August 20 2012

I was in Old Montreal this afternoon to pick up some printing so took a short detour down to the Daniel McAllister tug boat that is moored in front of Silo 5. The Daniel McAllister is no standard tug boat, it is in fact the largest preserved tug in Canada and the second-oldest preserved oceangoing tug in the world.

The plaque next to the tug provides a little insight into the history of the McAllister:

“Originally launched as Helena in 1907, she began service on the Atlantic coast. In the 1940s, while working on the Great Lakes, her steam engine was replaced with a more powerful diesel engine. After a major refit in 1956, she was rechristened Helen M.B. Later, in the 1960s in Montréal, McAllister Towing Limited named her Daniel McAllister after a member of this important family of ship owners. She was finally retired from service in the 1980s.”

In 1997 when McAllister Towing Ltd was sold to Ocean Group, the Daniel McAllister was acquired by the Musée Maritime du Québec which partnered with Old Port of Montréal Corporation to ensure the ship’s preservation. The Old Port of Montréal Corporation acquired the ship in 2008 with restoration beginning in 2009.

Just to the East of the McAllister is the Bota Bota spa-sur-l’eau. Bota Bota is comprised of five decks providing two saunas with incredible views of the river and the Old Port, a eucalyptus steam bath, outdoor whirlpool baths, cold showers and baths, relaxation areas, restaurant, terraces and a garden.

Bota Bota began its life on the water in the 50’s and 60’s as a ferryboat between Sorel and Berthier, Quebec, followed by a stint as a Richelieu River show boat. The storied ship was then completely transformed into a spa which opened its doors in 2010 in Old Montreal.

After leaving the printers I managed to grab a couple more shots:

To view images in gallery format, simply click on one of the images below.

 

Thanks for stopping by. Until next time.

– Martin

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