The Voyageur

If you have ever been to Thunder Bay, you likely know of one of our unique gems - Fort William Historical Park. It is an exact replica of a 19th century fur trading post, which was operated by the now defunct North West Company. The fort is considered a natural living museum located on the banks of the Kaministiquia River, where historical interpreters play out the roles of the people who would have inhabited the fort at the time. One of many prominent characters that would be seen around the fort was the voyageur sometimes distinguishable by the red sash they would wear around their waist. For the most part they were French Canadians who would be hired to man canoes for transporting the companies trading goods and supplies between posts.

I love going to the fort, although I do not go as often as I should. The park offers an abundance of material for drawing, painting, and photography for that matter.