Journey of the U.S. Brig Niagara
The U.S. Brig Niagara has set sail for Maine, embarking on the next phase of her critical repair and refit project.
Niagara’s trip to shipyard will include vital work to ensure she can continue her important roles: training future mariners and offering dynamic educational experiences to visitors, all while preserving her historical significance.
Follow the U.S. Brig Niagara's Journey live on Marine Traffic.
Good morning from the Port Hawkesbury!
8:38 a.m,, May 31, 2025
As of 0720 Atlantic Daylight Savings Time (one hour ahead of Erie) Niagara put lines ashore on the commercial wharf in Port Hawkesbury, NS on Cape Breton Island. Although our little ship has performed admirably thus far, there is no sense in heading out into the North Atlantic Ocean with a deep low-pressure system forecast.
In the age of the weather having its very own 24-hour news channel, speaking severely about weather brings viewers, which is why certain terms have become used more broadly than before. One such term is “Nor’easter”. Cable TV news would have us believe that a Nor’easter is any stronger storm system that includes winds from the northeast. However, the genesis of the term comes from the New England states and Atlantic Canada where strong northeast winds—the winds in a low pressure system move counterclockwise and inward around the center of the low with the northeasterlies being the strongest sector of the system—tend to batter the coastal communities with not only the wind and rain, but also seas that have the entire fetch of the North Atlantic to build momentum.
Having faced these challenges for centuries, there are few places in the world better equipped to offer shelter from such weather than Nova Scotia. Niagara has managed to make it as far as Port Hawkesbury, tucked safely inside the harbor to wait out the next approaching low.
The forecasters seem to think that Tuesday will be the best conditions for making the next jump to Lunenburg. In the meantime, we are at the mercy of the overwhelming hospitality from the local citizens. These small port towns tend to be friendly in the first place but we’ve already had just about everyone in town drive by the dock and stop to take a look, ask questions, offer rides, and direct us toward the best local businesses like Bob’s Waffle Shack, Miller’s Seafood & Chop House, and Papa’s Pizza Pub.
From the crew of the Niagara, we hope you all have a relaxing and pleasant weekend.
Captain Greg Bailey
Walking the deck of the U.S. Brig Niagara can be a family adventure, especially for this father/son team
3:12 p.m., May 27, 2025
A ship like Niagara has the apparent tendency to inspire awe in all who lay eyes upon her. Even in her down rigged, unpainted, “on our way to the shop” appearance, passersby marvel at her and stop to ask questions about the ship, crew, and purpose of our voyage east. Few had the opportunity to get aboard to have a closer look, but those who did were employees of the various pilotage authorities who have been aboard to advise on the intricacies of navigation in the Seaway and portions of the river downstream. One such pilot was aboard with his colleague for our initial attempt to depart Quebec City. I was a little surprised to see him return — pilots work in a regular time on/off schedule — for our departure the following day, this time with a different colleague. Although neither pilot mentioned it explicitly, I believe this man’s return was deliberate; his colleague just happened to be his father. My suspicion is that special requests were made and granted for a father and son to have an experience together aboard Niagara.
I get it. My father first brought my brothers and me down to the site of the Niagara being built in the late 80s. At the time, the free Slush Puppy machine in one of the work trailers was more attractive to me than learning the intricacies of double sawn ship framing. But those early experiences led to regular volunteer crewing alongside my father and older brother and eventually inspired a career that spanned the globe in all manner of different ships, a career that eventually led me back to Erie to command the ship where it all began.
Whether he knows it or not, my father has been with me on every one of my adventures; island hopping with high school students in the tropics, making long trade winds passages on a global circumnavigation, or pushing petroleum products around the northeast in tug and barge units. So, being able to provide that experience for another father and son duo added a little something extra to this already important voyage.
If you’d like to know more about what the volunteer crew experience aboard Niagara is like, visit the Erie Maritime Museum on Wednesdays or Sundays where Ron Bailey, my father, still volunteers as a docent…just make sure to carve out enough time because once you get him talking about the types of experiences one can have as a volunteer, you might be there for a while. And to participate yourself, sign up to volunteer through the museum website, www.eriemaritimemuseum.com.
Capt. Greg Bailey
Captain Greg Bailey - Conditions on the Saint Lawrence River
11:27 a.m. - May 25, 2025
Last evening, after returning to port in Quebec City, Captain Bailey shared his thoughts with the team on the mainland regarding conditions on the Saint Lawrence river, and we wanted to share that with you today. The crew is resting and making preparations to leave this afternoon toward Gaspe, Eastern Quebec, Canada for refueling.
“Here’s the situation upon the Mighty St. Lawrence. The weather system that is bringing cold and wet conditions to many of you this Memorial Day weekend has slowed over the course of the day, meaning that the strong northeasterly breeze associated with it is not moving out of the area as quickly as was forecast upon our departure.
