Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: CHICOUTIMI
• Type: Sidewheel Steamer
• Year Built: 1881
• Builder: R. Savard
• Dimensions: 93 ft (28.3 m); Beam: 20 ft (6.1 m); Depth of hold: 6 ft (1.8 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross: 110 tons; Net: 70 tons
• Location: Toronto Harbor
• Official Number: C 80756
• Original Owners: J. Pearce, J. J. Davis, Victoria Park Steamboat Co.

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The CHICOUTIMI was a wooden sidewheel steamer, a type of vessel commonly used in the late 19th century for passenger and freight transport. Sidewheel steamers were known for their distinctive paddle wheels mounted on the sides of the hull, which provided propulsion. The CHICOUTIMI served various routes throughout its operational life, adapting to different roles as a passenger ship and later as a ferry.

Description

The CHICOUTIMI was built in 1881 by R. Savard in Levis (Bienville), Quebec. It was a versatile vessel, operating on multiple routes over the years. In its early years, the CHICOUTIMI served the Quebec-Chicoutimi route in 1881, followed by short runs from Cornwall, Ontario in 1882. The vessel also operated on Georgian Bay in 1884 and 1886, demonstrating its adaptability to different waterways and passenger needs.

History

From 1887 to 1892, the CHICOUTIMI was a regular sight on the route between Toronto and Victoria Park. During this time, it was owned by various individuals and companies, including J. Pearce of Parry Sound, Ontario in 1884, J. J. Davis of Toronto in 1892 and 1895, and the Victoria Park Steamboat Co. of Toronto in 1901. The CHICOUTIMI‘s last recorded use as a passenger ship was in 1895. After its service as a passenger vessel, the steamer was laid up and eventually abandoned in Toronto Harbor. In 1898, a fire broke out on the vessel, which led to its complete destruction. The circumstances of the fire—whether accidental or intentional—remain unspecified, and there are no records of loss of life associated with the incident.

Significant Incidents

• 1881: Launched and began service on the Quebec-Chicoutimi route.
• 1882: Operated short runs from Cornwall, Ontario.
• 1884 & 1886: Served on Georgian Bay.
• 1895: Last recorded use as a passenger ship.
• 1898: Destroyed by fire while laid up in Toronto Harbor.

Final Disposition

The CHICOUTIMI was destroyed by fire in 1898 while laid up in Toronto Harbor. The vessel, having been abandoned and out of service, did not survive the fire, which marked the end of its existence.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The remains of the CHICOUTIMI were completely destroyed in the 1898 fire. The exact location of the wreckage, if any remnants still exist, is not documented, and it is unlikely that any substantial parts of the vessel remain.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”chicoutimi-c-80756″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

As a historical vessel, the CHICOUTIMI represents an important part of the maritime heritage of Lake Ontario. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and practice no-touch documentation methods, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.