Champlain saw Nipissing 400 years ago this month

Seems like yesterday, but it was actually 400 years ago that Samuel de Champlain first set his eyes on Lake Nipissing. Champlain was the first European explorer to document a visit to the Nipissing region.

Seems like yesterday, but it was actually 400 years ago that Samuel de Champlain first set his eyes on Lake Nipissing.

Champlain was the first European explorer to document a visit to the Nipissing region.

And so to celebrate, a ceremony is planned for Champlain Park, at the end of Premier Road, in North Bay.

The celebration will take place on Sunday, July 26th, the exact date of Champlain's passage, at Champlain Park

The celebration will include a depiction of Champlain’s arrival, recognition of the First Nations, unveiling of a commemorative plaque, a display of Métis artifacts, booths offering information about genealogy and various organizations as well as entertainment for the whole family.

Participants are asked to wear the green and white colours of the Franco-Ontarian flag for this event marking 400 years of francophone presence in the Nipissing region.

Families can bring a picnic lunch or purchase one from a vendor on site. Activities begin at noon with presentations starting at 12:30.