History of the Carlton Trail

Exploring the Shell Lake, Mont Nebo to Victoire Area

The Carlton Trail is a cornerstone of Saskatchewan's history, a vital trade and travel route that connected key points across the prairies during the 19th century. Spanning from Fort Garry (present-day Winnipeg) in Manitoba to Fort Edmonton in Alberta, the trail linked fur trading posts, missions, and settlements. It was a critical path for Indigenous peoples, Métis communities, settlers, and traders, fostering both economic activity and cultural exchange.

In the northern parts of Saskatchewan, particularly around Shell Lake, Mont Nebo and Victoire, the Carlton Trail intersected with the Green Lake Trail, an essential offshoot. This network of trails provided access to the rugged wilderness and trading hubs of the north, playing an integral role in the development of the region.

The Green Lake Trail

The Green Lake Trail was a major northern extension of the Carlton Trail. It connected the Hudson’s Bay Company’s post at Green Lake with the broader fur trade routes, allowing traders to access rich trapping territories in the boreal forest. As a critical supply line, this trail supported the economic growth of the fur trade in northern Saskatchewan.

Travelers along the Green Lake Trail passed through the Mont Nebo and Victoire region, a landscape defined by dense forests, rolling hills, and clear lakes. These natural features provided essential resources for Indigenous peoples and fur traders while shaping the area's historical significance.

Historical Importance of Mont Nebo and Victoire

The Mont Nebo to Victoire corridor was an important crossroads for those navigating the Carlton and Green Lake Trails. For Indigenous peoples, the area was a vital meeting and trading ground long before European settlement. When fur traders and Métis voyageurs began using the trails, Mont Nebo and Victoire became key stops for rest and resupply.

The Hudson’s Bay Company post at Green Lake played a pivotal role, acting as a hub for the exchange of goods, including furs, pemmican, and European trade items. This facilitated economic activity that reverberated through the Mont Nebo and Victoire areas, where communities thrived on the flow of goods and information.

The Métis, in particular, left a lasting cultural legacy in the region, with oral histories and seasonal settlements along these trails. Their adaptability and knowledge of the land were crucial to the success of the fur trade and the use of these routes.

Modern Legacy

Today, the region offers a unique window into Saskatchewan’s storied past. Many parts of the historic Carlton and Green Lake Trails have been repurposed into modern roads, hiking trails, and snowmobile routes, ensuring their legacy lives on. Visitors to the area can trace the footsteps of those who traveled these historic paths, exploring the landscapes that once served as lifelines for trade and cultural exchange.

The rich history and natural beauty, will continue to captivate those who seek to connect with Saskatchewan’s early days. Whether you’re an adventurer, history enthusiast, or local resident, this region stands as a testament to the enduring importance of the Carlton and Green Lake Trails.

The Nature Forever Conservancy is situated on the cross-roads of the Carlton and Green Lake trail system. Its significant to the fur trade, has been saved from present day development, and can be visited on the property today.