10+ Days Alone in Deep Canadian Wilderness - Solo Camping, Fishing and Wildlife

On July 22nd, 2023 I set out on a solo adventure of a lifetime. I spent 11 days alone travelling over 170km by canoe and on foot across the Steel River route in Northwestern Ontario, Canada.
I experienced some of the coolest wildlife encounters and world-class walleye fishing in the most beautiful scenic landscape this province has to offer.
I’ve linked a “Buy Me a Coffee” below for anyone who would like to make a contribution that helps me cover the costs of making these videos:
www.buymeacoffee.com/benbeauc...
My Instagram: @benbeauchamp
My TikTok: @ben.beauchamp
#camping #solocamping #alone #fishing #outdoors #nature #canada #adventure
Go check out some of the amazing creators that inspired me to go on this trip:
Xander Budnick: youtube.com/@XanderBudnick?si...
Lost Lakes: youtube.com/@LostLakes?si=WuJ...
Northern Scavenger: youtube.com/@NorthernScavenge...
Beauty of the Backcountry: youtube.com/@beautyofthebackc...
Kevin Callan: youtube.com/@TheHappyCamper?s...

[@warriormema4204]

Xander sent me.

[@ktownc936]

That's unfortunate

[@vimalsarathi3500]

Mee also

[@benbeauchamp16]

Xander has a heart of gold

[@joshiannuzzi6737]

Same here

[@LostLakes]

I've been looking for some new content to replace the struggling Xander Budnick channel so I'm happy he put me on to you. Terrific stuff Ben, you've got a bright future doing this. Really appreciate your wholesome style, excellent pacing, and putting in the work for the shots. Very touched to be included in your list, and showing the same flashback scene for each one...👌👌 This reminded me so much of my experience on the loop not just for the tangible aspects but that it was a transformative part of my development as a backcountry paddler as it clearly was for you. What a special place

[@benbeauchamp16]

Jon!! Thanks so much for the kind words, can’t tell you how much that means to hear from you. Yes I’m sure you can imagine how important this trip was after witnessing so many of my favourite creators paddle before me. Thanks again for providing hours and hours (more than I’d like to admit) of entertainment and inspiration. Also I chatted briefly with a young guy at the Santoy launch, he said he was from Marathon and used to work with you at a forestry company. I didn’t catch his name but really nice guy and he spoke highly of you. P.S. I really hope Xander figures things out, tough to see a guy work so hard with no success LMAO

[@chucknorrisbarbie3043]

Wow. I came because of Xander and stayed because this was a beautiful video. Scenery, wolves, moose, loons, WALLEYE! You are such a positive, happy person. You've got a new subscriber in me. Well done. Very well done.

[@benbeauchamp16]

Thanks so much! I really made sure to not rush through any part of this trip and the wildlife was such a sweet reward

[@chrisgrayson3855]

Oh ya, an hours away from me. Take a look at the north Frontenac areas. Not so remote but some island sites which you would love fishing on. Long Schooner site 15 or 12 if you filmed right would look as remote as anywhere and on Round Schooner the low site numbers are remote too…site 2 has a cool cliff but i think a few days there you can hop skip and run a bunch of lakes

[@kitbirskovich1838]

Your tribute to Xander, Lost Lakes, et al warmed my heart as I am a fan of theirs, and now of you. Beautifully filmed and edited, good narration, wonderful adventure. Excited to see what you do next. Thank you!

[@TheSlaughterhouse]

Ben you're a real beauty bud! You have inspired me to go on my first solo camping trip in 2024 bud. Can't wait to see what you have in store for the future!

[@user-ce8nf8fx3i]

Amazing video, the fact that you only have 900 subscribers is crazy. Big things incoming

[@benbeauchamp16]

Thank you kindly!

[@madformaple]

Felt like I was there all over again -- this would have been super tough solo. Those log jam take outs and put in's were ridiculous. Nicely done!

[@mrpauer75]

I have watched every steel river loop video, lol. Yours is by far the best, awesome job.

