Two tall ships will dock in Vancouver in June for tours and a handful of public sailings next month that will include staged cannon battles.

The U.S.-based Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain are making a rare appearance north of the border.

They'll be docked at the Vancouver Maritime Museum June 9-12 and crew in 18th century costume will welcome visitors and answer questions about the vessels. No tickets are required, though a $3 donation is suggested.

Public sailings include two afternoon battle sails June 11 and 12 when the two ships will fire cannons at each other as they perform tactical manoeuvers offshore.

The Vancouver battle sails sold out quickly.

But as of May 19 there were still tickets ($35-55) available for adventure sails and sunset cruises during the stop in Vancouver.

The Lady Washington has been featured in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies and the two ships are maintained and operated mainly by volunteers with the non-profit Grays Harbour Historical Seaport Authority.

The ships arrive in Richmond June 3 where they will host dockside tours and conduct private charters until heading to Vancouver June 7.

Those who miss the sailings out of Vancouver may be able to catch other dates in northern Washington later in the summer. The ships plan extended stops in Bellingham in late July and Blaine in early August.

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