[1] Another possibility is that Fort (French also for "strong") makes reference to the strength needed to haul the heavy canoes and supplies over the arduous portage.

In 1611, a French scout named Nicolas de Vignau arrived at this site together with a group of Algonquins while on their way to Allumette Island.

The portage from Harbor Square to Bentley's Landing is one of the oldest trails in North America because the Native peoples inhabiting the valley have used it for thousands of years.

[1] In the early 19th century timber slides were built around the falls, allowing loggers easy access to Pontiac County and Portage-du-Fort became the hub for all traffic connected with the lumber industry.

[1][5] In 1847, the post office opened[1] and Henry Osborne built a depot with storehouse to supply the lumber industry further inland.

[5] From 1860 onward, Portage-du-Fort was an important centre of the Pontiac with its mills, its train station, and its terminus for steam boats carrying grain and wood.

That same year Stanislas Drapeau wrote:[1] The Portage-du-Fort is the meeting place for men involved in the timber trade, and serves as the granery for provisions brought by steam vessels which travel on Lac des Chats for the many sites located in the interior.