Who came before GPS?  David Thompson, of course!

In the 1700s, Thompson became a fur trader and surveyor. For over 20 years, he travelled across North America with his wife, Charlotte Small, and their family, mapping vast areas of the continent.

In 1807, he crossed the Rocky Mountains and established Kootenae House near present-day Invermere.

The trading post is long gone, but you can still stand along the banks of the Columbia River at Kootenae House National Historic Site and experience the place where this chapter of Canadian history unfolded.

The historical site is located on Westside Road on the way to Wilmer.

e-KNOW file photo

Parks Canada

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