Over 120 canoeists made the trip from Fort St. James to Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park this week, coming ashore just before 4 PM Thursday.
The Fort to Fort Voyageur Brigade consists of 12 large canoes traveling the historic fur trade routes. Paddlers began their trip on Stuart Lake on Monday, over 250 km from their destination.
Water Captain Lyle Dickieson lead the fleet on the adventure. He was granted permission from the Lheidli T’enneh before coming ashore at Hudson’s Bay Wetlands, near where the Heritage Trail meets Taylor Drive. The welcoming party was made up of over 100 Lheidli T’enneh members, Prince George residents and city workers, and fellow paddlers. Once on dry land, traditionally-dressed voyageurs exchanged gifts with the First Nations Peoples.
Fort to Fort Voyageur canoeists are arriving in Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park. Travellers left Vanderhoof MON, arrived in #cityofpg at 4 PM pic.twitter.com/IQwD5E0W44
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) June 8, 2017
“This entire territory was opened via canoe. The rivers around here were the highways of the day. Certainly Fort St James, Fort George, this area was all opened up by the early explorers,” says Dickieson.
 Reflecting on his escapade, Dickieson adds this year’s excursions are a special way to take part in the country’s 150th birthday.
“What a way to celebrate Canada by participating in a long river trip with people coming from all over Canada to join come and join us. Just with all the involvement with the various communities, it’s really brought a lot of people together and it’s been a lot of fun.”
For many, this is the final stop. For others, they’ll head east and meet up with thousands of other canoes in Ottawa for Canada Day.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
