Fort Temiscamingue

The fur trade in the Abitibi-Temiscamingue region

The Fort Temiscamingue-Obadjiwan National Historic Site of Canada commemorates the role played by the trading post in the fur trade for close to two centuries. You'll find there beauty and tranquillity This site located on the shores of the magestic Temiscming Lake, just a few hours away from major urban centers was long used by the Algongquin people.

This strategically based trading fort emphasizes the decisive role played by the Algonguins in trapping fur-bearing animals for the benefit of a succession of companies that had posts on Obadjiwan Point. The economy of New France was long based on the fur trade, which provided the colony's chief source of revenue.

By 1685 or thereabouts, competition became increasingly fierce with the English who were attracting the Algonquins to their fur trading posts on James Bay. The Algonquins had traditionally dealt with the French. In an attempt to counter the rising competition, the French had set up an initial trading post on Lake Timiskaming in 1679.

During the continuous struggle between the French and the English as they sought control of the of the fur trade in the Upper Ottawa and Hudson Bay drainage bassin, the fort was destroyed by the Iroquois in 1688. It was not rebuilt until 1720 at the present site of Fort Temiscamingue and remained in operation until 1902.

Without the extraordinary contribution of the Algonquins, the fur trade would probably have never flourished as it did.

The site also commemorates the way of life of its occupants and the rivalry between the companies : Hudson Bay Company and the Northwest Company for control of the fur trade. Obadjiwan, an interactive exhibition in the interpretation center evoke all these events. You can take part in guided activities and learn about daily life and the relationship between hats and furs in Discoveries by the Trunkloads or probe the mysteries of archaeology in Buried Secrets or else view the theme-based audiovisual presentations and temporary exhibits.

The outdoor discovery tour allows to discover the trading post's setup with the aid of evocative dramatisations. You'll meet characters from that period, follow in the footsteps of those who once lived in the trading post and learn more about their hard way of life. You can also spend some time on hallowed ground, where three cemeteries bear witness to the respect inspired by the site since time immemorial.

The Fort Temiscamingue was declared an historic site by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada in 1931. Visit this memorial landmark, gathering site and trading place for a great cultural experience within a natural environment.

The Fort Temiscamingue is located at the very site where there had been Aboriginal encampments for over 5 000 years.

Temiscamingue is also a relaxing adventure only a few minutes from the site - cycling and hiking trails, golf courses, observation of plants and animals in the Marais Laperriere Museum, restaurants and campgrounds, pedalboat and canoe rentals, country roads to explore.

Memoires of Chemins d'Eau, a heritage itinerary of six sites regarding the history of the Temiscamingue Region, il near by and a whole array of special events on weekend is offered: festivals, the Truck rodeo, the Foire Gourmande (a food fair), as well as summertime theatre, exhibitions and more.

You can linger on the shores of Temicaming Lake, with its granite headlands and invting beach. Stroll down the Chemin des Ancêtres, and observe the flora and fauna along your way until you reach the spellbinding Enchanted Forest.

Special events on Canada Day on July 1 and the Rendez-vous des Voyageurs by the end of July. You can also participate in many theme-based activities throughout the summer.