PODCAST · history

Chronicles of Canada The Fur Hunters Journey

by Agnes C. Laut

In the vast expanse of a northern empire the size of Europe, fur hunters emerged as intrepid explorers, driven by the allure of fur rather than glory. They navigated treacherous waters, pushing their canoes up the Saskatchewan, traversing the Rocky Mountains, and descending the Columbia River in pursuit of beaver pelts. Their quest was not for conquest but for survival, as the sound of dog bells echoed across the icy landscapes from Saskatchewan to Athabaska and northward to the Arctic. Led by notable figures like Ogden, Ross, and MKay, these horse brigades journeyed south from New Caledonia, crossing rugged terrain that now makes up the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, all the way to the Spanish forts at San Francisco and Monterey. The beaver was the true catalyst of exploration, inspiring these adventurers and paving the way for legendary figures like La Salle and Mackenzie.