Coming to the canal July 27

NEWS RELEASE

PARKS CANADA

************************* Sault Ste. Marie Canal hosts David Thompson Brigade

Intrepid Voyageurs visit en route to Montreal

SAULT STE. MARIE, ONTARIO, July 20, 2010 - Perhaps a common sight 200 years ago, the landing of the 2010 David Thompson Brigade at Parks Canada’s Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site on July 27 is sure to raise some eyebrows - and paddles - as the costumed paddlers plan to salute spectators watching their arrival.

Activities will commence on July 27 at 1 p.m. with the David Thompson Brigade scheduled to land between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The voyageurs will meet with visitors and present an historical talk, then will set up their camp and welcome new paddlers joining their expedition to Montreal.

Events will continue through to 8 p.m. and will include a barbecue from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. with burgers, sausagesand drinks available for purchase.

Highlights of the day’s free activities include:

- Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site’s fur trade encampment travelling exhibit

- Tours of the Attikamek Trail at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. put on by the Voyageur Trail Association

- Voyageur games with the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site staff between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

- Drumming by guest drum Eastern Thunderbird Child from Batchewana First Nation Goulais Bay from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and

- A travelling display on David Thompson, housed in the Sault Canal’s Visitor Centre for the month of July.

The Sault Canal’s daily tours will continue to be offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for $2.90 per person.

The David Thompson Brigade launched from Fort William in Thunder Bay on route to Montreal, following historic fur trade routes.

After visiting the Sault Ste. Marie Canal they will rest their paddles at the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site on July 28 with presentations happening from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and will depart from Sault Ste. Marie on the morning of July 29.

More information on their expedition, including the ability to track their current location, can be found on this website.

The Sault Ste. Marie Canal is one of over 950 sites designated as being of national historic significance.

Parks Canada proudly operates 167 of these national historic sites across the country, providing opportunities for Canadians and visitors to discover and be inspired by our nation’s heritage.

Come to the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site and discover what life was like as a voyageur!

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