Friends of La Vase Portages dipping their paddles in history

Over 30 people are paddling the historic La Vase Portages Saturday for the 9th annual Canoe Day.

Friends of La Vase Portages spokesperson Chris Mayne says it compares to anything that can be found in Algonquin Park or Temagami.

He also says it’s one of three ancient First Nation canoe routes through the area.

This is the 400th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain traveling the same route with a number of Canada’s first explorers using the same route after him.

Mayne says, “La Vase River really gained fame as the main national highway across Canada as the voyageur trade route.”

Tomorrow’s six hour trip begins at Brandy Lake, opposite Elks Beach on Trout Lake and wraps up at Champlain Park on Lake Nipissing.