"Restigouche", named for a river that flows through Quebec and New Brunswick, was laid down on 15 July 1953 by Canadian Vickers Ltd., in Montreal, Quebec. The ship was launched on 22 November 1954. While still on sea trials by the builder, "Restigouche" collided with the freighter "Manchester Port" on 21 November 1957 in the Saint Lawrence River. The ship suffered damage to her portside superstructure and hull. "Restigouche" was commissioned at Montreal on 7 June 1958 with the number DDE 257. In June 1959, "Restigouche" took part in the opening of the Saint Lawrence Seaway.