The Canadian was the first screw steamship launched for the Allan Line (Montreal Ocean Steamship Company) and was specifically designed for transatlantic service between Liverpool and the St. Lawrence River. Built by Messrs. William Denny & Brothers at Dumbarton on the Clyde, she represented a significant step forward in steamship design, combining technical innovation with refined passenger accommodations.

She completed her maiden voyage from Greenock to the Mersey in eighteen and a half hours, passing around the Calf of Man. Her light draft caused the screw to ride partially above the waterline, which reduced the efficiency of propulsion, an early reminder of the engineering trade-offs involved in optimizing for both speed and shallow-water operation.

Design and Passenger Comfort

The Canadian was constructed to carry 68 cabin-class passengers and 280 steerage passengers. Her design reflected the maritime trends of the era, emphasizing both efficiency and comfort. The staterooms were crafted with a focus on elegance and practicality, offering velvet-cushioned sofas, curtained berths, mirrors, wash-hand basins, and patented lighting fixtures. Each cabin measured approximately 7 feet 3 inches by 8 feet 6 inches and typically housed two berths, each 2 feet wide.

The main saloon—measuring 58 feet in length—stood out for its cathedral-style woodwork and understated elegance. A plainly arched ceiling and carved paneling contributed to its sense of space and serenity. This grand room was heated by steam and naturally illuminated by stained-glass panels set into a ventilated cupola, the work of Ballantine & Allan of Edinburgh. It could seat more than 70 guests at dinner in telescope chairs, and crystal trays suspended from the ceiling could be lowered in bad weather to prevent damage to glassware.

To the right of the saloon was the ladies' cabin, which provided 14 private berths in a secluded and quiet section of the ship. Like the saloon, this space was also heated by steam. Nearby, the steward’s pantry featured an 18-by-8-foot room elegantly stocked with a wide range of silverware and crystal—testament to the vessel's attention to high standards of service.

The forward section of the ship featured the steerage accommodation, offering 280 berths in total. These were arranged in two single rows along the ship's sides and a double row down the center. The space was well-ventilated and naturally lit, and offered ample room for passengers to walk and exercise. Approximately one-ninth of these berths were reserved for unmarried women. There were also two hospitals designated for steerage passengers—one for men, the other for women—ensuring medical care for those traveling in the lower classes.

Crew quarters were also thoughtfully designed. The master's and mates' rooms housed on deck were compact but complete with necessary furnishings and seafaring equipment. The third mate and petty officers were housed in similar quarters near the bow, along with two messrooms furnished with benches and tables.

Technical Features and Construction

The Canadian was powered by a pair of direct-acting steam engines with cylinders measuring 62½ inches in diameter and a stroke of 3½ feet. These robust engines were capable of producing over 50 revolutions per minute. The ship carried two fire-tube boilers with brass tubes and furnaces at both ends to ensure consistent steam output. The screw propeller measured 16 feet in diameter with a pitch of 25 feet, though early voyages revealed that the light draft caused the screw to partially emerge from the water, reducing propulsion efficiency.

The wheelhouse at the stern featured a glass front, providing a more comfortable working environment for the helmsman, especially during cold or inclement weather. A secondary wheel was installed at the bow to assist in navigating narrow channels. The galley was outfitted with a modern, fully equipped cooking range based on the latest principles of culinary design, and the deck featured two large ice-houses, each 12 feet long, 7 feet deep, and 6 feet wide—along with a small cowhouse, presumably for supplying fresh dairy during long voyages. Construction and Aesthetic Details

The vessel was full-barque rigged, giving her a graceful and commanding presence at sea. The carvings aboard The Canadian were executed by Kay & Shanks of Glasgow, with decorative painting completed by Mr. Ballardie. The rigging was supplied by Mr. Cullen. Storage areas aboard were notably efficient, described as resembling honeycombs due to the meticulous way in which space was utilized.

As the pioneering vessel of her class, The Canadian combined refined interiors, thoughtful design, and mechanical innovation. Her service reflected both the ambition and craftsmanship of mid-19th century transatlantic steam travel, marking a significant milestone in maritime history.

The Canadian sailed from Liverpool on her maiden voyage from Liverpool to Quebec on Spetember 16th and arrived Quebec after 12 days on September 26th.