Fort Ellice

Fort Ellice was an important trading location and a central point on the Canadian prairies. Trails passed from it to every point. One went up the right bank of the Assiniboine to Fort Pelly, 140 miles to the north. Another passed to the west and threw off a branch when opposite Qu’Appelle, which passed through Qu’Apppelle and north to the Touchwood Hills. The main trail passed westward to Moose Jaw Creek and from thence to the Cypress Hills where it ceased or merged into another which followed the right bank of the South Saskatchewan from Batoche’s ferry to the country on the Milk River.

Another trail from Fort Ellice led to the southwest, by Moose Mountain to Wood Mountain, and was the usual route taken by the Indian and Metis hunters when going out for the buffalo.  Other trails lead south towards Brandon House, the Turtle Mountains, and the Missouri buffalo plains.

These trails were seldom direct. Travelers had to meander from side to side according as wood and water could be found.  Other, older Indian trails went from hill top to hill top so that buffalo could be seen.