Just as it was, at times, more than 150 years ago, this year's arrival of the fur brigade canoes in Fort Langley was fraught with challenges.

Brigade Days ran Saturday until B.C. Day Monday in and around the Fort Langley National Historic Site, and was highlighted by the welcoming of the fur MOR brigades.

Monday's traditional re-enactment portrayed the annual return of fur traders in the 1800s.

The traders transported the year's intake of furs from interior and northern trading posts to Fort Langley, later to be delivered by ship back to England.

A high, fast-moving Fraser River, a large contingent of canoes - nine in all, carrying more than 70 paddlers and passengers - and one of the largest visitor turnouts in recent memory made for an interesting afternoon.

Stewart Goodin, playing the role of Mr. Yale, said the river was the highest he's ever seen in the 33 years he's been involved in the re-enactment.

Visitors stood three and four rows deep to watch the canoes land on the southern shores of the Fraser River. The boats were supposed to dock at the boat launch at Marina Park but ended up a few feet east of their destination because of the conditions.

Leading up to the fur brigades arrival were Brigade Days with fort re-enactors and interpreters portraying Hudson's Bay Company workers, Aboriginal traders, and trappers. They swapped stories, played music, and show off traditional skills at the site.

tlandreville@langleyadvance.com