Canadian Landmarks: The Lachine Rapids

The head of the Lachine rapids in wintertime

This Canadian landmark is not a man made structure, but rather, a physical landmark. Located just a few kilometres from downtown Montreal, the Lachine rapids have long played a role in the city's growth.

Europeans first came to the area now known as the island of Montreal in the 1500's, and the French settlement of Ville-Marie was founded in 1642. As with many other European colonies, the exploitation of local natural resources went hand-in-hand with both exploration and settlement. One of the most successful and iconic natural resources of New France was the beaver pelt, and eventually the beaver was hunted out in the areas of French settlement. Though the French traded with local Native groups, they wished to explore upriver, to travel themselves to the Pays d'en Haut (the Great Lakes area), to establish trading posts there to further the fur trade, and extend their network of Native allies. However, one of the major obstacles in penetrating the interior with both people and trade goods was the Lachine rapids.

The Maison Nivard/St.-Dizier located on Lasalle Blvd. in Verdun, QC, dates from the early 1700's and exhibits a slanted roof, typical of early Quebec houses.

Beginning in the borough of Verdun, the rapids extend westward along the island of Montreal's southern edge for approximately 15 kilometres until the river opens up at Lac-St.-Louis in Lachine. Shooting the rapids was not a viable option as they were too long and dangerous. Supplies had to be carried by horse and cart, or sleigh in the wintertime, along the "Chemin Lasalle" (present-day Lasalle Boulevard), around the rapids. Because of this, the area became home to a number of merchants and suppliers of the fur trade, as well as a provider of its labourers - the voyageurs.

It wasn't until 1825, with the successful opening of the Lachine canal, that the rapids could be bypassed by water traffic. But the roots had been sown - in part due to the city's advantageous geographic position at the head of the rapids - for Montreal to become, for a time, the industrial and financial capital of Canada. The Lachine canal was displaced, in turn, by the St. Lawrence Seaway, which can accommodate the freighters, also known as "lakers" that travel to and from the Great Lakes.

Reconstruction of Fort Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City, MI. Located at the confluence of Lakes Michigan and Huron, this fort, built by the French, was the gateway for all trade through the upper Great Lakes and into the prairies.

Nowadays the Lachine rapids are a popular place for rafters and kayakers because of their easily accessible whitewater. And thousands of cyclists, skaters, and pedestrians enjoy them while using the bike path that runs along the shoreline, part of the Quebec's Route Verte, and the Trans-Canada Trail.

This posting offers only the briefest and most superficial introduction to early Canadian history. If you're interested in further exploration of some of the subjects discussed here, please consult the sources below:

Dechêne, Louise, Habitants et marchands de Montréal au XVIIe siècle. Paris: Plon, 1974. Available in English translation as, Habitants and Merchants in Seventeenth-Century Montreal.

Dickinson, John A. and Brian Young. A Short History of Quebec. Montreal: McGill-Queen's University Press, 2008. also in French. Brève histoire socio-économique du Québec.

Francis, R. Douglas, et. al. Origins: Canadian History to Confederation. Toronto: Holt, Rinehart and Winston of Canada, Limited.

Greer, Allan. Peasant, lord, and merchant : rural society in three Quebec parishes, 1740-1840. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1985.

Hardy, Jean-Pierre. La vie quotidienne dans la vallée du Saint-Laurent, 1790-1835. Sillery, QC: Les éditions du Septentrion, 2001.

Moogk, Peter N., Building a House in New France : An Account of the Perplexities of Client and Craftsmen in Early Canada. Toronto: McClelland and Stewart, 1977.

Moogk, Peter N. La Nouvelle France: The Making of French Canada - A Cultural History. East Lansing, Michigan State University Press, 2000.

White, Richard. The Middle Ground: Indians, Empires, and Republics in the Great Lakes Region, 1650-1815. 1993. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1991.

A heron stands in the shallows. The area has become a bird sanctuary in recent times.

