What Is the Origin of the Toboggan?

A toboggan is a runnerless sled that has been used for centuries in northeastern North America. Although today its function may have changed from a useful mode of transportation to recreational fun, the toboggan is still a standard of craftsmanship and ingenuity.

  1. History

    • The toboggan was created by the native tribes of northeast America and Canada. The people of the Cree and Innu tribes, as well as the Anishinabe tribes can claim the privilege of first using the sled. These early sleds consisted of thin wooden boards that curved around at the front by use of heat. Wooden bars were placed across to hold the boards together. After two days of drying, the sled would be ready for use.

    Function

    • Primarily, toboggan carried heavy loads and people across the snow-covered wilderness. Though toboggans still aid ice fishermen, mushers and outdoor adventurers, the toboggan has become more commonly used as a recreational sled for adults and children during the winter months.

    Types

    • Several variations of the toboggan deal mainly with purpose and size. There are hand toboggans that are pulled by hand with a rope. Freight sleds are used for large cargo, which consist of a large box to keep the objects inside protected. Specific sleds assist ice fishermen and dog teams, and recreational users employ standard downhill coasting toboggans. One of the most well known variations of the toboggan comes from the Swiss version, also known as the bobsled.