On Tour

The members of the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) were often the first non-Aboriginal people to visit, study, and map vast areas of Canada's wilderness.

Photograph of Joseph Tyrrell's camp on the western shore of Hudson Bay, showing two tents and two small boats, winter 1893

Joseph Tyrrell's camp on the western shore of Hudson Bay,
Northwest Territories, 1893
Source

Photograph of survey group portaging across the North Thompson River, British Columbia, 1871

Portaging at Murchison's Rapids, North Thompson River,
British Columbia, 1871
Source

Photograph of a Geological Survey party in a winter camp, Peribonca River, Quebec, 1884

GSC survey party in winter camp, Peribonca River, Quebec, 1884
Source


The "rock stars" and their crew members faced many challenges and dangers as they surveyed the land, examined rock formations, collected samples and recorded their findings. They had to climb mountains, cross lakes and rivers, push their way through dense bush, scramble over rugged terrain and paddle for miles. They had to take shelter in the open and eat what was available. They were often in danger; forest fires, drowning, grizzly bears and other wild animals were big threats. Hordes of pesky mosquitoes were a constant problem. The work was demanding, but also rewarding. GSC crew members got to go places and see things that most Canadians did not.

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