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Captain Visger’s Standard Guide to the Thousand Islands, 1898

One of the most popular destinations in early Ontario, the Thousand Islands remain today an area of immense beauty and historical significance. The numerous ‘castles’ built on the islands stand as symbols of days gone by when the Thousand Islands were the playground for the province’s political and business elite. This pamphlet details the sights and stops along a boat cruise through the Islands and includes a map of the tour.


The Falls of Niagara: Being a Complete Guide…, 1866

A very popular destination for people the world over, the appeal of Niagara Falls has always been in its awe-inspiring beauty. This book provides a general overview of the main attractions at and around the area of the falls and includes colour sketches of all of the main points of interest.


Fort William: The Gateway to the Gold Fields to the Wheat Fields, 1898

This promotional document was designed to attract businesses and people to Fort William (Thunder Bay) at a time when the community was trying to establish itself as a major inland port and railway terminal. In the process, the area also became known for its unspoiled nature. The vast expanses of forest and numerous lakes were an ideal destination for hunters and fishing enthusiasts. The region’s reputation as a gateway for outdoor enthusiasts spread quickly throughout the province and beyond.


Exploring Ontario’s natural beauty and historical communities is a popular pastime in Ontario today. It is also big business, contributing to the economy by providing income for thousands of people and communities. Museums, travel companies, municipalities and regions compete for our attention in the hope that we will visit a specific area and spend a few days and a few dollars. The historical and cultural importance of travel is closely linked to the economic benefits. Communities are better able to preserve local traditions and ways of life when there are tourists coming to visit. Museums, libraries, archives and art galleries, the keepers of cultural and historical treasures, are keen to attract visitors who will view and make use of their collections, facilities and services.

In early 19th century Ontario, travel was in its infancy. Road access throughout the province was limited to a few populated centres. Horse-drawn carriages and gigs were the primary mode of land transportation. Railways gradually moved north and then west through to Manitoba in the second half of the 1800s. Despite these limitations, a demand for tourist facilities such as hotels and resorts, cruises and tours was growing in the province. From the Thousand Islands to Point Pelee to Niagara Falls, Ontarians wanted to travel within the province and explore its wonders.

  1. For each of the documents answer the following questions:
    1. What is the primary source document?
    2. Who wrote the document?
    3. When was the document created?
    4. Where was it published?
    5. Why was the document created? What is its purpose?
  2. For each of the documents, record the pieces of evidence showing that tourist facilities or infrastructure for travel were in place. Record this information using the Travel Infrastructure Organizer.
  3. AS PART OF THE CLASS MAGAZINE: Create a Travel Highlights Map of Ontario. Based on the documents in this section, the map should show the location of the sites of interest and provide a summary for each one. Use the Highlights Map Criteria Checklist to start you off. Your teacher will help you find a suitable map of Ontario for you to work from.


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