Late this summer the Eastern Regional Office of the Conservancy wrapped up its inaugural Canadian tour of the archaeology of Ontario and Quebec. As we journeyed north to discover the archaeology of eastern Canada, we saw hints of fall color and were greeted with wonderful cool weather; perfect for visiting some amazing prehistoric and historic sites. We had an excellent group of participants and are grateful for such a wonderful trip! Here are just a few of the highlights through photos of our amazing trip.
For an overview of all the sites on this trip please see our website. We can’t wait to do this new tour again!
Our guide for part of the week, Canadian archaeologist Dr. Ronald Williamson, introduces the group to the Peace Bridge site, a massive prehistoric site with over 4,000 years of occupation.Our visit to the Old Fort Erie, located in the Niagara Peninsula, included a mortar firing demonstration.
This stunning caribou comb is part of the collection owned by the Museum of Ontario Archaeology.
These beautiful bird stones are part of the collection owned by the Museum of Ontario Archaeology.
The group learns about the archaeological uses of a Micro-CT Scanner at the Sustainable Archaeology Facility in London, Ontario.The group explored reconstructed longhouses at the Ska-Nah-Doht site in the Longwoods Conservation Area.We also got to explore a Longhouse currently being built.The rebuilt Jesuit Mission at Saint-Marie among the Hurons near Georgian Bay.The view of Canadian Parliament in Ottawa, from across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec.Fort Chambly, built in 1711 along the Richelieu River in Quebec, was one of a series of French forts constructed to defend against Native and British attack.The historic walled city of Quebec, looking out over the St. Lawrence River.We had the opportunity to go under the promenade in front of the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec to explore the archaeological remains of the original Governor’s Palace.After visiting Quebec City we headed north to the Wendake Reserve where we visited Chetek8e, an interpretive center that teaches visitors about traditional Huron-Wendat life.Archaeologist Dr. Christian Gates St-Pierre discusses some of the archaeology of the Quebec region at the Pointe-du-Buisson Quebec Archaeology Museum. We were lucky and were able to see some active excavations during our visit.Inside one of the longhouses at the Droulers site.Our final stop was Fort York in downtown Toronto, where the preserved fort site sits in juxtaposition to the rapid growth and development of the city.Our exceptional tour group at the Saint-Marie among the Hurons Mission site.
Thank you everyone joining us!
~Photos and Text by Kelley Berliner, Eastern Field Representative
