How and when did Canadians start driving? Between the 1860s and the 1910s, Canada underwent a series of transportation revolutions, leaping from the horse and carriage to the locomotive, bicycle, streetcar and automobile. From steam cars to experimental electrics to the first Canadian-made gasoline vehicles, join Dumaresq de Pencier as he explores the unusual and often chaotic early history of the Canadian automotive revolution. Discover the origins of the gas station, why Canadians drive on the right side of the road, how bicycle clubs helped build the Trans-Canada Highway, and more!

This online talk will take place over Zoom and is part of the Canadian Automotive Museum's Third Thursday lecture series. These online talks are free and open to the public, but registration is required. The Canadian Automotive Museum is a registered Canadian charity and a suggested donation of $10 goes toward covering the cost of hosting these virtual events. Donors who make an annual contribution of over $25 will receive a charitable tax receipt. 

About our speaker:

Dumaresq de Pencier is a museum researcher, exhibit developer and guide, and has had a lifelong interest in the history of vehicular technology. He is currently the Exhibit & Special Project Coordinator for the Canadian Automotive Museum. In his spare time he writes tabletop games and volunteers for the Ontario Regiment RCAC Tank Museum and Ottawa’s Cold War Collection.