Athabasca Country facts for kids
The Athabasca Country was a very important area in Canada long ago. It was known for its fur trade, especially beaver furs. This region was centered around Lake Athabasca. It played a big role in how furs were collected and moved across North America.
What Was Athabasca Country?
The Athabasca Country was a large area in what is now western Canada. It was named after Lake Athabasca. During the time of the fur trade, this region was a key place for getting animal furs. These furs were then sent to distant markets like Montreal and Hudson Bay.
Why Was This Area Important?
This region was important for two main reasons:
- Great Furs: The very cold weather in Athabasca Country helped animals grow thick, dense fur. Beaver furs from this area were some of the best in North America. More furs were collected here than in almost any other fur trade region.
- Smart Transportation: The Athabasca Country was very far from major trading posts. Because of this, the Hudson's Bay Company developed a highly organized system. This system helped them move furs out and bring trade goods in very efficiently.
Rivers and Trade Routes
The main hub of the fur trade in this area was the Peace–Athabasca Delta. This delta is located at the western end of Lake Athabasca. Many important rivers connected to this central point:
- To the north, the Slave River and Mackenzie River led all the way to the Arctic Ocean.
- To the west, the Peace River (Canada) flowed towards the Rocky Mountains.
- To the south, the Athabasca River went southwest into the Rocky Mountains. From there, traders could connect to the Columbia District on the Pacific coast. They could also reach the North Saskatchewan River to the south.
The main administrative center for the region was Fort Chipewyan. This fort was located on the west end of Lake Athabasca. It was a vital depot where furs were stored before being shipped out. Incoming trade goods were also kept here.
The main trade route from Athabasca Country went eastward. It followed a path that included several rivers and portages:
- South up the Athabasca River.
- East up the Clearwater River (Saskatchewan).
- Over the famous Methye Portage.
- East down the Churchill River.
- Over Frog Portage.
- South down the Sturgeon-Weir River to Cumberland House, Saskatchewan.
- East down the Saskatchewan River to Lake Winnipeg.
- From Lake Winnipeg, furs could go to Hudson Bay or Montreal.
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