presents...

Frontier Voyageur Canoe Trips

The story begins...

The year is 1807. Tucked away somewhere between two mountain ranges, a deep-green river gently winds down an expansive valley. A bald eagle perches itself on an outcrop of willow branches, intently eyeing the water for fish. Suddenly disturbed, it swoops off in a low-swung arch and soars away overtop a growth of cottonwood. From around a bend, a rhythmic stroke of paddles grows. The bow of a canoe appears, breaking the water as it charges against the on-coming current. The canoe, loaded to brim with supplies and men, carries the equipment for the establishment of a new fur-trading post. This is the exploration of the Columbia Valley by David Thompson, guided by several knowledgeable natives of the Kootenay tribe. Before long, "Kootenae House" would be established near present-day Wilmer, and the profitable trade of beaver pelts in the Columbia would begin.

Rivers were the highways of the day, and the 40 foot voyageur canoes were the transport trucks navigating these highways. French speaking "coureurs de bois" embarked on journeys that would take them in their voyageur canoes from Quebec and Ontario right across the Canadian shield and prairies to the Rocky Mountains. Here, loads of furs and pelts traded at the forts, including Kootenae House, awaited transport back across Canada and over the sea to European markets. The coureurs de bois, or voyageurs, carried with them a unique way of life; a culture with a rich set of traditions.

... and continues

Nearly two centuries later, the Columbia river still flows, and the forts and voyageurs are but a romantic memory of Canada's early history. Still, the voyageur spirit remains upon the waters of the old river systems. The traditions of the voyageurs have been handed on, waiting to be followed once more.

Now relive the story!

This summer, Play Radium brings voyageur canoeing back to life. Embark on a trip down the Columbia River in a 34-foot painted voyageur canoe, and experience the excitement and wonder of explorers and traders as they first paddled these waters. Participate in the songs and salutes of the voyageurs. Take stand in the bow and navigate the channels ahead, or mount the lofty seat in the stern and test your skills at steering. Bald eagles soar from their nests in the cottonwood growths, and beaver and muskrat slide off the river banks. Witness riverside homesteads and paddleship docking posts, nearly a century old. Witness voyageur canoeing at its best!

Equipment and Transportation

All equipment pertaining to the canoe trip is supplied; this includes life-jackets, paddles, and water-proof storage containers. Participants must bring their own clothing (be prepared for hot sunny weather and cool rainy conditions) and snacks. Depending on circumstances, parents may be requested to drop off their participants at the departure site, and to pick them up once again at the site of arrival. Exact transportation arrangements for specific trips will be made available on this page and on the events calendar.

Time and Place

There will be at least one voyageur canoe trip during regular Play Radium hours. The date and place of meeting will be posted as soon as possible on this page and on the events calendar, so keep us bookmarked!

Private Bookings

We can arrange one-day and overnight trips for groups interested in paddling the Columbia in voyageur style. Contact us by phone or e-mail for more information.

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	This page was last updated: January 09, 2000 (site under construction).
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