Geographical Representations Embedded within Souvenirs in Niagara: The Case of Geographically Displaced Authenticity

Abstract

Although souvenirs take on many forms, functions and representations, they are often formally associated with a specific geographical place. Niagara Falls, Canada is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. International tourists often only visit Niagara Falls and one or two other major destinations such as Vancouver or Toronto while in Canada. Recognizing this, souvenir shops sell a range of souvenirs representing locations or attractions from across Canada. This raises the question as to what is an authentic geographical souvenir of Niagara Falls and what are tourists buying. This paper examines the concepts of geographical scale and geographically displaced authenticity associated with souvenirs in Niagara Falls, Canada. Inventories were completed in eight souvenir shops. One hundred unobtrusive observations of souvenir purchases by visitors in souvenir shops are presented according to a souvenir classification as to whether they represent souvenirs from Niagara, other areas of Canada or unrelated souvenirs. A Niagara Falls souvenirs typology is proposed which explores the image of the souvenir products purchased from local representations (Niagara Falls) to national representations of Canada.

Keywords:

• Souvenirs
• authenticity
• Niagara Falls
• geographical representation

Notes

∗These categories are after Gordon (1986).

∗These categories are after Gordon (1986).

⋆These Native Indian Artefacts are unidentified of the band or tribes.