A group of six accomplished Canadian paddlers recently concluded a remarkable 1,200-kilometer canoe expedition, successfully traversing a historic fur trade route from Quebec to James Bay. This challenging 97-day journey, which began in Tadoussac on May 31 and concluded in Waskaganish on September 4, saw the team navigate a complex network of lakes, rivers, and demanding portages, echoing the paths taken by early explorers and Indigenous traders.
The expedition was spearheaded by Bruno Forest, a 33-year-old guide, writer, and adventurer, whose passion for history and the outdoors fueled the ambitious undertaking. Forest meticulously planned the route to mirror the vital artery that once connected the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Arctic Ocean, a pathway crucial for the exchange of goods. The team’s deep commitment to authenticity was evident in their choice of watercraft, opting for cedar and canvas canoes built in the traditional style of the historic Tremblay Canoes, underscoring the journey's profound connection to Canada's rich past.
Early in their journey, the team navigated the Saguenay River and Lac Saint-Jean, a sprawling lake that serves as a gateway to the northern wilderness. This initial leg, dotted with communities, offered opportunities for resupply and cultural exchange. However, beyond Lac Saint-Jean, the landscape transformed into a much wilder, more arduous terrain. As they pressed northwest towards Chibougamau, the paddlers faced the formidable task of battling strong upstream currents. Forest described these sections as “climbing a mountain in terms of altitude,” often necessitating that they walk in the river and haul their canoes through rapids.
The portages, once well-trodden paths for traders, had largely been reclaimed by nature, forcing the team to forge new trails. Armed with axes and saws, they painstakingly cleared paths for their canoes, sometimes for kilometers, demonstrating immense perseverance. A pivotal moment came when they reached the height of land, a watershed divide historically used by First Nations for trade. From this point, the rivers began to flow northward towards James Bay, transforming the journey’s character from an uphill battle to a more flowing, “liberated” experience.
The descent included navigating Lac Mistassini, Quebec’s largest natural freshwater lake, known for its unpredictable winds. Local Cree communities had cautioned the team about the lake’s dangers, particularly warning against pointing at the island of Manitouk, believed to incite fierce winds. Despite these warnings, the team enjoyed calm conditions, completing a remarkable 50 kilometers in a single day across the lake, an unexpected blessing that facilitated their progress.
A distinctive feature of this expedition was the team’s use of cedar and canvas canoes, a tribute to the legacy of Tremblay Canoes. Forest’s dedication to this aspect was profound; he sought out elderly Tremblay artisans, interviewed them, and even wrote a book about the company to gain their trust. This effort led to one craftsman reopening his workshop, where Forest served as an apprentice, helping to build five new canoes and repair an old one. These traditional vessels, though requiring nightly repairs to their canvas skins, offered unparalleled flexibility in rapids, proving to be “the best canoes” Forest had ever used.
The expedition, which initially involved ten paddlers aged 21 to 62, saw six individuals—three women and three men, predominantly Canadian with one French member—reach the final destination of Waskaganish. Three members withdrew due to physical challenges, including a back injury. Notably, Francis Bossum, an Innu ambassador who initially joined for the first week, decided to continue the entire journey, adding a significant layer of cultural authenticity and historical connection. His presence served as a powerful reminder that these routes were, first and foremost, Indigenous pathways long before European contact.
Upon their arrival in Waskaganish, the team experienced an overwhelming emotional moment, as shared by Forest, “everyone cried.” The deep bonds formed and the intense experiences shared over the 97 days culminated in a profound sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. Moving forward, plans are in motion to produce a documentary film, organize public events, and publish a book about their journey. Forest’s ultimate goal extends beyond merely chronicling an endurance feat; he aims to honor the memory of those who originally traversed these historic fur trading routes, ensuring their legacy endures through storytelling and shared adventure.