For 18 days on the Peace River, we lived like Yorkmen. We rowed and sailed our way down the ribbon of water, having stepped back in time and into the moccassins of 19th-century fur traders.

York Boat 2011: Fort Dunvegan to Fort Vermilion

One crew, 18 days, over five hundred kilometres

In June 2011, Flow North, in partnership with GeoTourism Canada, led the York boat expedition from Fort Dunvegan to Fort Vermilion, along the mighty Peace River in Northern Alberta. Flow North’s Teresa Griffith was the project manager and captain of the expedition, leading her capable crew of 4-6 people safely down the river. The crew were selected based on:

And what a crew they were! Each one showed amazing skills, strength and endurance, along with the all-important a positive attitude. They all were hard-working, fun-loving, and adventure-seeking… everything a Yorkman should be!

The crew covered approximately 30 km per day, through wind, rain and snow, roughly following the Paddling the Peace guide that Teresa wrote for GeoTourism Canada’s GoVado! pages. GeoTourism Canada is a not-for-profit organization developing theme-based travel guides designed for tourists interested in nature, exploration, new experiences, history and education. GeoTourism Canada’s goal is to create meaningful travel experiences in rural Alberta, for tourists from afar and for those of us here at home. Visit the GoVado! pages to see what there is to do!

The York boat was constructed by North Woods Canoe Company Ltd of Cochrane, Alberta, based on historically accurate plans. It was completed in an amazing three-month timeframe. Please visit the recognition page for a list of all the wonderful people who helped make the boat a reality!

The boat will be on tour at various community events for the rest of the summer. Although the next expedition date and details have not been determined, if you are interested in this unique opportunity for adventure, please contact us to express your interest.

Read the York boat blog posts and check out the York Boat Photos of the Day.

Check out the GeoTourism Canada photo gallery!

We Did it Again – York Boat Expedition, June 2012

Once again, in 2012, we went on the river for 15 days, recreating the same expedition as 2011. Jae Penner was the captain and along with his excellent and hardy crew, we rowed and sailed along the river — in some very high water conditions! The crew endured pounding rain, but also got the treat of a lot more sailing. Stay tuned for opportunities to come on a trip in 2013!

Watch the Quest for the Bay Trailer — an even longer York boat expedition that took place in Manitoba.