River Bridgade tours Whitecourt

The Athabasca River Brigade paddled into Whitecourt on Friday to drum up interest ahead of next year’s event during the year-long celebration of Canada’s 150th Anniversary of Confederation. Bernie Kreiner, the chair person for the 2017 Brigade, was one of several members on hand at Rotary Park manning the canoes and taking eager riders for a paddle around the pond. He, along with his canoe mates came to scout the Athabasca River and connect with locals as they look to grow interest for next year’s pilgrimage from Jasper to Fort Assinboine from June 22 to 28. The brigade set out to educate Alberta’s riverside communities on the historical importance of the Voyageur canoe and Canada’s rivers in founding our nation so a better appreciation for this method of transportation can be learned. Many traveled along the Athabasca River including Aboriginal people, settlers, and fur traders. The brigade also shared information about the overnight canoe trips which offer people a different type of river activity to experience. Groups are given the chance to recreate a part of history while taking in the beauty of nature all around them. For more information on next year’s brigade or to book your own group excursion, visit  www.voyageurbrigade.org.