Discover the History of Trading and Trapping in Newfoundland and Labrador

campfire nights. They’re packed with stories from way back, long before anyone was logging their adventures. 

One of the coolest and most rugged traditions in this neck of the woods is the history of trapping, which has roots as deep as the forests themselves. This wasn't just a job; it was a way of life for the Indigenous Innu and Inuit peoples. Later, the trapping industry became a melting pot of cultures when Europeans joined in.

If you’re planning a trip to Gosling Lake Campground, get ready to walk in the footsteps of these incredible trappers and soak up a piece of Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich past.

The First Trappers: The Newfoundland Inuit and Innu People

Long before Europeans arrived here, Indigenous Innu and Inuit trappers were the pros. They used deadfall traps made of stones and trees and had an impressive system for getting by on what the land provided. They caught animals not just for food but for clothing, creating the best survival gear long before REI. 

Their connection to the land was more than just practical. Trapping was deeply spiritual, respecting the animals and taking only what was needed. For the Indigenous trappers, the wilderness was more than just a workplace—it was home. Every trip out on a trapline was a chance to connect with the land in a way that defined their culture​.

Enter the Europeans: When Fur Became the Big Business

In the 1600s, European trappers showed up and began setting up trading posts, first along the coast, and before long, they were working inland too. The fur trade took off, and with it came a surge of new settlers hoping to strike it rich. 

Companies like the Hudson’s Bay Company dominated the scene, and the fur trade built an (almost) permanent community along the trapping routes. It was a whole new world for Newfoundland and Labrador, one where furs, canoes, and a good pair of snowshoes were basically currency​.

Trappers of All Types: A Piece of Newfoundland History

What makes the trapping history here really cool is that it’s not just one group’s story. Indigenous trappers, Europeans, and Métis all got in on it, bringing their own tricks and tools. Some groups trapped close to home, while others were the “Height-of-Landers,” taking off for months at a time to follow traplines deep in the woods. 

From hunting songs and stories to swapping gear tips, these trappers created a one-of-a-kind community. In those days trapping was all about respect, survival, and a little competition over who got the best furs that season​.

More Than Just a Job: Trapping’s Big Impact on the Region

Here’s a fun fact: trappers weren’t just bringing in furs; they were also explorers in their own right. These guys knew the land better than anyone and often doubled as guides for surveyors and medical folks venturing into the wild. 

Without trappers sharing their wilderness wisdom, much of Newfoundland and Labrador would have remained unexplored for years. When it came time to sort out territory, the stories and knowledge of local trappers helped define the boundaries of what we now call Newfoundland and Labrador​.

The Trapping Tradition Fades But Lives On

By the mid-20th century, the demand for fur dipped and jobs started popping up elsewhere, like at the Goose Bay Air Base. Suddenly, the hard life of a trapper wasn’t as necessary or appealing. But the stories, the songs, and the trapping know-how? Those haven’t gone anywhere.

Today, this history is celebrated in folk songs and family tales passed down through generations, keeping the spirit of the trappers alive and well in Newfoundland and Labrador​.