Wawa in Algoma District, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

The Michipicoten Canoe Route

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 6, 2022

1. The Michipicoten Canoe Route Marker

Inscription.
The nearby Michipicoten River formed an important link in the canoe route from Lake Superior to James Bay via the Michipicoten, Missinaibi and Moose Rivers. The route was probably explored at an early date by the French Fur traders who maintained a post at Michipicoten. However the first recorded journeys were not made until the 1770's when the Hudson’s Bay Company began to establish fur-trading posts along this route inland from Moose Fort. In 1781 Philip Turnor, the Company's first full-time surveyor, made a detailed investigation of the waterway. Considerable improvements were made to the portages along the route which, after 1821, became the Hudson’s Bay Company's supply-line for its Lake Superior District.

Erected by Archaeological and Historic Sites Board, Department of Public Records and Archives of Ontario.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Foundation series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1781.

Location. 47° 55.301′ N, 84° 48.327′ W. Marker is in Wawa, Ontario, in Algoma District. Marker can be reached from Trans-Canada

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Highway (National Highway 17) 1.4 kilometers south of High Falls Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located in a wayside on the west side of Highway 17 and south side of the Michipicoten River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wawa ON P0S 1K0, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Reverend James Evans (approx. 2.3 kilometers away); Philip Turnor (approx. 2.3 kilometers away); The Fur Trade at Michipicoten (approx. 2.7 kilometers away); Louisa MacKenzie Bethune (1793-1833) (approx. 2.7 kilometers away); Michipicoten River Cemetery (approx. 2.8 kilometers away); Michipicoten Scenic Lookout (approx. 3.3 kilometers away); Alexander Young Jackson (1882-1974) (approx. 3.3 kilometers away); Professor Lewis Agassiz (1807-1873) (approx. 3.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wawa.

More about this marker. Both sides of this marker are identical.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Philip Turnor

Also see . . . Philip Turnor.

Philip Turnor was a surveyor and cartographer for the Hudson's Bay Company. He is credited with exploring and mapping many of the settlements and their connecting rivers and lakes for the company in the late 18th century.

(Submitted on June 7, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 6, 2022

2. The Michipicoten Canoe Route Marker

(looking northwest • wayside and Highway 17 bridge are to the right)

Michipicoten River image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 6, 2022

3. Michipicoten River

(looking east from below Highway 17 bridge • near marker)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 6, 2022

4. Michipicoten River

(looking west from below Highway 17 bridge • near marker)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 390 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 7, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.