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Travel through the eras of  history and the development of the various nations that make up Canada today.

 
   
         
 
 

Sites at Home
 
 

Sites Abroad
 
         

Batoche | Gulf of Georgia Cannery | Signal Hill | Craigellachie | Fur Trade Lachine | National Battlefields Park | Vimy Ridge | Dieppe

Built along the shore of Lac Saint-Louis, the Lachine Fur trade building was built in 1803 and served the returning fur brigades from the north and west through the late 1700's and early 1800's. Although the fur trade had begun almost as soon as there were settlements in New France and had expanded quickly in all directions where there were natives ready and willing to trade, it was mot looked upon as the reason for the settlements and a constant battle took place between those Courier de Bois ready to expand and exploit the fur trade and the habitants who were building a European civilization in the wilderness of America.

After the English victory in the Seven Years War, some English and Scottish businessmen established the Northwest Fur trading company in Montreal in order to compete with the Hudson Bay Company. The HBC was able to ship their furs out during the summer season, from the Hudson Bay trading posts, well the Northwest Company had to send brigades of canoes from Montreal deep into the heart of western Canadian to acquire furs and then carry them back to Montreal. By the early 1800's the Northwest company controlled about 75% of the furs trade back to England.

The men who paddled the canoes, carried on the trading for the furs and then brought them back were known as voyagers and they were mainly young strong French Canadians. The Fur trade site at Lachine shows how the fur trading system worked in and around Montreal and how it extended across the country. It is managed by Parks Canada and has been designated a national historic site.

 

 

  
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Just west of downtown Montréal, the Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site welcomes you to its enchanting setting on the shores of Lac Saint-Louis. Built in 1803, this old “stone hangar” stands today as the sole remaining testimony to the golden age of the Montréal area fur trade in the eighteenth and early nineteenth century.

Stroll among the fur bales, bins filled with goods and barrels of provisions, breathe in the smell of pelts and let our warehouse take you back in time for a memorable expedition.

At the Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site, warm and friendly guides have prepared a series of interactive activities that guests can enjoy while visiting at their own pace or taking a guided tour of our facilities. Several of our exhibits also include audio-visual presentations and interactive games.

During the summer, on Saturday and Sunday afternoons the site presents historical animations describing the fabrication process of beaver hats, maneuvering bark canoes and the Voyageurs’ distinctive garb.