The Rendezvous at the Grand Portage was all about business during the 18th Century fur trade, importing tons of trade goods hauled in large birch bark canoes from Montreal, and receiving thousands of beaver pelts from 100 trading posts throughout Canada. The trade goods went on to the trading posts for the following season's business with the indigenous trappers, and the furs went on to Montreal and then London for processing into the felt used for top hats.
Today it is a place where history buffs both amateur and academic come to share their knowledge and love of this period of history. Many of the reenactors have been attending for decades and have formed strong, lasting friendships. They bring their children and grandchildren. They return year after year to catch up with old friends and make new ones. They come to be with their chosen families.