The Archaelology, History, and Location of Portages in South-central Ontario
Author: Grant Karcich
The ancient Indigenous trails north of Lake Ontario date back to a prehistoric era and have left their mark on our colonial history, as well as, on our modern day roads. Over one hundred years ago, the European fascination with ancient trails was encouraged by David Boyle, a transplanted Scotsman. From Boyle’s time down to the present, the same interest has driven many others to find the original routes of the trails. These trails were an integral part of Indigenous culture and transportation. The Legacy of Vanished Trails explores Ontario’s hidden trail history when the First Nations and Europeans started off as equals acting in mutual cooperation. Legacy explores the premodern use of the trails and also delves further into the past by examining the buried artifacts along trail routes. This book provides a comprehensive examination of the main portages and carrying places between the Bay of Quinte and Toronto with photographs and details of numerous trail locations. Paperback, published 2017, Red Handprint Publishing.