Rupert’s Land Fur Trade Banquet and Voyageur Rendezvous

Rich in the history of the fur trade, voyageurs, and adventurers, Rocky Mountain House made history come alive this spring to celebrate Alberta’s 100^th birthday.

On May 20^th voyageurs from across Canada gathered in Rocky Mountain House to re-enact the historic Rupert’s Land tradition of paying rent on behalf of the Hudson’s Bay Company to the Queen or her duly appointed representative. Many of these men, representing teams from each province and territory, left Brierley Rapids in 1967, the site of present day Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site, and raced to Montreal, 3283 miles in a record time of 535 hours.

To celebrate this historic reenactment and exciting part of Alberta’s history, the Friends of the Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site hosted a Rupert’s Land Fur Trade Banquet and Celebration on May 19^th, the eve of the send-off. Supported by the Hudson’s Bay Company (Heritage), the period banquet was attended by 450 people. Food, entertainment, costumes, décor, and toasts…. all reflected this time in history including the menu.

For one evening, the Company of Adventurers, Nor’Westers, and other Wintering Partners gathered for fine food, entertainment, laughter, and good cheer. Even the David Thompson Puppet attended with former Lieutenant-Governor Helen Hunley.