La Vase Portages is a 10 kilometer section of the historic Voyageur canoe route which crosses the height of land between the Mattawa and French Rivers and our goal is to have its historic and heritage importance recognized and protected for future generations.  

Over recent years La Vase Portages have suffered from neglect and indifference seeing encroachment from residential and industrial interests along the south end and more recently from proposed quarrying expansions and private property issues at the north end.

By speaking with groups and individuals  with varying interests along the route as well as various levels of government Friends of La Vase Portages have been working to keep the trail open and protected for future use.  Over the last three years we have been brushing and signing the sections of the trail that still run over Crown Lands or North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority property as well as hosting a public La Vase Portages Heritage Canoe Day to travel the route as a group.

While co-operation and support from property owners along the route has been generally positive, further work remains to be done to see the historic route receive more complete and  long term protection and recognition as a heritage canoe route.