By the number of persons on the vessels, I'm inclined to think that this photo was taken during what can be recognized as a significant event in Canadian marine heritage. In 1883, at a wharf operated by Thomas Marks, from a location that was in present day Thunder Bay, the first western grain, transported by rail, was loaded, by hand, into the holds of these vessels. If my observations are in line, the three masted schooner may be the Sligo, which had been used, for a few years prior, to carry machinery, steel rail... into the developing location. This Shickluna built vessel was launched as the Prince of Wales, and christened by the man of the namesake. Sometimes I have a tendency to over analyze these old pics. Always looking for my sailor ancestors and their associated Great Lakes vessels. I know they are not in this photo. Nevertheless, I'm curious to hear more about the story this picture tells!