Moose Factory, Trading post settlement on Moose Factory Island, Northeastern Ontario, Canada
Moose Factory is a settlement located on Moose Factory Island near the mouth of the Moose River at James Bay in Northeastern Ontario. The island contains historic buildings and encompasses both a First Nation reserve and provincial territories.
The Hudson's Bay Company established Moose Fort in 1673, making it the first English-speaking settlement in Ontario and the second fur trading post of the company in North America. The location became a major hub for the fur trade and remained central to regional commerce for centuries.
The Cree Cultural Interpretive Centre displays traditional tools, clothing, and locally crafted items that reflect the heritage of the James Bay Cree people. The exhibits show how these objects were made and used in daily life long before contact with European traders.
Access depends on the season: in summer, water taxis from Moosonee provide transportation to the island, while winter allows travel via ice road across the frozen Moose River. Plan your visit considering these seasonal differences and the challenging northern weather conditions.
The Hudson's Bay Company Staff House, built between 1847 and 1850, is the only surviving officer's residence from the fur trading era in Canada. This building offers a rare glimpse into the daily life of trading company officers during the height of the fur trade.
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