Methye Portage


Also known as Portage La Loche. Named after the methye

or loche (Lota maculosa), which has always been abundant in

neighbouring waters. This portage was an important point in the palmy

days of the fur trade. It leads from the Churchill to the Clearwater,

and so to the Athabaska and the immense systems of northern and western

waterways that lie beyond. It was noted for its beautiful scenery, which

has been described or mentioned by Mackenzie, Franklin, Back, and other

northern travellers. It was first crossed by Peter Pond in 1778. The

route has now been abandoned for some years, supplies for the northern

posts of the Hudson's Bay Company being transported overland from

Edmonton to Athabaska Landing, and thence down the Athabaska. =Bib.=:

Burpee, Search for the Western Sea; Bryce, Hudson's Bay Company.



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