 The trail was originally used by the Nuxalk and Carrier people for communication, transport and trade, in particular, trade in Eulachon grease from the Pacific coast.During his trek from Montreal to the Pacific Ocean in the late 18th century, Alexander MacKenzie was led by Nuxalk-Carrier guides, when natural obstacles in the Fraser River prevented his continued water route.Mackenzie's group "took the Parsnip River, crossed the continental divide, and eventually canoed down the Fraser River to Alexandria just south of Quesnel.