This section brings together the approximately 700 objects and photographs used in Canada's Naval History. Use this section to directly access objects and photographs grouped by type, as shown below, or use the search function above to search through them by title.

HMCS Porte St. Louis and HMCS Porte St. Jean

This photograph from around 1960 shows the training ships HMCS Porte St. Louis (left) and HMCS Porte St. Jean (right).

Built in early 1950s, these ships and others in their class, named after gates in the French fortifications at Quebec City and Louisbourg, originally served as gate vessels. Designed to tend to anti-submarine nets that would protect major Canadian harbours in the event of war, gate vessels would open and close the nets to allow friendly ships to pass through. Their primary peacetime function was as training ships, giving naval reservists experience with life afloat.

VR996.50.26
CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum