The First Trans-Canada Route

In the early days, lakes and rivers took the place of roads, and this route formed part of the first highway across Canada. A renowned canoe route, it was used by Indians, celebrated explorers, traders, and missionaries. Jacques de Noyon first recorded it in 1688, and it was used extensively until 1731, when it was abandoned in favour of the Grand Portage Route. Roderic MacKenzie, a partner of the North-West Company, reopened it in 1799, and it remained in use until the Dawson Road was constructed in 1871. During this period, trade to and from the Great West was transported over this historic highway.

Ontario · Canada