Some online resources:

Center for French Colonial Studies

French Colonial Historical Society

Grand Quebec.com

L'institut d'histoire de l'Amérique française

McCord Museum

This Canadian Landmark was nominated by our Oh Canada Team member Molly of Little Bear’s Mom.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team

Text and images by Little Bear’s Mom

Alberta: Wild Rose Country

Eggplant Blank Notebook
By Farren Square

In the late 1700’s, the area that is now the province of Alberta was populated only by small groups of First Nations peoples, including the Blackfoot, Beaver and Sarcee tribes. As European settlers in Eastern Canada and the US increased, other tribes such as the Cree and Assiniboine also made their way into the Alberta area.

The first European settlement was founded by Peter Pond on behalf of the North West Company, at Fort Chipewyan. It was founded in 1788, and provided the departure point for Mackenzie’s exploration of the rivers of Western Canada. The Hudson’s Bay Company soon began planting it’s own flags on the westernmost prairie, sending David Thompson and Peter Fidler to explore and map the area. Later, the two companies would merge, and the entire area would be under the control of the Hbc.

Bicycletta T-Shirt
By Lucky Lucy Style

In 1870, the Canadian government claimed the lands for their own, and created the North West Territories. The territory stretched from Manitoba to the Rockies. The progression of the prairie settlements was slow, but steady. When the Canadian Pacific Railway reached Calgary in 1883, settlers trickled in with a bit more speed. After the end of the Long Depression, populations boomed.

The rivalry between Alberta’s capital, Edmonton, and the southern city of Calgary is a long standing one. It likely started with the arrival of the competing trading companies of Hbc and the North West Company, but it continues to this day. Both cities host NHL hockey teams, and games between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames are viewed with excitement by fans on both sides.

Flower Shower Baby Quilt
By Blue Elephant Stitch

The metropolitan area of both cities is home to just over 1 million people. Edmonton is also home to the world famous West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping centre in North America. In addition to offering more than 800 shops, it is also an indoor amusement park. Visitors can enjoy miniature golf, roller coaster rides, submarine adventures and much more.

Calgary is famous for The Calgary Stampede, an annual rodeo and exhibition. The event is host to a variety of trade shows, musical guests, amusement rides and agricultural exhibits. Each year the Royal Canadian Mounted Police perform the historical Musical Ride - a traditional display of skill that is a great symbol of our Canadian heritage.

Lavender and Rose Soap
By Maple Creek Soapworks

Alberta is also the paleontology center of Canada, and home to the dinosaur capital of the world. In 1884, J.B. Tyrell discovered the first Albertasaurus skull in the southern badlands. It would be the beginning of a unique and interesting future for the town of Drumheller. Today, visitors can learn about the history of the area, and dinosaur science, at the Royal Tyrell Museum.

The province of Alberta has been home to many important and famous Canadians. Some of our prairie-grown celebrities include Elisha Cuthbert, Kurt Browning, and the Hart family. Long before the invention of the television that helped to create these stars, there were many important personalities helping to shape the face of our country.

Owl Hair Bows
By Footprint Designs

The Famous Five - a group of strong minded women from across Canada - worked from the province to achieve equal rights for Canadian women. Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby, and Nellie McClung are still inspiring young women with their determination and achievements. The work of the Famous Five contributed to the eventual success of the women’s suffrage movement, changing the country’s political and cultural landscape forever.

Thanks to women like the Famous Five, many Canadian women are able to make choices about their lives, families and careers. Many of today’s Canadians enjoy the freedom to create art, and run their own business. To see examples of these great entrepreneurs, visit some of our proud Albertan team members:

Knitted Snowman Hat
By Barefoot Tams

Pondhopper Handmade Upcycled Clothing and Accessories
Blue Root Press Floral Hair Accessories
Glass Circus Fused Glass Jewelry and Home Decor
Splurge Modern and Simple Handmade Jewelry
Golly Gee George Handmade Finger Puppets

To see more handmade creations by Canadians, add the tag OhCanadaTeam to your seaches on Etsy.com.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team

Canadian Landmarks: Victoria Hall

Victoria Hall - Cobourg
Photo Credit: Chris Creamer.

