepower will be on board for the visit.
The 400-crew ship is named for the War of 1812 battle on Lake Champlain in New York, in which American forces repelled an invasion by the British at the end of the war.
Guests are welcome aboard the ships for guided tours, which run from 9: 30 a.m. to 3: 30 p.m. Guests are expected to be capable of making their way around a military ship, including climbing ladders.
Large bags and backpacks must stay ashore.
Camera bags and purses are permitted but are subject to a search.
Several other Royal Canadian Navy ships will be docked at Canada Place in Vancouver over the weekend as well.
