The Navy: A Century in Art
A Canadian Navy

Canada's navy is an important national institution. It is an influential presence in many Canadian communities and is a historic and influential symbol of nationhood. For many Canadians, the navy is a focus of passion, pride, and service.

Rainbow in Esquimalt
Painted by Barbara Greene in 1971

Canada's Pacific coastline faced large and capable Soviet air and naval forces throughout the Cold War.

Esquimalt, the navy's west coast home port, hosted Canadian and Allied ships and submarines, a large training establishment, and a range of military-related industries. In this typical Esquimalt scene, the submarine HMCS Rainbow (foreground) and other vessels crowd the docks. Rainbow, formerly an American submarine, was acquired in 1968 and continued in Canadian service until 1974.

Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19720264-008