Victoria Hall has presided over the main street of Cobourg, Ontario for almost 150 years. In the 1850s, Cobourg's leading citizens decided to express their confidence in the future of Cobourg by building themselves a fine town hall. They held a design competition which the was won by the famous architect, Kivas Tully. In 1856 the cornerstone was laid by Sir Allan MacNab and construction was completed in 1860.

It was in that year that Edward, the young Prince of Wales and the future King Edward VII, came to Cobourg during his Canadian tour of 1860. On September 6th he officially opened Victoria Hall which was named for his mother, Queen Victoria. Much to the delight of the local citizenry, he remained for the Grand Ball and midnight supper.

The foyer, the deep-well courtroom, the two grand staircases and the Concert Hall are the most impressive areas. The Courtroom is modeled on that of the Old Bailey in London's criminal courts and is one of the few remaining deepwell courtrooms in Canada. It was still in use until very recently.

The Concert Hall is the magnificent core of Victoria Hall, featuring a beautiful painted ceiling. The Art Gallery of Northumberland is also housed within the hall's galleries.
This year Cobourg celebrates the 150th anniversary of Victoria Hall, with a Grand Ball planned to honour the event on May 29th 2010. Here's to the continued success of this regal landmark!

This Canadian landmark was nominated by Queen Victoria's namesake & proud Cobourg resident Vicky from soapstar.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team

Canadian Landmarks: The Nanaimo Bastion

The Bastion, Nanaimo
Photo Credit: Fippy1.

In 1854, the Hudson’s Bay Company completed construction on the harbor bastion for their outpost in what is now Nanaimo, British Columbia. The small, three story fort was constructed entirely by hand, without a single nail. Today, it is the only surviving structure of it’s kind in North America, and is the oldest building in the city of Nanaimo.

After the Hudson's Bay Company began mining coal in the area, with the help of the Snuneymuxw First Nations, the bastion was erected to offer protection to the workers and settlers. In addition to being a temporary shelter, it could also conceal up to 8 riflemen and 2 cannons, allowing them to defend the fort during times of trouble. Later, it would also serve as Nanaimo’s first jailhouse.

Today, the bastion is one of the city’s proudest landmarks, and it is host to a tiny pioneer museum. During the summer months, residents and visitors can experience a traditional cannon salute every day at noon. Unfortunately, age and weather have started to take their toll on the bastion, and it has been closed for much needed repairs.

Thanks to generous donations from the public and Hbc, restoration of the bastion will not be delayed, and the bastion will continue to serve as a reminder of the city’s heritage. Daily cannon firings will still be conducted starting on the May long weekend. With luck, the bastion’s doors will soon be open for all to enjoy!

This Canadian Landmark was nominated by Nanaimo team member, The Sage’s Cupboard. To see handmade creations and vintage finds from Canadian sellers, include the tag “OhCanadaTeam” in your searches on Etsy.com.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team

Beautiful British Columbia

Juggler Hat with Dangling Tassles
Yoyo Hats - Vancouver

British Columbia officially became a province of Canada in 1871, but it remained almost completely isolated from the rest of the country until the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885. Though the first major settlements in B.C. were Rocky Mountain House and Fort St. John - established by the Northwest Company in the far north- most of the population dotted the coast and major rivers like the Fraser and Columbia.

Lavender Valentine Sachet Pouch
The Brynn Alexandra Fund - Sunshine Coast

In the late 1700’s and early 1800’s, British Columbia was visited by many infamous explorers, including James Cook, Alexander Mackenzie, Simon Fraser, and David Thompson. The discovery of gold drew the attention of the British Empire, and the United States, but it was Canada that would ultimately claim the lush lands for its own.

The provincial capital of Victoria, located on Vancouver Island, was originally known as Fort Albert. The name was changed to honor the British Queen in 1843. On August 2nd, 1862, the town of Victoria was officially incorporated. Two weeks later, the town elected it’s first mayor, Thomas Harris. Like many Canadian capitals, Victoria is now dwarfed by another nearby city which has been the hub of travel and trade in the province since the beginning of the gold rush.

