Paddler brings story to Jasper

A group of more than 300 paddlers from around the world embarked on a cross-country canoe trip last summer commemorating explorer David Thompson, by mimicking his 3,200 km route from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, to Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Thompson is famous for his expedition in the early 1800s, when he traveled up the North Saskatchewan River and discovered the Athabasca Pass through the Continental Divide.

This Saturday, Feb. 14, paddler Rick Zroback of Hinton will present a film about the 66-day event, called The 2008 David Thompson Brigade: Digging Water. 

Twenty-five foot canoes held six people per boat, and support vehicles followed the group. At nights, they would often camp in a town’s park or high school sport field. “It definitely wasn’t as tough as 1808,” Zroback said. The trip ran from May 10 through July 12.

Communities along the way welcomed the canoeists, who dressed like voyagers. “It’s a celebration of some pretty great Canadian accomplishments,” Zroback said.

Zroback’s presentation takes place at the Jasper Museum and Archives this Saturday at 6:30 p.m.