Discover the great water highways that connect the West to Europe and why they matter for trade.
This concise volume gathers a popular treatise on the hydrology of the Gulf and River St. Lawrence, plus appendices that illuminate how commerce and navigation evolved in Canada. It presents a clear picture of the routes, the canal system, and the practical impact of inland waterway transit on business and shipping.
The book combines a foundational description of the basin with practical details about canals, locks, and key improvements. It includes discussions of the Lachine, Rideau, Welland, and other works, along with context for how transportation routes influenced price, speed, and safety of freight. If you seek a historical view of Canada’s inland waterways and their commercial role, this edition offers accessible explanations alongside original material.
- Plain explanations of the Gulf and St. Lawrence basin’s geography and navigation.
- Overview of major canals and lock systems that shaped inland transport.
- Appendices detailing the grain and flour trade and freight patterns over time.
- Context for how European and British merchants connected with Canada’s interior markets.
Ideal for readers interested in historical commerce, maritime transport, and the development of Canadian waterways.