Project Canadiana #1: Voyageur Restaurants

This will be a new segment on the blog called: *Project Canadiana*. It will include useless tidbits on the landscape and lore of Canada. First up is the Canadian phenomenon called Voyageur Restaurants.

Long since gone Voyageur in Brandon Manitoba

The Voyageur Restaurant chain was started in the late sixties by Imperial Oil (Esso). They were all attached to an Esso service station, and were famous for offering cheap good food all along the newly completed Trans-Canada Highway. This was back in the day when oil was dispensable and cheap and the Canadian dollar was stronger than the American.

Every oil company was in the market to give the Canadian travelers a cheap, home style meal. Esso had Voyageur , Texaco, had their Chicken Villas, and Shell had their 1867 restaurants.

The Voyageur Essos were a common sight across Canada, with their trademark red pointy hat. They offered home style, affordable meals. Salads, soups, pasta, sandwiches, hamburgers, steaks, chicken and Canadian beer. All at affordable pricing,

But most Voyageur Restaurants are now vacant, demolished or converted into something else. The one I fondly remember in Ignace Ontario has been converted into a subway. Who would trade a warm meal for a cold sandwich?

Former Voyageur in Ignace Ontario

I've traced down the last Voyageur on Google maps in Schreiber Ontario. I'm pretty sure it's privately owned, since the Voyageur name is long defunct. They have a convenience store, motel and gift shop. I'm glad to see someone revitalize the name Voyageur for the new generation of travelers! The red hat still lives!

Voyageur Esso in Schreiber Ontario

Jarrett