la vase portages

Upper Portage

Presently the two most distinguishing features of the historical Upper Portage that links Brandy Lake to the middle Cooper's Lake section  are the "No Tresspassing" signs posted by the property owner at the north and south property lines. Friends of La Vase Portages does not advocate or recommend using this section of the portage without receiving consent from the property owner.  Todate the property owner has been very supportive of allowing canoers through the portage on Canoe Day and discussions are ongoing towards addressing an agreement that will allow public access to the historical portage route. In the meantime it is recommended anyone interested in taking the historical route contact Friends of La Vase Portages who will in turn contact the property owner for permission.  

Alexander Nivens Map 1880

         More detailed than the Logan Map prepared 35 years earlier, the Niven's map was prepared several years in advance of the CPR tracks being constructed in the area.  The first spike of the eastern terminus of the trans-Canada railway line was laid just to the south east of La Vase Portages near present day Bonfield. The map also noted the three sections of La Vase Portages and placed them across lot lines that are still recognized on the municipal property maps today.  

          The purple boundaried property detailed on the smaller version of the map below indicates the private property to be avoided and also shows the general course of the historical Upper Portage across the property.