Steamer Howard L. Shaw underway on water

Ss Howard L. Shaw

S.S. Howard L. Shaw: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Ontario Place Toronto Historical Sites

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The S.S. Howard L. Shaw stands as a powerful symbol of Toronto’s maritime and industrial legacy. Launched in 1900, this Great Lakes freighter once transported essential bulk goods—iron ore, coal, and grain—that fueled the city’s industrial growth. Today, the Howard L. Shaw is preserved as an integral part of the Ontario Place breakwater, creating a unique public space where visitors can connect with more than a century of shipping history. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the S.S. Howard L. Shaw’s origins, cultural significance, and practical information for visiting Ontario Place and related Toronto historical sites.

(Toronto Marine Museum, Ontario Place Official Site, Heritage Mississauga)

The Howard L. Shaw ship after collision with steamer Coralia and barge Maia

Aerial view of U.S. Ship Canal Entrance with surrounding water and land

Origins and Construction of the S.S. Howard L. Shaw
Role in Toronto’s Industrial Expansion
Notable Voyages and Incidents
Technological and Design Significance
Cultural and Heritage Value
How to Experience the S.S. Howard L. Shaw’s History Today
Visiting Information and Tips
Discover the S.S. Howard L. Shaw Breakwater
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Visitor Tips
References and Official Links

Origins and Construction of the S.S. Howard L. Shaw

The S.S. Howard L. Shaw was built in 1900 by the Detroit Shipbuilding Company of Wyandotte, Michigan, as hull #136. Launched on September 15, 1900, she was designed for the bulk transport of iron ore, supporting North American industrial expansion. At 451 feet (137 meters) in length, she was a propeller-driven freighter commissioned by the Eddy-Shaw Transit Company and named after Captain Howard Lanridge Shaw (Wikipedia).

Shortly after her launch, the Shaw set a port record in Duluth, Minnesota, by loading 260,000 bushels of flax—highlighting her remarkable cargo capacity (Modern Mississauga, Heritage Mississauga).

Role in Toronto’s Industrial Expansion

In the early 20th century, Toronto was rapidly evolving into a major industrial center. The Shaw and similar freighters were critical in supplying the raw materials that powered local industries, especially steel and grain milling (historyoftoronto.ca). The ship’s regular presence in Toronto’s harbor underscores the city’s reliance on Great Lakes shipping for growth and prosperity.

Notable Voyages and Incidents

Throughout her service, the Shaw survived several significant events, including the infamous Great Lakes Storm of 1913. She also played a role in both World Wars, carrying strategic materials and contributing to the war effort. In 1906, she was damaged in a collision caused by poor visibility on Lake Superior, yet continued her service after repairs (Maritime History of the Great Lakes).

A dramatic incident occurred in 1963 when the Shaw was dynamited in Chicago amid a labor dispute, resulting in a two-foot hole in her port side. She was repaired but soon retired from active service (Wikipedia).

Technological and Design Significance

The Shaw was a product of advanced shipbuilding for her era. Her steel hull and robust propulsion system allowed for extended operation across the Great Lakes. In 1922, she underwent a major hull reconstruction and received new Scotch marine boilers, keeping her technologically relevant for decades (Wikipedia).

Cultural and Heritage Value

The S.S. Howard L. Shaw is more than a relic of industrial history; she is a significant cultural landmark. As one of the oldest surviving Great Lakes freighters, her story is preserved through local folklore, museums, and public art. The adaptive reuse of her hull as a breakwater at Ontario Place is an innovative example of heritage conservation that blends history with contemporary public use (Heritage Mississauga).

How to Experience the S.S. Howard L. Shaw’s History Today

While the original vessel is no longer afloat, her legacy endures in several ways:

Ontario Place Breakwater: Walk along the Sunken Ships Promenade at Ontario Place, where the Shaw and two sister ships form a unique, accessible breakwater.
Toronto Marine Museum: Explore artifacts and interactive exhibits relating to the Shaw and Great Lakes shipping (Toronto Marine Museum).
Waterfront Tours & Heritage Events: Join guided tours or attend annual maritime heritage festivals that interpret Toronto’s shipping past (Toronto Tourism).
Nearby Historic Sites: Combine your visit with Harbourfront Centre, CN Tower, and Toronto Islands for a full day of exploration.

Visiting Information and Tips

Location: Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto, ON M6K 3B9, Canada
Coordinates: 43°37′35″N 79°25′03″W
Hours: Ontario Place grounds and the breakwater promenade are generally open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.
Admission: Free access to the breakwater and Ontario Place grounds. Some special events or attractions may require tickets (Ontario Place Official Site).
Accessibility: The promenade is wheelchair accessible; smooth concrete walkways and handrails make it suitable for all visitors.
Getting There:

TTC streetcars/buses to Lake Shore Blvd W & Strachan Ave
Paid parking available
Bike and pedestrian access via the Martin Goodman Trail

Tips:

Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting and photos
Respect signage and stay on designated paths
No boarding of the ships; the breakwater is partially submerged
Plan visits in late spring through early fall for optimal weather and amenities

Discover the S.S. Howard L. Shaw Breakwater

Transformation into a Breakwater:
In 1969, the Shaw was towed and sunk alongside the S.S. Victorious and S.S. Douglas Houghton to form a crescent-shaped breakwater at Ontario Place. Their hulls were filled and capped with concrete, creating the Sunken Ships Promenade. This adaptive reuse both preserves the vessels and protects Ontario Place’s artificial islands and marina (militarybruce.com).

Design Highlights:

Concrete walkways with original anchor chains as handrails
Historic anchors used as sculptural elements
Observation platforms and interpretive signage

Cultural Significance:
The breakwater stands as a living artifact, blending Toronto’s shipping past with its waterfront revitalization. The site is lauded for its innovative approach to heritage and public space.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the S.S. Howard L. Shaw visiting hours?
A: The breakwater is accessible during Ontario Place’s public hours (typically 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM).

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No, access to the breakwater and Ontario Place grounds is free.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasionally, during special events. Check the Ontario Place event calendar for updates.

Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the promenade features accessible walkways.

Q: Can I board the ship?
A: No, the vessels are submerged and integrated into the breakwater structure.

Q: What’s the best time to visit?
A: Late spring through early fall offers the best weather and a full range of activities.

Summary and Visitor Tips

The S.S. Howard L. Shaw is a remarkable example of Great Lakes shipping heritage and adaptive reuse. Her transformation from freighter to breakwater at Ontario Place provides a distinctive historical site for visitors to enjoy Toronto’s waterfront, learn about maritime history, and appreciate innovative heritage conservation. Enjoy panoramic lake views, accessible pathways, and interpretive features that make this site ideal for families, history enthusiasts, and casual visitors alike. Stay informed on visiting hours and special events via the Ontario Place website and consider using the Audiala app for immersive audio tours.