Trail Swag Reports: The Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum has some breathtaking artifacts from all over the world and all realms of history. As an outdoors enthusiast, there are some particularly interesting subjects that are from much closer to home.
Canoes of various sizes to accommodate varying amounts of items for transportation
Canoes played a very big role in Canadian history, and many are prominently displayed in the Canada gallery. From an 1800's Freight Canoe to an early 20th century Algonquin Birchbark canoe, you can see the progression canoe designs, as well as shapes to accommodate their roles. Transportation, trading and exploration all helped mould the Canoe into varying sizes.
A Hudson Strait Kayak which has good stability, but was difficult to maintain a direction.
Kayaks were also an important part of Northern Canadian history. It is neat to see the contrast of these animal skin Kayaks of yore where tools were attached to the deck, to the modern kayaks that we presently attach our gear to.
Snowshoes were also another tool that were inspiring to look at. Over the years, we have come from pretty much hollowing out a slab of wood, to manufacturing snowshoes from extremely light plastic or aluminum. These early models are quite awe-inspiring.
There is some lovely artwork depicting canoes on display throughout the gallery as well. It is worthwhile to stop and take in the work that went in to these oil on canvas paintings.
A modern day Beaver skull on the left, and a Giant Beaver skull on the right. The only fossil found in Ontario of this type.
The Royal Ontario Museum is located at 100 Queens Park, in Toronto and is open daily (except December 25th). Be sure to visit to see these items and more. It wouldn't be hard to spend a day there with all there is to see!
