The first public vehicle to travel Canada’s roads was the caleche. It was described as being “a gig upon grasshopper springs with a seat for two passengers; the driver occupies the site of the dashboard, with his feet on the shafts, and in close proximity to the horse, with which he maintains a confidential conversation throughout the journey, alternately complimenting him and upbraiding him and not failing to impress him with his many virtues.” It was also described as being high, creaky and shaky.
The first stage coach from Kingston to York went on January 1st, 1817, using a converted sleigh. Fare was eighteen dollars (converted from £[?] currency), and 28 pounds of luggage was allowed.
| YEAR | DRIVER | TERRITORY COVERED | SERVICE EACH WAY |
| 1817 | Samuel Burdy[?] | Kingston to York | Once weekly |
| 1823 | J. Powers | Kingston to York | Winter, uncertain |
| 1827 | Jonathon Ogden | Bay of Quinte to York | Twice weekly |
| 1827 | Jonathon Ogden | Kingston to York (winter) | ” “ |
| 1829 | William Weller | ” “ | |
| 1841 | William Weller | Kingston to York | Six times weekly |
There were many problems when travelling by stage. Robbery of mail and passengers on Upper Canada stage coaches was reported as early as 1821. A coach upset near Trenton in 1828 when the driver fell asleep and the unguided horses wandered off the road in search of water.
Daily Line of Mail Stages
1849
The Cheapest, Shortest, and most Expeditious route, between Peterboro’ and Lake Ontario
THE Proprietors, in returning their sincere thanks to their friends and the public generally, for the liberal support they have received since they commenced their Line of Mail Stages, beg leave to state, that AT A GREAT EXPENSE, they have completed the same; and they hope by moderate charges and unremitting attention, to merit a continuance of the patronage heretofore so liberally bestowed upon them.
One of the above line of Stages will leave Cobourg daily at 8 o’clock A. M., and Port Hope at 9 o’clock, for Peterborough. RETURNING: Will leave Peterborough at 9 o’clock A.M. for Port Hope and Cobourg daily (Sundays excepted) calling at all the principal hotels in the above towns, and if required, at private residences for passengers.
Applications as to fare &c, may be made at the principal hotels in Cobourg, Port Hope, and Peterborough, or to J. McCarty, North American Hotel, Cobourg, W. Bletcher, Port Hope, and J. Bletcher, Stage Office, Peterboro’.
Always in readiness at Port Hope & Peterboro’
W. & J. BLETCHER,
Proprietor.
P.S. All Luggage and Parcels entrusted to their care will be carefully attended to.
Port Hope, May, 1849.
