Famous Journeys By Canoe In Canada

These days it's possible to take a fabulous holiday in Canada based around waterways and travelling by canoe. Canada has a long history entwined with these vessels and holidays werent the original purpose of this ancient craft. Some truly epic journeys were made in the past; here are just a few to muse on while you are enjoying your own adventure in the wild.

The dark ages

It is now generally accepted that the people we call The Vikings probably landed in parts of what we call Canada in the 9th century. Just where they went and how long they stayed, however, is the subject of fierce debate between historians and archaeologists, given that the physical record is scant. What one might speculate though is that as great seafarers, explorers and sometimes plunderers, they may well have had contact with the indigenous people and might well have done a least some exploration along rivers in similar craft to those the locals were already using. In fact, the Vikings were well used to sailing up rivers, and a quick look at a classic Viking long ship indicates that in some respects, it bears a fascinating resemblance to a very large canoe. Canada has come a long way from then, however.

The 15th-17th century

During this time, European contact with the country was fragmented and, for much of the period, lacking in substance. Contrary to what some people believe, many initial colonies failed, and countries such as France, Spain and Portugal initially didnt seem massively interested in building a permanent presence there. The colonial pickings in America just seemed much more promising further south.

Even so, during this period the first serious exploration of the hinterland started and the French were in the forefront of that, initially. One of the most famous was Samuel de Champlain, who not only founded Quebec City in 1608 but who also conducted several major explorations by canoe. Canada has plenty of fascinating history like this once you delve below the surface. On one of Champlain's journeys he reached todays Lake Huron in Ontario, straddling the US border a distance of perhaps 600 or 700 miles and an incredible feat for the time.

The 18th century

In the first half of this pivotal century in the country's history, both Britain and France grasped the potential wealth and scale of North America and fought over it. By the middle of century, France had given up its territories but during that period great explorations by water went on. In the mid-century period, the English explorer Anthony Henday travelled a distance of around 2,000 miles by water and foot to reach well into Alberta in Northwestern Canada.

The 21st century

If youre planning a holiday adventure by canoe, Canada still offers plenty of opportunities to explore some of the stunning parks and wilderness areas. Youll be treading in some famous footsteps but certainly, your journey today is likely to be a lot more comfortable than it was for your predecessors!

About the Author:
Philippa Westwood is Marketing Manager at Windows on the Wild, a specialist of wildlife watching tours. If you want a holiday exploring by canoe, Canada is the ideal destinations. Other destinations include Lapland and Sweden where dog sledding holidays can take you on adventurous experiences across the world.

Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Famous-Journeys-By-Canoe-In-Canada/4492500

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