Press Release

Crew needed, strong in body and mind, for York boat expedition

March 17, 2011, Grimshaw, AB

GeoTourism Canada announces today that they are seeking people to crew a ten-metre (33′ 3″) long York boat in a 538-kilometre expedition on the Peace River. The expedition will recreate the historical route from Fort Dunvegan to Fort Vermilion.

A crew of seven adventurous people is needed for the expedition. Under oars, the York boat requires 6 rowers and one steersman. The boat can also be sailed if wind conditions are right. The expedition will be conducted as historically accurately as possible.

Crew members will be selected based on:

  • strength and endurance
  • mental toughness
  • ability to work with a team
  • willingness to live as a yorkman for the duration of the trip.
  • Those applying must be available for pre-expedition training and for the duration of the excursion. The expedition is expected to take 16-18 days and is anticipated to start June 1 from Fort Dunvegan.

    GeoTourism Canada is partnering with Flow North Paddling Company of High Level, Alberta for assistance with project management and creating a shortlist of people for the crew. The York boat is being constructed by North Woods Canoe Company Ltd of Cochrane, Alberta, based on historically accurate plans.

    Interested people can apply online, or by contacting us below. Applications will be accepted until midnight (end of day) April 4, 2011.

    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.

    Flow North Paddling Company is a canoe and kayak trip outfitting company operating in northwestern Alberta.

    For more information, please contact:
    Flow North Paddling Company
    Manager of York Boat Project
    Teresa Griffith
    High Level, AB
    780-926-2649

    or

    GeoTourism Canada
    Marketing Manager
    Theresa Maggs
    Grimshaw, AB
    Ph: 780-332-1222
    Fax: 780-332-1229

    or

    North Woods Canoe Company Ltd.
    Larry Meriam
    Cochrane, AB
    1-877-932-1948

    Blog post