Historians question Samuel de Champlain's portages in northern Ontario

Morning North5:51Backroads Bill: North Bay monuments

Backroads Bill talks about monuments in North Bay which he believes are in the wrong place.As citizens of North Bay prepare to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of French explorer Samuel de Champlain to the shores of Lake Nipissing, questions have arisen around the monuments commemorating his travels. Some believe those monuments are misplaced. 

Three commemorative plaques and cairns have been erected since 1925 in North Bay that follow the La Vase portages, Champlain's commonly-accepted route.

North Bay historian Roy Summers believes those monuments are in the wrong spot.

After studying historical maps and diaries Summers believes Champlain may have taken a shorter route from Trout Lake to Lake Nipissing. 

According to researchers, Champlain was vague in describing his route to Lake Nipissing.

North Bay resident and northern Ontario adventurer Bill Steer says there are three possible historic routes Champlain may have taken. 

"The best evidence is that there is no evidence at all regarding Champlain's route to Lake Nipissing," said Steer. "It is all interesting conjecture."

To mark the 400th anniversary of Champlain's arrival Les Compagnons and the Friends of La Vase Portages are re-enacting the arrive of Champlain at the end of Premier Road in North Bay on July 26.

To read more about the three possible historic routes, visit Bill Steer's website. Bill Steer can also be contacted at [email protected] or found on Facebook at Steer to Northern Ontario.