Transportation
Canoes and Boats
The Métis traveled across land and along rivers and lakes when moving, hunting, or trading goods with fur traders. Water routes were very valuable to the Métis and European voyageurs. The most common methods of water transportation were birch bark canoes and York Boats. Birch bark canoes were hand made for use in shallower waters and used to haul furs and cargo, and could be carried by four men. York Boats were larger, sturdier, and more durable than the canoes which means they could also haul more cargo and were better suited for larger and rougher bodies of water. They were used by the HBC during the fur trade and could hold up to 7,000lbs!
Watch this short video to learn more about York Boats!
Red River Carts
Land transportation became useful in the southern part of the province where there are fewer water routes. The most common type of transportation on land was the Red River Cart, which were made from wood and were pulled by ox. Red River Carts were very useful because they could carry heavy loads of fur and pemmican and could also haul the possessions of their family when moving. Red River carts have become a symbol of the Métis people.
Some of the paths formed by Red River Carts are now turned into major highways! 364km of Highway 11 from Regina to Prince Albert is now called Louis Riel Trail. See if you can spot the sign next time you are travelling!
Winter Travel
Some other methods of transportation were horses, snowshoes, and sleds. Horses were used in buffalo hunting and general transport. In the winter sleighs/taboggans were used to haul loads of fur, pemmican, and other cargo across the snow.
A wooden sleigh being used in the winter
The different modes of transportation
Canoes
Red River Carts