[@wendyoutdoors2230]

Wow Ben , this was a wonderful video. Your filming skills are terrific. It takes a lot of work to do what you do very well. I envy your youth. As a camper who has started doing sole camping at a much older age I have a relatively short window, you have a lifetime ahead of you. Enjoy and embrace each moment. I found you via Tosh. What a great friend. Happy travels. I look forward to following your adventures.

[@mikeongena2605]

Dude! After I ran in to you on the Spanish with Tosh I figured you had your own channel. Probably THE BEST Steel River video I have seen. Your joy is infectious and your comments at the end mirror my own experiences over the last few years. I've got some catching up to do on your work!

[@FreakofNature1]

What an adventure! Extremely well done Ben, your positive attitude and humility are infectious. Keep inspiring others Sir! Hell of a trip!🍻😁

[@beautyofthebackcountry]

Beautifully captured, Ben! We loved the mood you set up with the colour and the shots. You take such care with the angles from which you capture things, it's really superb. Seeing you set up your camera across the river to catch a shot of you pulling up a bank for a portage is next level! You had a varied and wonderful trip, and we're so glad you were able to take it all in. Lovely shots of the wolf, amazing fishing and a nice storyline. Too bad the river was at least a foot lower than the level we ran it at during the fire ban less than a month before. We'll have to run it with you in spring!! Thanks for the shout out, as well

[@benbeauchamp16]

Thank you so much! I’ll definitely be back. Grateful for our friendship!

[@isabelpoirier1508]

nice to finally see someone closer to my age keeping the canoe tripping alive! I am 21 and hanging out and seeing the guys in their late 30s and older canoe camp is certainly cool. But it's refreshing to know that other people my age are doing it too. Thank you for your videos :)

[@canzenvids]

What an adventure! Thanks to Xander for putting me on to your channel.

[@Fellmandave1]

Nice one Ben. I appreciate the effort of the work load and filming! Bringing me out of my regular city commute to the wilderness.

[@benbeauchamp16]

Ah thank you! That makes me happy to hear

[@gordthompson4664]

Great job, Ben. The algorithm sent me, based on my engagement with @LostLakes. I'll be sticking around. 😊 Cheers from Alberta!

[@Ryguy3000r]

Jim Baird would like to take your “hardest portage” and say hold my beer. Hahah love the content. Glued to screen. Appreciate your love for the wilderness.

[@lizdrouin1104]

I so enjoyed your canoe wilderness journey. So very soothing and beautiful.

[@rickfromvirginia]

Awesome video! I'm glad I saw your channel and subscribed!! Rick From Virginia

[@luciereadman4003]

My mom and I truly enjoyed this one. Amazing journey for you, well done!!

[@cillaloves2fish688]

Hi Ben! This adventure was so AWESOME to watch!! Love your positive attitude, you get some outstanding shots! That wolf was epic!! And all those fish you caught... damn, i would love to fish in those spots!! I'm a 1st time viewer and just had to sub!! Thank you for filming this. I just loved it!

[@jaysway2346]

Great video Ben! Capturing that wolf on film was amazing.

[@sherrierifenberg2199]

Xander is a good guy! Wallis’s are extremely sweet!

[@user-jg4op5jr7f]

Amazing adventure and fantastic footage!! It is obvious you love it out there and we love watching you! So courageous tripping on your own! Wow!

[@joshiannuzzi6737]

That’s absolutely stunning drone footage. Keep the videos coming my brother great job.

[@LostInTheWildCanada]

I am your new #1 fan... Fantastic filmography and story telling.

[@pauldonathan5316]

Enjoyed emensely, beautiful country I've never seen before. Your journey has up'd my spirit greatly. What I'm coming out of and into will allow my dreams to come alive...more than you know. Enjoy your life greatly, tis over so soon😊

[@henrymostert2125]

Well done Ben. This is a trip on the bucket list. Lost lakes was my inspiration. Great job on the filming and editing

[@barryalley1100]

And you done it goood!! Loved every bit of it. Bring us more!

