IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Vessel Name: Wanakewan

Year of Build: 1910

Builder: Kingston, Ontario

Type: Steamer

Hull Materials: Wood

Number of Decks: 1

Dimensions:

•Length: 70 feet (21.34 meters)

Propulsion: Screw Propulsion

Final Location: Near Ville Marie, Quebec

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Wanakewan was a wooden Steamer designed for both passenger and cargo transport. Constructed in 1910 in Kingston, Ontario, the vessel featured a single-Deck layout and utilized Screw Propulsion, providing a reliable and efficient means of navigating Canada’s waterways. Its compact size and robust wooden Hull allowed it to adapt to various regional demands, from connecting communities to supporting trade.

HISTORY

The Wanakewan was launched in 1910 and initially operated in Georgian Bay, serving the transportation needs of this busy region. Its sturdy design and dependable propulsion system made it an essential asset for local commerce, carrying passengers and goods between various ports. The vessel’s name, “Wanakewan,” is believed to have roots in Indigenous languages, possibly reflecting its connection to Canadian heritage.

Relocation to Ottawa

In 1912, the Wanakewan was moved to Ottawa, where it continued its service. The vessel contributed to the bustling activity of the nation’s capital, adapting to new routes and demands as it expanded its operational footprint. The move to Ottawa highlighted its versatility and the growing need for reliable steamers in Canada’s interconnected waterways.

Service on Lake Temiskaming

By 1922, the Wanakewan relocated to Lake Temiskaming, a large freshwater body straddling Ontario and Quebec. Here, the vessel played a crucial role in facilitating transportation and commerce in a region heavily reliant on waterborne trade. The Wanakewan provided a vital link for remote communities, further solidifying its reputation as a reliable workhorse of Canadian waterways.

Final Years

The Wanakewan’s service ended near Ville Marie, Quebec, at an unspecified date. It was ultimately Abandoned at this location, marking the conclusion of its operational life. The reasons for its abandonment remain unclear, but like many wooden vessels of its era, it may have become uneconomical to maintain or obsolete with the rise of steel-hulled ships.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Wanakewan was Abandoned near Ville Marie, Quebec. While no formal records indicate the exact date of its abandonment, it remains a symbol of early 20th-century maritime transportation and its role in shaping Canadian inland navigation.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the Wanakewan or its wreck site.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Kingston Maritime Archives: Potential resources for further information on vessels built in Kingston, including the Wanakewan.

•Maritime History of Canada: Provides broader context for steam-powered vessels operating in Canadian lakes and rivers.

•Lake Temiskaming Historical Society: A source for regional history and the Wanakewan’s contributions to the area.

CONCLUSION

The Wanakewan exemplifies the pivotal role of steam-powered vessels in Canada’s 20th-century transportation history. From Georgian Bay to Ottawa and Lake Temiskaming, the vessel connected communities and supported regional commerce. Its abandonment near Ville Marie, Quebec, marks the end of its active service but preserves its legacy as part of Canada’s maritime heritage.

KEYWORDS

Wanakewan, Steamer, Wooden Vessel, Kingston Ontario, Georgian Bay, Ottawa River, Lake Temiskaming, Ville Marie Quebec, Canadian Maritime History, 20th Century Transportation.