What's the difference between a toboggan and a sledge?

Well, really a toboggan is a simple sledge. It is believed it’s origins are as a traditional form of transport used by the Innu and Cree of northern Canada. These days it’s used on snow to carry one or more people (not always children!) down a hill or other slope for fun. Designs vary from simple, traditional models to modern engineering marvels .   A toboggan differs from sleighs and sledges as it has no runners or skis underneath. The bottom of a toboggan rides directly on the snow. In countries that bare used to winter snow some parks include designated toboggan hills where ordinary sleds are not allowed. Some may also have toboggan runs similar to bobsleigh courses.   A traditional toboggan is made of wood slats bent forward at the front to form a sideways 'J' shape. A rope is run through the front of the sled in a loop to provide basic steering. The rider at the front places their feet in the loop and sits on the flat bed whilst other riders sit behind and grasp the waist of the person in front.   Modern recreational toboggans are typically manufactured from wood, aluminum or plastic. Larger, more rugged models are made for commercial or rescue use.  

"The Mountaineer [Innu] method is the only one adapted for the interior parts of the country: their sleds are made of two thin boards of birch; each about six inches broad, a quarter of an inch thick, and six feet long: these are fastened parallel to each other by slight battens, sewed on with thongs of deer-skin; and the foremost end is curved up to rise over the inequalities of the snow. Each individual who is able to walk is furnished with one of these; but those for the children are proportionately less. On them they stow all their goods, and also their infants; which they bundle up very warm in deer-skins. The two ends of a leather thong are tied to the corners of the sled; the bight or double part of which is placed against the breast, and in that manner it is drawn along. The men go first, relieving each other in the lead by turns; the women follow next, and the children, according to their strength, bring up the rear; and, as they all walk in rackets (snowshoes), the third or fourth person finds an excellent path to walk on, let the snow be ever so light" (Townsend 1911).