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The Fall Gathering
2026

Fort William, Thunder Bay

Join us for the 2026 Fall Gathering at Fort William in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada from November 05 – 08, 2026!

Have question? Contact navcclerk@navoyageur.org

**Scroll down for more details**

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About the Site

For those that haven’t visited the site before, Thunder Bay is approximately 45 minutes north of Grand Portage, MN.  Fort William is a reconstructed 1815 Northwest Company fur trade post, on the banks of the Kaministiquia river.  The site features a large number of period buildings, out buildings, working farm and trade shops.

The site provides sleeping accommodations for approximately 100 participants (lower bunks, dorm style), but the dorms are located on an upper storey (stairs only).  Limited sleeping accommodations are available on the main floor – registration form includes questions on accessibility requirements to ensure main floor space is prioritized for those in need. Camping space is also available for those who prefer to tent, and parking is available nearby for those who have an RV (no power/water).

2026 Schedule

  • Your Fall Gathering registration includes lodging and meals from the evening of Thursday, November 5 through to the morning of Sunday, November 8.  Two full days of workshops and presentations will be held on Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7, with the detailed schedule to be released in September. A short list of classes will be available mid-August. 

  • The 2025 class schedule can be found here for information (a good example of what you can expect in 2026!)

Details on the 2026 Gathering

This year, we are once again offering an Early Bird rate if you register and pay by September 15, 2026

  • Registrations received by September 15, 2026 - $170 USD per person

  • Registration received between September 15 – October 15 - $195 USD per person

  • We have space for 100 participants this year

  • Memberships are available for renewal at a cost of $10 for individuals and $12 for families

  • You must be a member to attend the Fall Gathering!

  • We are once again offering a discounted rate for students to attend (ages 15+).  Please contact us at navcclerk@navoyageur.org to enquire about a discounted student rate!  Your student rate also includes an annual membership to NAVC.  Students from ages 15 - 17 must be accompanied by a responsible adult (parent, guardian, etc).

All registrations and payments must be received no later than October 15, 2026.

Comments or questions?

Email us at navcclerk@navoyageur.org!

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Considerations for Attendance

  • As the event this year is taking place in Canada, please be sure you have proper identification for crossing the Canadian border.  A valid passport is the recommended identification for all border crossings into Canada (land or air).

  • Please inform yourself on prohibited items to bring to Canada, which include firearms and weapons, some food, plant and animal items, cannabis and limitations on alcohol and tobacco.

Accommodation Considerations

  • Fort William Historical Park has dormitory style accommodations (i.e. bunk beds) on the upper floors of two buildings on site, right in the heart of all the NAVC Fall Gathering action.  If you have any particular accommodation concerns, please reach out to us to ask your questions before you register – navcclerk@navoyageur.org

The North American Voyageur Council

The North American Voyageur Council acknowledges that we live, work, and play on the traditional lands of many Indigenous nations who call Turtle Island home. We acknowledge the harms caused to Indigenous peoples during the time we represent and strive to create positive change in the harmful stereotypes and precident created during this era and their effects on our history.

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©2026 by North American Voyageur Council

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