[@2YOOTZ68]

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC

[@jodyreay733]

Pure joy and magic! Thank you ❤️

[@60sLiberty]

I enjoy your channel and I look forward to more content. Love the canoe fishing trips I enjoy the clean language unlike some other well known channels out there.

[@paulbender3648]

Ben, this was a really great film, story and I thought I would take a peak but I found I could not stop watching. Great job, keep on, keep on!

[@ADPvisuals]

There's no sound that gives me such a sense of awe, peace, and closeness with nature as much as a loon call.

[@evvvie.m]

Amazingggg!!!!

[@benbeauchamp16]

Love your hit single “Out of My Head”

[@tailwindsnorth1905]

Great trip and awesome video and production, Ben. This brings back great memories. Diablo is a beast!

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Nice man! Glad to see you out on a 'lost route'. Keep on exploring!

[@p3outdoors]

Excellent video, Ben. You were inspired by the same ones who inspire so many of us. Now you have become one who imparts inspiration. Well done. Thank you

[@benbeauchamp16]

Thank you!! :)

[@suemoore1965]

❤❤❤ XANDER BUDNICK SENT ME ❤❤❤

[@theromanticpaddler6694]

As someone who has been going on long Portage trips for over 30 years, I’m glad you found the passion at a young age and know the type of self satisfaction a solo trip can give a person. Every trip is a new adventure that creates amazing and powerful memories. I know how much effort has to go into your video editing. Thank you and keep them coming.

[@GreybeardAdventures]

Great looking trip, Ben, and awesome video! And look at those views - nice job buddy! 👊💥

[@wildernesscanoeassociation]

Still Ben, King of Buds.

[@GaryEllington-dy8li]

What a beautiful white wolf 🐺.

[@dalbert4991]

Xander sent me and I'm happy he did! Bravo!

[@benbeauchamp16]

Thank you so much!

[@jasonharris6412]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your trip with all of us sitting at home wishing we were out there.

[@mikesquires4277]

Captivating, well done Ben,🫡

[@trevorbreithaupt2607]

Teared up a little in that tribute haha keep it up man! This video was so awesome! You will inspire many as well!!

[@louise200]

Absolutely wonderful! Such a joy to come on this journey with you. That wolf, wow! Beautifully filmed and edited, such care taken with every shot. I'm now subbed. And hello from across the pond :)

[@db561000]

Great! Thanks for sharing your journey.

[@jlhgrace8284]

My wife and I saw you on the CanoeHound and watched this video from start to finish. It was absolutely fantastic. You are very gifted with making videos. All the very best.

[@benbeauchamp16]

Thanks a lot!!! 😁

[@GaryEllington-dy8li]

Wow, I think that we might have the next Xander in the making 😊.

[@lizdrouin1104]

You got yourself a new fan...love your channel..❤

[@ssheldon3042]

Cool trip, Like an endless walleye buffet !

[@mrpauer75]

Awesome job, loved it! Thanks

[@ruffsilver122]

Fantastic video, .. I really love seeing these places that I would not ever see without you sharing this amazing footage. The wolf and the swan, and baby moose, wonderful bonuses to an awesome journey.. Thank you for sharing..

[@benbeauchamp16]

Thank you for saying that, makes me really happy

[@toshselfpropelled]

Fantastic video Ben. Really enjoyed this one. 🍻

[@benbeauchamp16]

Thanks Tosh, looking forward to seeing you! And to anyone reading this comment I’ve got a video coming soon from a super fun trip with Tosh running the Spanish river. Cheers!

[@valueshooters]

thank you for allowing us to come along with you on this journey. I don't usually watch 1 hour youtube videos but man you had me hooked the whole way through. perfect use of my lunch break

[@benbeauchamp16]

Thanks, Legend!

[@brantdalton8611]

Great video. Stellar production and an amazing accomplishment for you as an outdoorsman. Been thinking about doing this trip, and what you captured was absolutely inspiring.

[@nickphelps7386]

Fantastic video. Subscriber for life. Keep it up Ben!

[@hikeCANOEcamp]

New Sub Here Great content, thanks for your hard work in making this happen!

