Coureur De Bois for Dummies

Coureur De Bois is a French term that refers to a specific group of people in Canadian history. Now, let's break down what that means in a simpler way.

Imagine a time long ago when Canada was still a wilderness, with vast forests, sparkling rivers, and abundant wildlife. Back then, there were these adventurous and brave individuals who would explore and trade in these forests, often in small groups. These were the Coureur De Bois.

So, the term "Coureur De Bois" is French and it literally translates to "runner of the woods" in English. These individuals were like runners, exploring and navigating through the dense forests of Canada. But they did more than just running; they were also traders. They bartered and exchanged goods with the Indigenous people and other European settlers in the region. They would collect valuable commodities like furs, which were highly sought after in Europe at that time.

These Coureur De Bois were truly like the pioneers of the Canadian wilderness. They played a significant role in the fur trade industry and in connecting different cultures in the early days of Canada's history. They had to be skilled woodsmen, having an intimate knowledge of the land, its resources, and how to survive in the harsh and rugged environment.

So, when you come across the term "Coureur De Bois", just think of these brave souls who were like runners in the forest, traders, and explorers of the Canadian wilderness. They paved the way for future settlers and left a lasting mark on the history of Canada.