The sight of a tall ship sailing into Cobourg Harbour is always a welcome one.
The St. Lawrence II stopped in Cobourg for an overnight visit during the weekend, continuing a long tradition of bringing adventure, learning and discovery to communities throughout the Great Lakes.
Cobourg has become a popular stop for the tall ship, which carries young adventurers on voyages designed to teach the values of teamwork, leadership and cooperation.
When the ship departed Cobourg Harbour on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at approximately 3 p.m., the sails were raised and the vessel proudly flew the flag of Cobourg as it headed back onto the open water headed for Toronto.
Built in 1953 by Kingston Shipyards, the custom-designed tall ship was created from the vision of legendary naval architects Francis MacLachlan and Mike Eames. Every detail of the vessel’s design was carefully considered to maximize the experience of those who step aboard — creating an environment where teamwork, community and shared challenges become an important part of the journey.
The St. Lawrence II is far more than a sailing vessel. It is a floating outdoor classroom where participants learn through hands-on experiences, discovering the importance of working together, building confidence and developing a deeper appreciation for the power and vulnerability of the natural environment.
Life aboard the ship is designed to reflect the experience of canoe tripping or backcountry camping. Accommodations are simple and practical, featuring cabin-style bunking, a compact cooking area and carefully designed spaces that make efficient use of every inch of the vessel.
The atmosphere aboard the St. Lawrence II is often described as “cottage-like,” allowing participants to disconnect from their everyday routines and become fully immersed in the adventure.
While the accommodations may be cozy, the ship itself is an exceptionally capable and seaworthy vessel. Over the years, the St. Lawrence II has completed numerous voyages throughout the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean, demonstrating its ability to handle a wide range of sailing conditions while providing a safe and memorable experience.
Below deck, the vessel is divided into three main areas. The forward section provides sleeping quarters for junior youth leaders, the aft section is reserved for crew members, and the central area houses participants. The ship is also equipped with two washrooms, a camp-style galley and an engine room.
Although the St. Lawrence II embraces the tradition of sailing, modern technology plays an important role in maintaining safety. The ship features a complete navigation suite, including an electronic chart system, Automatic Identification System (AIS), GPS, radar, depth sounder and two VHF/DSC radios.
Whether learning to raise sails, navigating open water or sharing responsibilities with fellow crew members, participants aboard the St. Lawrence II experience much more than a typical trip.
The true mission of the tall ship is to build friendships, create lasting memories and inspire a lifelong respect for the natural world — lessons that continue long after the voyage comes to an end.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
