Alexander Mackenzie Reaches the Pacific

First Voyage (to Arctic)
June 3, 1789 - September 12, 1789

In 1789, Alexander Mackenzie set out from Fort Chipewyan on his first expedition in search of a route to the Pacific Ocean. A Chipewyan, who went by the English name English Chief, guided his party.

They travelled the length of the river (about 1650 km) in an amazing 14 days. As the river flowed north, it became obvious to Mackenzie that it would not reach the Pacific Ocean. Still, he followed it to the end. This river is now called the Mackenzie River, in his honour.

In 102 days the expedition travelled nearly 5000 km. Their discoveries got little attention, though, because they were useless to the North West Company. Mackenzie was very disappointed.

In searching for a route to the Pacific Ocean, Mackenzie discovered what is now known as the Mackenzie River Copyright/Source

	"In this voyage I was not only without the necessary books and instruments, but also felt myself deficient in the sciences of astronomy and navigation; I did not hesitate therefore, to undertake a winter's voyage to England, in order to procure one and acquire the other." Gillmor, Don and Pierre Turgeon. Canada: A People's History. Toronto: McClelland & Stewart, ©2000, p. 194.