Instructions
- Read each section carefully to learn about the fascinating history of Georgian Bay, Ontario.
- Complete the activities in order. Use the information in the text to help you find the answers.
- Use your imagination for the creative drawing and writing prompts.
- Check your work against the Answer Key provided at the end when you are finished.
The "Sixth" Great Lake
Georgian Bay is a large bay of Lake Huron, located in Ontario, Canada. It is so big that some people call it the "Sixth Great Lake!" It is famous for its clear blue water, towering windswept pine trees, and the Thirty Thousand Islands—the largest collection of freshwater islands in the world.
Part 1: The First People
Long before explorers arrived from Europe, Indigenous peoples lived along the shores of Georgian Bay. The Anishinaabe (including the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi) and the Wendat (Huron) nations called this area home. They used the bay for transportation, trade, and fishing.
Matching Challenge: Draw a line to match the word to its meaning.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Birchbark Canoe | A way of exchanging goods without using money. |
| Trade | A fast, light boat made from tree bark used to travel the bay. |
| Whitefish | A type of food that was a very important catch for Indigenous fishers. |
| Wigwam | A traditional dome-shaped home used by people in the region. |
Part 2: Explorers and Trade
In 1615, a French explorer named Samuel de Champlain arrived at Georgian Bay. He was the first European to see it. Later, the bay became a busy "highway" for the Fur Trade. Voyageurs (paddlers) would transport beaver furs in giant canoes to be sent back to Europe to make hats!
The Voyageur’s Pack: Imagine you are a Voyageur paddling across Georgian Bay. Circle the FIVE items below that would be most useful for your journey:
- A heavy iron frying pan
- A warm wool blanket
- A video game console
- Dried meat (Pemmican)
- A waterproof map
- A silk tuxedo
- A sturdy wooden paddle
- A bag of gold coins
- Extra birch bark and resin (to fix leaks in the canoe)
Part 3: Working on the Water
As more people moved to Ontario, Georgian Bay became a center for logging and shipping. Because the bay has so many rocky islands and hidden reefs, it was dangerous for big ships. To help sailors stay safe, many lighthouses were built.
Industry Table: Fill in the blank spots to show how people used the resources of Georgian Bay.
| Industry | What they did | Why it was important |
|---|---|---|
| Example: Fishing | Caught lake trout and whitefish | Provided food for growing towns |
| Logging | Cut down tall pine trees | |
| Guided ships safely past rocky islands | ||
| Shipping | Carried goods like grain and coal | |
| Tourism | People came to see the beautiful scenery |
Part 4: The Group of Seven
About 100 years ago, a group of Canadian artists called the Group of Seven fell in love with Georgian Bay. They painted the rocky shores and the twisted, windswept pine trees. Their paintings helped make Georgian Bay famous all over the world.
Artist's Corner: In the box below, describe what your own painting of Georgian Bay would look like. What colors would you use for the water? What shape would the trees be?
My Painting Description:
Part 5: Challenge Question
Why do you think Georgian Bay was named the "Thirty Thousand Islands"? If you were exploring the bay today and found a brand new island, what would you name it and why?
Answer Key
Part 1: Matching
- Birchbark Canoe -> A fast, light boat made from tree bark.
- Trade -> A way of exchanging goods without using money.
- Whitefish -> A type of food that was a very important catch.
- Wigwam -> A traditional dome-shaped home.
Part 2: The Voyageur's Pack Correct items: Warm wool blanket, Dried meat (Pemmican), Waterproof map, Sturdy wooden paddle, Extra birch bark and resin.
Part 3: Industry Table (Possible Answers)
- Logging: Used wood to build houses and ships.
- Lighthouses: (Action) Shined bright lights at night.
- Shipping: Allowed people to trade items across the Great Lakes.
- Tourism: (Action) Opened hotels and boat tours.
Part 5: Challenge
- It was named Thirty Thousand Islands because there are thousands of small islands scattered along the coast.
- Student names for islands will vary.