Grande Hermine facts for kids
The Grande Hermine (which means "great ermine") was a famous sailing ship. It was a type of large ship called a carrack. This ship carried the explorer Jacques Cartier on his second voyage to North America. On June 15, 1535, he arrived at Saint-Pierre.
Using the Grande Hermine, Cartier explored the mouth of the St. Lawrence River. He also found a settlement called Stadacona, which is near where Quebec City is today. The Grande Hermine is so important that it is shown on the unofficial flag of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. It also appears on the Amory Adventure Award for Canadian Scouting.
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Exploring the Seas: The Original Grande Hermine
The original Grande Hermine was a key ship in the Age of Discovery. It helped Jacques Cartier map new lands for France. This ship allowed him to travel deep into what is now Canada. His journeys helped shape the early history of the region.
Replicas: Keeping the History Alive
Over the years, people have built replicas of the Grande Hermine. These models help us remember the original ship and its important voyages.
The Wooden Replica at Expo 67
In 1914, a life-sized wooden replica of the Grande Hermine was built in Quebec. This beautiful ship was a special attraction at Expo 67 in Montreal in 1967. During the Expo, it served as a fun floating restaurant.
After Expo 67, this replica moved to Quebec City. It was placed in a park pond for many years. However, it was not well cared for. Eventually, the wooden replica was taken apart in the same park where it had rested.
The Steel-Hull Replica in Jordan Harbour
Another ship, which looked like the Grande Hermine, had a steel hull. It was not a true replica of the original wooden ship. This vessel was bought by a businessman. He hoped to turn it into a restaurant or even a casino. Sadly, his plans never came true.
The ship was moved to Jordan Harbour in 1997. It stayed there without being used. In January 2003, the ship was badly damaged by a fire. The burned hull remained in the harbour for a long time.
To make the area safe, the ship's four masts were removed on December 20, 2021. This was because they had become unsafe over time. The rest of the damaged ship was removed from the harbour. This work started on October 22, 2024, and was finished by December 2024.
