Old Map of Ontario & Quebec by Bartholomew, 1922: Quebec City, St. John’s, Hudson Bay, Torngat Mountains, Gulf of St. Lawrence

Step into the cartographic elegance of the early twentieth century with “North-eastern Canada,” a masterwork crafted by the esteemed J.G. Bartholomew in 1922. Bearing its original title, this map offers a sweeping yet intricate portrayal of one of Canada’s most storied and rugged regions. From the sweeping expanse of Hudson Bay to the craggy coastlines of Labrador and the shimmering waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Bartholomew’s meticulous artistry brings to life the dramatic interplay of land and sea. Each hypsometric tint and bathymetric shade tells a story of geological grandeur, capturing the soaring Torngat Mountains, the vastness of Ungava Bay, and the delicate tracery of rivers that have shaped this land for millennia.

J.G. Bartholomew, a luminary in the world of cartography, revolutionized atlas-making with his commitment to both scientific accuracy and visual beauty. This map marks a pivotal moment in cartographic history, being the first time Bartholomew’s maps graced The Times Atlas & Gazetteer of the World. His innovative use of color gradations for elevation and depth, along with precise linework and clear labeling, set a new standard for map design. The inclusion of shipping routes with meticulously calculated distances underscores the map’s dual purpose as both a work of art and a practical tool for navigation and exploration.

The map’s detailed depiction of northeastern Canada encompasses the provinces of Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador, at a time when the region was still being actively explored and developed. Political boundaries are crisply delineated, reflecting the administrative divisions of the era, while the natural world is rendered with equal care. Anticosti Island, Belle Isle, and the storied Strait of Belle Isle are all present, their positions vital for mariners navigating the often-treacherous waters of the North Atlantic. The map’s artistry is matched by its accuracy, further enhanced by a page of corrections from the 1920 edition, ensuring the most up-to-date information for its contemporary users.

A sense of grandeur permeates the map’s physical features, from the snow-capped peaks of the Torngat Mountains to the deep blues of the Labrador Sea. The vast Lake Mistassini and the winding Churchill River are just two of the many waterways that carve their way through this untamed landscape. Bartholomew’s careful application of hypsometric and bathymetric tints transforms the map into a living tableau, inviting the viewer to trace the contours of the land and imagine the journeys of explorers, traders, and Indigenous peoples who have called this region home.

Among the settlements that punctuate this wild expanse, cities such as Quebec City, St. John’s, and Saguenay (Chicoutimi) stand as beacons of human endeavor and resilience. Their placement on the map is a testament to the enduring relationship between people and place in this part of the world. Whether you are drawn to the storied rivers, the dramatic coastlines, or the rich tapestry of cultural and natural history, “North-eastern Canada” by J.G. Bartholomew is a celebration of both the known and the unknown—a luxurious invitation to explore the timeless beauty of Canada’s northeastern frontier.

Cities and towns on this map

• Quebec
• Quebec City
• Saguenay (Chicoutimi)
• Sept-Îles
• Baie-Comeau
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• St. John's
• Corner Brook
• Labrador City
• Happy Valley-Goose Bay
• Other regions (if visible)
• Kuujjuaq (Quebec, Nunavik region)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Hudson Bay (large inland sea in northeastern Canada)
• Labrador Sea (body of water east of Labrador)
• Gulf of St. Lawrence (major gulf at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River)
• Strait of Belle Isle (narrow strait between Newfoundland and Labrador)
• Ungava Bay (large bay in northern Quebec)
• Lake Mistassini (largest natural lake in Quebec)
• Torngat Mountains (mountain range in northern Labrador)
• Anticosti Island (large island at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River)
• Belle Isle (island at the entrance to the Strait of Belle Isle)
• Shipping routes with distances (marked lines across maritime areas)
• Bathymetric tints showing ocean depths
• Hypsometric tints and spot heights indicating elevation
• Provincial boundaries (notably Quebec and Newfoundland/Labrador)
• Numerous rivers (e.g., St. Lawrence River, Churchill River)
• Detailed coastline with bays, inlets, and peninsulas

Historical and design context

• Created by J.G. (John George) Bartholomew in 1922, a renowned cartographer who revolutionized atlas-making.
• Featured in the second issue of the 1920 edition of The Times Atlas & Gazetteer of the World, marking the first use of Bartholomew's maps in this series.
• Relief illustrated by hypsometric tints (color shading to indicate elevation) and spot heights; bathymetric tints used to show water depths.
• Notable for depicting shipping routes with distances, aiding navigation and geographic exploration.
• Includes a page of corrections from the 1920 edition, providing updated and accurate information.
• Represents a pivotal shift in atlas cartography, introducing Bartholomew's influential style and accuracy.
• Emphasizes both natural geography (relief, hydrography) and human geography (political divisions, shipping routes).
• Characterized by clear labeling, color gradations for elevation and depth, and precise linework typical of Bartholomew's work.
• Created during a period of increased interest in accurate global mapping and navigation, shortly after World War I.

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.

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.