In a tidal river such as this, when a strong breeze opposes a strong tidal current, the seas stand up in what some describe as “square waves”—anyone who’s spent time on the lake in a sustained blow may have experienced a similar phenomenon— which feel not unlike a giant throwing refrigerators at the side of the ship. The conditions at suppertime were of 12-foot-tall refrigerators and I made the decision to turn back to try and find shelter until this system moves out and the advertised calm breezes return. This area offers little in the way of the type of anchorage that Niagara requires and the only two docks were occupied so it’s back to Quebec City.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the expert helmsmanship of deckhands Kaeo and Hill who steered us through the turn that had us in significant beam seas for a couple moments, which is not a simple task in a ship the size of Niagara steered via large tiller. In fact, the crew that we have assembled in this little ship has turned out to be an exceeding impressive group, and it is truly my honor to serve with them.”
Capt. Greg Bailey
24 May 2025
Update - Slowing Weather System
9:35 p.m. - May 24, 2025
Just a quick update! Due to slowing of the weather system bringing strong northeasterly winds, the U.S. Brig Niagara is headed back to Port in Quebec City. All is well with crew and ship. Safety is our priority and we are operating with an abundance of caution. Stay tuned for further updates on when Niagara will be back underway toward Prince Edward Island.
Excellent hospitality - Time spent with our host, Quebec City
11:38 a.m. - May 23, 2025
It has been an honor to spend time with our host, Quebec City, as we rotated crew, rested, and restocked for the next leg of our journey! Beyond our responsibilities to the wellbeing of the Niagara while she's in port, we've taken the opportunity to do a little sightseeing in our off watch hours, visiting several Quebec City attractions.
First up, the Place de la FAO, a public square commemorating the 50th anniversary of the United Nation’s Food and Agricultural Organization, which was founded right here in Quebec City in 1945.
From the port, we've also enjoyed stunning views of the iconic Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, an historic hotel that first opened in 1893 and was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1981.
We’ve also had the chance to meet our neighbors in port, including this Mistral Class “projection and command” ship of the French Navy. You can learn more about the French Navy’s visit to Quebec City - https://bit.ly/3YXg3Dg
Speaking of history, while our U.S. Brig Niagara played a vital role in the War of 1812, our current host city, Quebec City, also holds significant wartime history. By 1812, it was the only permanent fortress north of Mexico and served as the administrative and military hub for British forces in Lower Canada. Despite constant vigilance for an American attack, the city was never directly assaulted. However, as a crucial base of operations, it welcomed thousands of British and Canadian troops, along with a steady stream of merchant, transport, and warships. Sadly, it also became a site for American POWs, some of whom remain buried here. The fortress was strengthened after the war, and today, La Citadelle de Quebec continues to house an active Canadian military garrison.
The weather today isn't cooperating for our departure, so we'll spend one more night in Quebec City. We're planning to leave early tomorrow morning and get back on the water for our next stop in Summerside, Prince Edward Island!
Greetings from Quebec City!
4:30 P.M. May 20, 2025
The crew and the U.S. Brig Niagara have arrived safely and will be here until Friday, May 23. This pause in our journey gives us a chance to rest and replenish our supplies. It also gives us the opportunity to rotate some crew positions. Professional sailors are attracted to a vessel like Niagara but often have prior job commitments and can only be part of the crew for a certain amount of time. We are greatly honored to have maritime experts of this caliber, even for part of the voyage, as their experience greatly benefits the ship.
As one of the oldest European settlements in North America, Quebec City has been a vital port since its founding in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain. Its strategic location on the St. Lawrence River made it the gateway to the continent for early explorers, traders and settlers.
On Friday evening we will be departing for Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada, a journey that will take several days.
Passage through the Welland Canal
8:31 p.m. May 17, 2025
The U.S. Brig Niagara has completed its passage through the historic Welland Canal! Our skilled crew expertly navigated the intricate locks to ensure a smooth transit. Make sure to check out the accompanying video, where you can witness the remarkable sight of the ship being lowered approximately 40 feet within one of the locks – a fascinating glimpse into the canal's engineering.
We've now moored for the evening in Clayton, NY, a charming town nestled along the St. Lawrence River with a deep-rooted maritime history. Clayton is also home to the fantastic Antique Boat Museum (https://www.abm.org), a testament to the area's enduring connection to the water.
Tomorrow, the Niagara will be underway once again. Next stop, Quebec City!
Passing Inspection
6:43 p.m. May 15, 2025
Tonight, the Niagara is resting before her journey through the Welland Canal. Passage through these historic locks requires an annual inspection, and our Tall Ship — unique even in the tall ship class—presents a one-of-a-kind challenge for the inspectors.
We're pleased to report that Niagara passed inspection successfully and has been granted permission to proceed. While the modernization of the canal often sees larger steel vessels navigate the locks with minimal need for lines ashore, the Niagara requires a more traditional approach with the help of line handlers.
So this evening, we find ourselves alongside Port Colborne’s West St. Wharf, conveniently nestled between two sweet shops and a well-regarded tea room that our crew has already begun to appreciate. An early start is planned for tomorrow, and the local treats promise a pleasant night's rest.
Setting Sail for Maine
7:46 p.m. May 14, 2025
Tonight, the U.S. Brig Niagara set sail for Maine, embarking on the next phase of her critical repair and refit project.
Niagara’s trip to shipyard will include vital work to ensure she can continue her important roles: training future mariners and offering dynamic educational experiences to visitors, all while preserving her historical significance.
Follow her journey with us over the coming months!