Kimono Silk Slouch Purse
Momiji Studio - Vancouver

Vancouver began as tiny Fort Langley in 1827. It wasn’t until 1858 that local and British interest in the area would be truly sparked. In order to protect the valuable resources of the area from the rush of American gold seekers, mainland British Columbia was claimed as a colony of the Empire, and the production of roads and other amenities began. Each year new developments were made in the Delta area - first a church, then a newspaper, a hospital, and eventually a telegraph line. Today the Greater Vancouver area is home to over 2 million people.

Black and Teal Wristlet
There and Back Bags - Vancouver Island

Despite decades of human development and poor urban planning, British Columbia remains one of the most beautiful places in North America. It is a popular tourist and retirement destination, and draws many visitors for business and pleasure. Vancouver and the surrounding area - including Vancouver Island - are often hosts to crews from the Hollywood film industry. Whistler and Vancouver will soon enjoy the honor of hosting the 2010 Winter Olympic games.

A Touch of Pink Earrings
Mountain Man Creations - Gabriola

Although very few Hollywood film characters ever visit Vancouver - apart from the famous ferry stand off in Shoot to Kill - there are hundreds of movies that feature landmarks recognizable to B.C. locals. Major movie and television titles filmed in British Columbia include:

The X-Files - The sci-fi series about a mysterious branch if the FBI.
Fantastic Four - An action film based on the popular comic books.
Twilight: New Moon - The second film based on Stephenie Meyer‘s teen vampire saga.
Battlestar Galactica - Glen Larson’s hit sci-fi series.
Legends of the Fall - Starring Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins.
Smallville - The adventures of young Superman.

Plenty of screen and stage stars have also made their way from B.C. to the halls and walks of fame. Some of our home-grown celebrities include:

Medusa in the 80's Felt Scarf
Mireilles -Vernon

Michael J. Fox - Burnaby
Ryan Reynolds - Vancouver
Nelly Furtado - Victoria
Jason Priestley - Victoria
Pamela Anderson - Ladysmith
Seth Rogen - Vancouver
Coco Rocha - Richmond

Jimi Hendrix, the infamous guitar god of the 1960’s, grew up in Seattle, but often lived with his grandmother on East Georgia Street in Vancouver.

Happy Hearts Backpack
Fly High Creations - Keremeos

Although our contributions to popular media are notable in modern times, British Columbia has also been home to many other iconic Canadians. Our very rich history is dotted with some incredibly influential and inspiring personalities.

Mary Ellen Smith was the first female Cabinet Minister in Canada and the British Empire. She began her political career as the first female member of the B.C. Legislature in 1918. Emily Carr is considered one of the greatest female artists in North America, as well as a feminist role model and champion of First Nations history.

Grape Cluster Necklace
Akane Designs - Vancouver

Although not as famous - yet! - many of our hard working Oh Canada Team members hail from Beautiful British Columbia. To see what their hands have been making for you, have a look at their unique shops:

Akane Designs - Handmade jewelry and Japanese crafts.
Bella Bijou Jewellery - Handmade jewelry with Heart & Soul
The Brynn Alexandra Fund - Stationary, jewelry and gifts for a good cause
Fly High Creations - Seasonal jewelry and gifts
Mireilles - Handmade Felt Scarves and Shawls
Momiji Studio - Kimono inspired scarves, purses and accessories
Mountain Man Creations - Handmade feather jewelry and gifts
Sushi Dragon - Original fantasy art and charms
There and Back Bags - Handmade bags and totes
The Sage’s Cupboard - Handmade metal-free jewelry
Yoyo Hats - Cheerful knitted hats and footwear

To see even more incredible creations by the Oh Canada team, include the tag “OhCanadaTeam” in your searches on Etsy.com.

Gemmy Dreams Tourmaline Ring
Bella Bijou Jewellery - Vancouver



West Coast Woman Necklace
The Sage's Cupboard - Nanaimo

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team Blog