Canadiana on its inaugural trip from Buffalo to Crystal Beach

Circa May 30, 1910

This vessel was a beloved 216-foot passenger excursion steamer built in 1910 in Buffalo, New York.  Known as one of the "Crystal Beach Boats", it carried up to 3,500 passengers daily across Lake Erie from the foot of Commercial Stret to the Crystal Beach Amusement Park in Ontario.  

The ship featured Victorian-style interiors, a 1,000-light grand ballroom with the largest floating dance floor on the Great Lakes and hosted famous big band acts like Duke Ellington and Cab Callaway.  After the construction of the Peace Bridge and changing post-war entertainment habits, the ship completed its final run in 1956.  The vessel was ultimately scrapped in 2004 though preservationists successfully saved its historic steam engine.  

Designed by respected architect, Frank Kirby and built in Buffalo at the Buffalo Dry Dock Compnay on Ganson Street at a cost of $250,000, the coal-fired steamship Canadiana was owned by the Lake Erie Excusion Co.  The Canadiana and its sister ship, the Americana (1908) were known as the Crystal Beach boats.  Taking the Canadiana and the Americana to Crystal Beach quickly a summertime tradition for Buffalonians.  A 1911 advertisement promoted the 25-mile, 75 minute lake ride for 25 cents.  For passengers the ride was part of the total holiday experience.  They enjoyed the promenades, benches, bandstand and hardwood dance floor. At night, the Canadiana's 1,000 lights made the trip back to Buffalo 

.. magical ..