Old Map of Upper Canada (Ontario) & Great Lakes by Arrowsmith, 1844: Toronto, Niagara, Buffalo

Step into the refined world of nineteenth-century cartography with John Arrowsmith’s “Upper Canada &c.,” a masterwork first published in 1844 at a pivotal moment in Canadian history. This map, with its original title proudly displayed, is a testament to Arrowsmith’s reputation for clarity, precision, and understated elegance. The map captures Upper Canada—modern-day Ontario—at a time of great transformation, just after the Act of Union in 1841, which merged Upper and Lower Canada into the Province of Canada. With meticulous attention to detail, Arrowsmith charts not only the political boundaries of counties and townships but also the intricate tapestry of rivers, lakes, and transportation routes that defined the region’s development.

John Arrowsmith, scion of the illustrious Arrowsmith cartographic dynasty, was renowned for his innovative approach to mapmaking. His atlases, especially the expanded 1842–1844 edition from which this map hails, are celebrated for their clarity and modernity, standing out among the era’s finest geographical works. The inclusion of fifteen additional maps in this edition, ranging from Texas to the far reaches of Africa and Asia, underscores Arrowsmith’s commitment to comprehensive global coverage. Yet, it is his careful delineation of Upper Canada—using outline color and precise administrative divisions—that sets this piece apart, offering a snapshot of colonial ambition and organization at its zenith.

The map’s artistry is matched by its informative power. Outline colors elegantly distinguish county and township boundaries, while the Niagara District is rendered with exceptional granularity, its townships numbered and keyed for ease of reference. Major natural features—Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Simcoe—anchor the landscape, while the mighty Niagara and St. Lawrence Rivers trace the region’s borders with the United States. The Welland and Rideau Canals, engineering marvels of their time, snake across the land, linking key settlements and facilitating the movement of goods and people in a rapidly modernizing colony.

Beyond its administrative and geographic precision, the map is a living record of the communities that would shape the future of Canada and the northeastern United States. The settlements of Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, Kingston, and London are all present, alongside storied towns such as Niagara-on-the-Lake, Brockville, and Cornwall. Across the border, the burgeoning American cities of Buffalo, Rochester, and Albany are mapped with equal care, as are the vital waterways and transportation routes that bound these regions together. Each settlement, from bustling city to quiet township, is situated within a richly detailed physical landscape, marked by rivers, escarpments, and islands.

The historical significance of “Upper Canada &c.” cannot be overstated. Created at a time when the region was emerging from colonial strife into a new era of unity and growth, this map embodies the spirit of exploration, settlement, and progress. It offers not only a geographical guide but also a window into the ambitions and achievements of its era. For collectors, historians, and connoisseurs of fine cartography, Arrowsmith’s map is both a rare artifact and a lasting testament to the artistry and intellect that shaped the modern world.

Cities and towns on this map

• Upper Canada (Ontario):
• Toronto
• Ottawa
• Hamilton
• Kingston
• London
• Niagara (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
• Brockville
• Cornwall
• Chatham
• Belleville
• Cobourg
• Prescott
• Port Hope
• Dundas
• Brantford
• Guelph
• Perth
• Simcoe
• St. Thomas

• Woodstock

• New York State:

• Buffalo
• Rochester
• Syracuse
• Albany
• Utica
• Troy
• Oswego
• Lockport
• Auburn

• Batavia

• Pennsylvania:

• Erie

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The Niagara River, prominently delineating the border between Upper Canada and New York State
• Lake Ontario, shown in detail along the southern edge of Upper Canada
• Lake Erie, forming the southern boundary of Upper Canada
• Lake Huron, depicted to the northwest of Upper Canada
• Lake Simcoe, shown in the central part of Upper Canada
• The St. Lawrence River, marking the eastern boundary of Upper Canada
• The Welland Canal, connecting Lake Erie and Lake Ontario
• The Ottawa River, forming part of the northeastern boundary
• The Grand River, running through the western part of Upper Canada
• The Rideau Canal, connecting Ottawa to Kingston
• The Niagara Escarpment, indicated as a prominent physical feature
• County boundaries, clearly outlined and labeled
• Township boundaries, especially detailed in the Niagara District
• Major roads and transportation routes, connecting key settlements
• Several islands in the Great Lakes, including those in Lake Ontario and Lake Erie

Historical and design context

• Original title: Upper Canada &c.
• Created by John Arrowsmith, a renowned British cartographer celebrated for clarity, precision, and elegant presentation
• Dated 1844, capturing Upper Canada just after the Act of Union (1841) that merged Upper and Lower Canada into the Province of Canada
• Part of the expanded 1842–1844 edition of Arrowsmith’s atlas, including fifteen additional maps of regions such as Texas, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Caribbean
• Rare edition, unrecorded in several significant catalogues, including Verner, Phillips, the National Maritime Museum, and the British Museum World
• Geographic coverage includes all of Upper Canada (modern-day Ontario), all of New York State, and most of Pennsylvania
• Map uses outline color, a hallmark of Arrowsmith’s clear and elegant cartographic style
• Focuses on political boundaries (counties, townships), physical geography (rivers, lakes), and transportation routes (roads, canals)
• Notable for its clarity, additional geographical detail, and elegant presentation, making it a remarkable document of nineteenth-century cartographic advancements

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.