Halifax Public Libraries

The Shubenacadie river and the connecting chain of lakes was a recognized water trade route used by the French and Mi’kmaq. Construction of the Canal began in 1826 but progress moved slower than initially expected, stalled by bad weather, a difficult stretch of granite known as the Deep Cut, and lack of funds. By 1856 the Shubenacadie Canal was operating commercially, transporting goods such as coal, lumber, bricks, granite, ice, sand, lime, and gypsum to and from Halifax Harbour.

By Confederation, the Canal had been in full use for over a decade, but the expansion of the railway lines led to the Canal’s demise a mere four years later.

Date: [19--]

Reference: Halifax Public Libraries Postcard Collection Halifax Central Library HPL-PC-0432

For more information, please contact the Local History Room at the Halifax Central Library.