Voyageurs in Whitecourt

by Susan Hofforth

On Tuesday June 27th, take part in the official landing of the Athabasca River Voyageur Canoe Brigade in Whitecourt and help commemorate the importance of the Athabasca River and the Voyageur canoes in the development of Canada.

“That was a big part of our history. We are doing this because of the historic connection to the fur trade in Canada and how important this river was to the building of our nation” said Rick Zroback, Chairman of the 2011 Athabasca River Voyageur Canoe Brigade. “What people don’t realize about the Athabasca River, is that this was the Trans-Canada Highway.”

In 2011, the Athabasca River Voyageur Canoe Brigade brought 15 canoes and 170 paddlers together on the river. “You just don’t get 15 Voyageur Canoes everyday coming down the river. Zroback. “Like in the 1840s”

In 2017, the Athabasca River Brigade will be back in Whitecourt as part of Canada’s 150th birthday celebrations. Come and take part in the reenactment of the historical landing, on June 27th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Learn more about the role of the Voyageur Canoe in the establishment of Canada and meet today’s voyaguers paddling the 333 km along the river between Jasper and Fort Assiniboine from June 22 to the 28th. The day includes live music, a free barbecue and interactive booths and displays.

For more information, beforehand about this and otherBig Canoe trips across Canada this summer, visit Voyageurbrigade.org.