The only vessel suited to the network of rivers and lakes leading inland was the Algonkian birchbark canoe. Barques could not negotiate the succession of rapids above MontrÄal but the canoe handled well in white water and could be carried on a man's back when a portage was necessary. From MontrÄal to Lake Huron the most rapid route was along the Ottawa River, but there were over thirty portages. The Amerindian canoe could be handled by two men, but for commercial purposes the Canadians enlarged the vessel until it measured as much as thirty feet and accommodated eight or ten men and their cargo. As the traders penetrated further inland in search of more productive territory, more men were required to paddle the canoes and unload and transport goods over portages. Hundreds of jobs were created each year for the young men of the colony.
