"Algerine" served on the Pacific Station at Esquimalt and on the West Coast of the Canada. At the onset of the First World War, "Algerine" and were deployed as part of an international squadron off the coast of Mexico, protecting foreign interests during their civil war. Two German cruisers, and were reported on the west coast of North America on 4 August 1914 when news of the war broke. was ordered south to cover their withdrawal to Esquimalt, with "Algerine" making contact with "Rainbow" only on 14 August after having run short on coal. They entered Esquimalt on 15 August. Following her arrival at Esquimalt, her crew was sent to man , and the ship lay unused in harbour for most of the First World War.