Invermere B.C. to Astoria OR ~ 1700 km in 45 days
A Hip-Hip-HUZZAH!!! for our Sponsors and Supporters
A Hip-Hip-HUZZAH!!! for our Sponsors and Supporters
The ProjectIn June 2011 we took to the waters of the Columbia River Basin in celebration of the 200th anniversary of explorer, mapmaker, and Canadian icon, David Thompson’s journey to the Pacific Ocean. In 1811, Thompson formed the final leg of the fur trade highway between Montreal and the western coast; a route that would be used for the next fifty years.
Our group of thirteen paddlers, young people local to Thunder Bay, Ontario, and beyond joined many others from across Canada and the US to be part of this exciting reenactment journey. We spent 45 days paddling voyageur canoes following in the footsteps of David Thompson and holding celebrations of our shared culture in more than 30 communities along the route. Wherever we arrived we brought the fur trade to life by dressing in fur trade era style and providing educational programming involving our hosts in the dance, song, food, and art of traditional fur trade life. Enormous thanks goes to the generous and lively people of British Columbia, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. To learn more, visit the site for the 2011 David Thompson Brigade or the Voyageur Brigade Society |
NewsSee the, just released, trailer for 'Tracing the Columbia', a film by Jay Macmillan due to drop in November.
If you like the video check out Jay's YouTube channel. The Columbia Journal
July 15th [1811] Monday
A very fine day, somewhat cloudy. Staid 'till 6:25 Am shaving & arranging ourselves, when we set off. ... thank God for our safe arrival, we came to the House of Mr Astors Company - Messrs McDougall, Stuart, & Stuart - who received me in the most polite Manner, & here we hope to stay a few days to refresh ourselves. -David Thompson upon arriving at Astoria |