Across the Churchill River on the west peninsula, lies Prince of Wales Fort National Historic Site of Canada, a huge stone fortress built by the Hudson's Bay Company in the 1700s to protect their interests in the fur trade. It took over 40 years to build this fortification that signifies the French-English struggle on Hudson Bay for control of the fur trade. Licensed guides tell the story of the rivalry, the lives of men who lived there, and point out the details of the cannon embrasures, thick walls, and star-shaped bastions that make this architectural ruin nationally significant. Plaques on this site honour Sir Thomas Button, Samuel Hearne, Matonabee and the Jens Munk expedition. Tours are dependent on the tides and weather permitting. Access by boat or helicopter. Fee for guided tour.