[@reubenj.cogburn8546]

Your buddy sent me over to check out your Channel

[@reubenj.cogburn8546]

Okay, watched your whole upload, first time here. I'll be keeping an eye out for your next video. I subscribed, but I ain't making no promises. I kind of got a thing about channels where nature is the star, and you're The Talented narrator But I'm old school Carry on

[@benbeauchamp16]

@@reubenj.cogburn8546 Haha thanks for the sub! I’ll keep doing my best and if you stick around I’m making the promise it’ll be worth it

[@kerkleblanc7690]

Outstanding video , thanks, keep it up you will go far.

[@GaryEllington-dy8li]

I envy you Canada's. 😊❤such a beautiful country.

[@bluwtrgypsy]

Wow Ben, what a wonderful adventure. Your footage of a beautiful area is outstanding. Fishing was amazing. You'd never go hungry on Steel Lake. You're upbeat nature truly makes it so enjoyable watching these videos. You're not following footsteps, you're walking alongside Xander, Northern Scavenger, KC and Beauty of Backcountry. And, don't forget Tosh. They are great guys. Be safe and have fun..

[@benbeauchamp16]

Thank you so much!! So happy you enjoyed. And there are wayyy too many amazing creators to mention but in this one I wanted to highlight the ones that had previously camped at that exact spot. As for Tosh… Maybe I’ve got a video with him coming very soon ;)

[@arumrunner]

Can't wait to see your future adventures, keep it up

[@alainlehouiller3609]

INSPIRING Brother! Well done. Subscribed!

[@sherrierifenberg2199]

All the guys you mentioned in your video are great guys!

[@user-jo5sk5ns3t]

Beautiful

[@aeskaters1592]

Beauty videos. Darkest walleye I’ve ever seen….

[@TheNorthwestWind]

Amazing video my friend!

[@Mountainbunnyinnature]

So beautiful, fun to watch! Thank you!

[@chrlmlln9018]

Very fine solo-camping story! Well edited and narrated! Amazing nature! Wishing you all the best always! God bless you! Greetings from Sweden! 💯👍👌

[@mikepallister3037]

Epic solitude,epic scenery,epic delivery

[@benbeauchamp16]

Thank you! :)

[@micheallam4415]

New sub!! Really great filming! Can’t wait to watch more! Hello from Washington state!

[@Mr880881]

Sure did enjoy watching your journey and man did you hammer those walleye. Great job on all of it.

[@ffriverman]

Damn Son! lol great adventure!. Looks like lots of fun good fishing, beautiful beaches, awesome camping!. Love the smile too!. I am a follower now! Great stuff!

[@sycoshizo]

Xanders my dad. He told me to watch. Love the video so far

[@benbeauchamp16]

This made me laugh, so awesome man thank you!!

[@robertdrolet5785]

Your chanel will grow for sur , i realy like your attitude and your spirit, bravo from Québec

[@benjibones]

Nice one Ben, well done!

[@jordanfehr2757]

Amazing dude.. Your cinematography is next level.. it’s a lot of work to film these! Hope you get the recognition you deserve!

[@benbeauchamp16]

Thanks so much dude that really means a lot!! It’s a dream to make a living on this platform so I’m gonna give it my all

[@itsPaitra]

!!!!! Your best video yet

[@debbiemalinowski826]

Ben, I love your videos!!! I hope to see more in the future. The Walleyes were just crazy huge! Keep up the great work! ❤

[@benbeauchamp16]

❤️❤️❤️

[@trevorbeauchamp9056]

I’ve watched this about 10 times but just realized I haven’t commented yet! Great job Ben! Best one yet! It has been fun constantly hitting the refresh button watching the numbers climb! Your hard work is really paying off! The combination of your work ethic, passion, and talent is a winning formula!

[@benbeauchamp16]

Thanks, Dad! For everything you’ve done to help me get this channel going and most of all for introducing me to this passion!

[@wesleyminnie1535]

I just feel like I resonate with this guy. I have never said I’m glad I found a channel but this is it.

