As summer approaches, everyone is looking for that little getaway from everyday life. There are many things to consider when going on vacation. Where to go? What is there to do that’s within our budget? Why not explore the various historical and cultural opportunities for any age group in our own backdoor? Why not follow the Path of the Voyageur?
The Path of the Voyageur is a broad theme to inter-connect tourism and cultural experiences across Northwestern Ontario and Northern Minnesota. The regions paddling heritage on the Namakan River and Rainy River is the main linkage between countries. The region is well endowed with cultural and recreational attractions that link the lakes with the Voyageur theme. Historic parks, museums, designated waterways, events and attractions are scattered across the region and voyageur-era themes are used in many local promotions. The collaboration between European and First Nation cultures that are rooted in the voyageur era are equally important in this region today.
This summer spend time retracing steps of the voyageur. Who knew that our city would have such a rich history of paddling, fur trading and aboriginal heritage dating back to the 1600s. We are surrounded by beautiful rivers, lakes and trees. Many of our surrounding waterways were once used by voyageurs and First Nations to trade furs for goods.
The voyageurs came from Fort William and Grand Portage and paddled all the way down the Namakan River and up by Kettle Falls. They then went all the way across Rainy Lake and on up to Fort Garry in Manitoba. We share common history with our international border communities and with this linkage we have the Path of the Voyageur. Wouldn’t it be grand to relive the life of the voyageurs?
Now you are thinking about how you plan on retracing the voyageurs. Here are some excursions you can do by yourself or with friends or family — right in your own city.
• How would you like to paddle back in history? You can do this on the ‘North Canoe Voyage’ on Kabetogama Lake. This is a free program for ages 5 and up, running June 14-Aug. 23 on Tuesdays. Be sure to reserve your spot as they fill up quickly. You will learn how to paddle a 26-foot North Canoe, learn the voyageur paddle salute and learn the way of the voyageur life.
For more information on this exciting adventure call 877-444-6777.
• You can also bring your own canoe to any of the entry points and paddle on Rainy Lake at your leisure. You will be able to explore, relax and have fun at your own pace. Retracing the voyageurs is also a great learning experience for your children. You can check out (by leaving your driver’s license at any visitor center) one of the seven discovery packs Voyageurs National Park has to offer for your children to learn and explore the park.
• If you like to keep your feet on dry land, but still want to experience the wonderful wilderness the voyageurs did, head on out to Voyageurs National Park. There are numerous species of wildlife you can see such as otters, deer, eagles, loons and occasionally a moose or black bear. If you are a bird watcher or photographer, in the seasons of spring and autumn you can witness more than 300 species of migrating birds in the area.
• For a relaxing time, go on the Kettle Falls Cruise which takes you on a spectacular voyage on Rainy Lake and on to the historic Kettle Falls Hotels. You are able to spend two hours on the land to enjoy the breathtaking scenery as well as explore the hotel. The Kettle Falls area was one of the routes the voyageurs took en route to Fort Garry.
• For a more luxurious vacation, come aboard one of the many houseboats on Rainy Lake. Northernaire Houseboats, Voyagaire Houseboats and Rainy Lake Houseboats are awaiting your arrival for your next Rainy Lake voyage. You can also enjoy a vacation on another historic water route, Namakan River, with Ebel’s Voyageur Houseboats. With many different houseboat packages to choose from, please call ahead and make reservations to guarantee an unforgettable vacation on one of the historic voyageur routes.
• Be sure to stop by the Koochiching County Historical Museum. Learn about your county’s history and become privy to over 6,000 square feet of exhibits. Come in and learn about the voyageurs and their history.
As you can see, there are many historical and cultural activities that can be done in and around International Falls. Make sure this is one of your stops on your next vacation. Or if you live in International Falls, make it your ‘staycation.’
