To Canada by Ship

Until the 1970s, most immigrants travelled to Canada by ship. The experience varied considerably.

Nissen Family (1928)
"The family ... boarded the Scandinavian-American Line (Danish) ship the United States ... Coming from a farming background, the family were not seasoned sea travellers. The trip on board the ship does seem to have been a difficult one, during very cold weather and through stormy seas. Helen remembers seeing icebergs and that the deck was dangerously slippery so it was often difficult to even go out for some fresh air. She also remembers the sound of the propeller as it often came out of the water when the ship rolled in the large waves. The family had two small cabins with portholes, in second class.

George recalls that most of the family lost weight while on board the United States. They could hardly eat because they were so seasick. The family members would walk towards the dining area but as soon as they smelled food their stomachs turned and they would turn around and go back to their cabin. Everything was liquid inside us. You wished that you could get something dry like oatmeal inside you. Lydia remembers that the only thing they seemed able to keep down was some dark rye bread the family had brought from home."

Sommers Family (1957)
"On April 16, 1957, the family boarded the ship S.S. Stavanger Fjord in Copenhagen, Denmark, and set sail for Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The cost of the 10-day crossing was approximately $200.00 per person...Though they had berths in tourist class on the lower decks of the ship; the family experienced a sense of luxury far beyond anything they imagined. There was more food, especially fresh fruit and fluffy white bread than they had ever feasted on in their lives. The boys were so excited that they wore out their shoes exploring this luxury liner. Meanwhile Mom was seasick throughout the entire voyage and missed the opportunity to dine with the captain."

Husted Family (1957)
"The Stockholm was a beautiful ship and we had a large room, which we shared with our children. Meals were wonderful with three course dinners, the weather was excellent and nobody was seasick. Hans and Susanne played with other children on board and Hans celebrated his 4th birthday on the ship. The ship's crew gave him a big birthday party complete with birthday cake. Some of the crew would baby-sit for us while we danced the night away. It was all very luxurious!"

More Immigrant Stories:

• Why did the Nissen Family leave Denmark?
• More anecdotes: Arrival at Pier 21