The 2011 David Thompson Columbia Brigade

Begins June 3, Invermere –

This year, 2011, marks the 200th anniversary of fur trader, explorer, surveyor and map maker, David Thompson’s voyage on the Columbia River, the final leg of his historic journey in which he mapped a trade route across the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The route he mapped became the major route followed by the twice-annual Columbia Express, later adapted by the Hudson’s Bay Company to become the York Factory Express. Fur trade exploration was to shape the boundaries of Canada and the United States and David Thompson was at the forefront.

To celebrate the occasion, a brigade of voyageur canoes will travel 1800 kilometres (1200 miles) along the historic route from Invermere, British Columbia to Astoria, Oregon, a 7-week journey in all, from June 3rd to July 16th, stopping in various communities along the way. Map of route

It is an undertaking of epic proportions, with authentic 25-foot voyageur canoes, support vehicles such as boat and utility trailers, mini vans and trucks. Teams from all over Canada, the United States and some other places are made up mainly of folks who love both history and paddling canoes. They will sleep in tents and cook over camp stoves, retire early each evening, and rise very early each morning.

The brigade will be launched from Invermere, where there will be special ‘fur trade’ entertainment, followed by a dinner and dance. From Invermere, the brigade will head south to Fairmont Hot Springs, Canal Flats, Wasa, Fort Steele and Kikkoman Provincial Park before crossing the border into the United States.

To learn more about David Thompson’s explorations and this 200th anniversary voyage, readers may visit the brigade’s very informative website at http://www.2011brigade.org .