[@lowermichiganadventures]

Every time he drops a video it just keeps getting better I really believe he focuses on quality over quantity. I always look forward to his next video drop it’s worth the wait every time

[@benbeauchamp16]

Thanks Wesley! Always trying to put out good vibes

[@francdejong]

Thank you for sharing!

[@sipapito]

Very well done ,your editing,drones shots,all of that fishing ,nature and some of the best was the wolf and Moose shot,good for you! from Germany!

[@benbeauchamp16]

Thank you so much! So cool that you’re watching from overseas

[@sipapito]

@@benbeauchamp16 I‘m an old follower of Xander but your video showed on my feed I’m so jealous of the great opportunities you have to go out in the lakes like you do. Quick question,how long do you have to travel to be in the woods?

[@edrissmith9991]

I found your channel by chance and we my husband and i Love what u do and where u go we are old and cant do what your doing anymore Ive got MS so we watch u and cheer u on keep making these peaceful wonderful videos

[@benbeauchamp16]

❤️✌️

[@trishaharrison6183]

Amazing video. The smile on your face and the glow in your eyes was well worth the watch. Glad I watch Canoehounds show soI got to hear about you. Awesome channel. Keep up the great work❤️

[@benbeauchamp16]

Thank you so much :)

[@user-bk1kk9tl9b]

An excellent video! Well done young man! I didn’t know who you were when I spotted the thumbnail for this video but sure do now! You’ve got great skills for capturing these adventures! Please keep doing it so we can all enjoy the experiences through you! Looking forward to future posts from you Ben!

[@robbender4129]

Xander sent me also...and I'm glad he did...what a great video Ben...you have some amazing filming skills...great content and amazing fishing OMG...you have yourself another subscriber...really looking forward to more videos from you...take care Ben ✌️

[@benbeauchamp16]

Thank you so much, very much appreciated 😊

[@CanoehoundAdventures]

Great Trip Video Ben. Thank you for bringing us along. Epic wolf sighting as well. You are a lucky fellow.

[@benbeauchamp16]

Wow thanks Dennis! So cool that you saw this video. I love what you do and I hope all is well

[@marionrogers6330]

Totally love this I just found your channel a couple of weeks ago . really enjoyable

[@suezaple4950]

Epic adventure and videography those walley you were catching were an awesome size . Xander and Jon as well as the other You Tuber's mentioned do inspire many to get out an explore these gem's, And you as well will in taking subscribers along with you on these spectacular canoe adventure . Keep doing what you're doing. OMG to see that wolf and be able to capture it on video was beautiful !. the wildlife in general such an epic adventure Ben, your blessed to be able to do this . Ontario, Canada. (New Subscriber saw you on Canoe Hound. Happy I did.

[@Kim-lg8qv]

Great video , thanks Xander

[@NextAdventures715]

Love the video. You have earned a new subscriber and will be waiting for your next adventure. Thank you for paying respect to others who have done the route, and thank you for sharing you're adventure!

[@aarondlorenz]

Thanks for sharing your adventure, Ben.

[@benbeauchamp16]

Thank you for stopping by!

[@jacqueline7118]

You are going to go places with your channel young man. You have an excellent eye for the natural beauty found in the wilderness and your filming is outstanding! I agree you need a fishing net. lol Easier on you and the fish. While I am not a fisherperson anymore I sure do appreciate and respect humane fishing practices. Jon from Lost Lakes is the king of that and a lot can be learned from him, that is for sure. Thanks for sharing your adventures and hope to see many more! :) :) P.S. The wildlife encounters were so special, especially the wolf.

[@jonluongo7250]

Very awesome!!

[@robertduffy4787]

First of your videos I viewed and really enjoyed it!

[@JS-re7ne]

That wolf footage was incredible! What a beautiful trip and great filming

[@benbeauchamp16]

Thanks a lot!!

[@mattymieds]

When you showed the pictures of the campsite at 45 minutes for the outdoor channels... you made me want to go yet again. This route along with Wabakimi/Temagami are just incredible.

[@benbeauchamp16]

I was lucky enough to hit both Temagami and the Steel River this year - Wabikimi has been on my list since I was a little kid. Thanks for watching!