Communities in the Fur Trade (primary elementary students)

After reading “Helen’s Surprise”—the story of a family who lived at Fort Langley along the Fraser River in the 1800s—your class will receive a letter from Helen inviting you to come explore where the story took place. 

Although Helen herself won’t be there, costumed interpreters will help you discover how cultures change over time through a series of mini-adventures such as feeling furs, watching the blacksmith at work, learning about native plants, rolling barrels, and bale carrying.

Back at school, write a letter back to Helen about your experience. Your class will receive another letter with answers to your questions.

Learning objectives

• The history of the Hudson’s Bay Company and the Canadian fur trade;
• People, places, and events in the local community, and in local Indigenous communities; and,
• Relationships between a community and its environment.

Designed for primary students, this school program addresses the "Big Ideas" for Social Studies in BC’s course curriculum for grades K to 2.

 Teacher information

• Book now!
  • Please do not register with your personal information. You must register using your work email and phone number, along with the school’s address and postal code.
• Fees: View cost on fee page; teachers and parent volunteers are free
• Capacity: Two class maximum per school (up to 60 students)
• Adult chaperones: One adult required per 10 students in attendance
• Offered: September to June, Monday to Friday at 10:00 am and Wednesday at 12:30 pm, each program is 2 hours
• Language: Available in English or French
• Please ensure that all schools have a fair chance to participate in our programs: give us at least two weeks' notice of any cancellations, so that we may offer the time slot to another class.

How the program works

• Your class will be divided into groups, supervised by a parent volunteer or teacher. 
• Each group will be guided around the site by a Parks Canada interpreter, visiting the main buildings on the historic grounds.

Preparing for your visit

• Divide your student list into groups of ten students. Assign an adult chaperone to each group.
• Programs run rain or shine, dress for the weather. In June, insect repellent may be needed.
• To assist us in delivering the best experience for your students, encourage adult leaders to model active listening, to silence cell phones, and take necessary phone calls or conversations with other parents outside while programs are in progress.

When you arrive

• Check in 15 minutes prior to your scheduled program time.
• Pay for your field trip using credit card or school cheque, written out to the Receiver General for Canada.
• Adult chaperones are required at all times while exploring the fort and visitor centre.

Washrooms and lunch facilities

• Washrooms are located in the Visitor Centre.
• Outdoor picnic areas and shelters are available for lunch.

After your visit 

• How was your visit? Fill in a feedback form (PDF - 74 KB) and return it to us by email.