Although the explorer was disappointed with his expedition because he was looking for the Columbia River, his voyage was an early key event in ultimately establishing B.C. as part of Canada and not the U.S.
However, Rawston admits that unlike Simon Fraser, his canoe club knows what lies beyond each bend in the river. But like the original expedition, this re-enactment voyage has also had some unplanned adventures.
Not long out of Fort St. James one of the big canoes was accidentally turned broadside in rapids on the Stuart River then suddenly tipped, dumping its occupants and their gear into the fast-running waters.
"Everyone was wearing a life jacket so they were all OK although a couple of cameras were damaged," Rawston said. "We were in the water for a while but it wasn't too cold. However, the important thing was that we managed to save the sandwiches for lunch," he added with a laugh.
On a more serious note, Rawston explains that participating in this re-enactment has certainly given each paddler a much greater appreciation of what Simon Fraser accomplished in 1808.
"For example, when we paddled down the Stuart and Nechako rivers from Fort St. James over the past few days, a lot of the landscape we saw remains untouched and is still just as Simon Fraser would have seen it. It was spectacular."
Clearly, these pioneer-spirited members of the Fort Langley Canoe Club are enjoying the paddle of a lifetime.