The Evolution of Transportation in the Northwest

Even in the earliest days of European presence in the area, the mighty Peace River was the main avenue of transportation. As the fur trading companies pushed into the area now known as the North Peace, exploration and discovery was by canoe. As the years would pass, steamships, motor boats and other vessels would ply the water, bringing in settlers and supplies. The frozen surface of the river in winter provided a clear path for teams and sleighs until roadways were established enough to phase out travel on the waterways. Roads off the river led to homesteads and town sites and wagons and sleighs were eventually replaced by motor vehicles. Towns themselves became connected by ground and by air. As the last phase in our progression so far, the railroad reached the North Peace. In such a remote part of Canada, individuals had to be innovative and creative. Often times this was reflected in the modes of transport utilized to move from one place to another.

1910's - 1920's	1930's	1940's	1950's

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