2 Month Solo Canoe Journey in the Canadian Wilderness

[@joshuapatrick682]

I will say this is the soul of KZbin. A person sharing their own adventure, not some hack monetizing someone else’s life (or death) by reading wikipedia articles about obscure things and editing videos taken by others, thank you for sharing!

[@recepemir7903]

Exactly

[@cmm8622]

Dude spot on. I still remember youtube pre-google, good times.

[@SocioecologicalInterdependance]

@@joshuapatrick682 Wow, right? After this guy, I challenge us to try to watch one of those "survival" shows and not crack a grin hehe

[@SocioecologicalInterdependance]

I spent 1 year alone on Cornwallis Island. The people of Qausuittq (Resolute) taught me how to live and hunt. Spent summers dropped at Freeman's Cove on Bathurst Island. Spent summers the past few years about 40km south of kuujjuaq on the land and this summer on the land at Akulivik. I have spent 5 years alone on a sailboat. I can say that the insects in summer and muskeg/undergrowth in the Hudson lowlands up to near ungava bay are the most challenging things I've ever experienced on the land anywhere. Watching you taking this trip, knowing well what it's really like, actually terrifies me. I have never felt this from anyone's wilderness experience. You, sir, are not ordinary. I would have froze in fear trying to walk across muskeg. I've seen 20ft deep water underneath with trees growing and everything (a bulldozer ventured out on such terrain and was lost never to be seen again near kuujjuaq). I nearly lost my Pinzgauer 6x6 there too. This is the most arduous wilderness journey I've seen anyone do solo and I can say I would not. o7

[@ttvdizturb3d]

sound like youve had a hell of a life experience!! awesome

[@Blackbird58]

-makes me want to do it! Will be Kayaking/Canoeing on Vancouver Is. next spring, I fancy trying a less arduous "wilderness" paddle somewhere to the North East of Vancouver too, not sure how much time I'll have there but it is the idea of being in the wilderness that has most appeal for me-always has.

[@Mainepolingguide]

You are the only young long distance canoe tripper, I’ve seen, that EVER bothered to learn how to pole a canoe rather than get a $3000 dry suit and drag upstream. Respect. Brother. Respect. Plus you have a skill that will last a lifetime and never wear out. Fair winds and full bellies.

[@nowenterpsie]

Adam, your mild mannered and unassuming demeanor betrays what an absolute bad-ass beast you truly are, hard as nails. I can't quite believe what you've done in this video, all whilst solo and STILL getting so much footage to document it! Really hard core my man. And this is only part 1!! A rare breed indeed.

[@wernerklotz8207]

Even though I should be sleeping but couldn’t stop watching your story unfold. I kept hoping nothing bad for you to happen. You brought something to all of us we would have never dreamed about! Thank you, Sir Adam!

[@stephenmyers7298]

Great video Adam! Nothing compares with our great Canadian wilderness. Looking forward to part two..

[@fransjonker]

This channel should have a 100,000 subscribers! Remarkable journey and stunning storytelling. Can’t wait for part 2!!

[@geoffreysmith4905]

Ok, young man you are the MAN. The bugs and portaging alone. And, out there solo.

[@billelliott2385]

As a former expedition guide I am very impressed by your knowledge and skills, especially running those class 3 or so rabids with confidence. The only thing that really stood out to me as doing things the harder way was the lack of useing a short rope or my preferred method of lashing a carabiner to your pole and tieing a small loop of rope on the handle on the front of the canoe when traveling upstream. Bending over to reach the boats handle while wading and climbing over slippery wood and rocks kills my back, the pole attached to the loop lets me control the boat and push OR pull it around rocks without having climb over them. I was very impressed with your use of basam fir sap on the waders, I usually carry a hot glue stick and a fiberglass kit for the boat and gorrilla tape for hole that need time for fibergass to cure, it stays on for days as long as the boat is dry when applied. I have seen many boats keels broken going over logs especially when they are loaded, I cringed every time you went over a single log. I prefer waders with neoprene feet and felt soled wading boots, every boot foot wader I have ever used cracks eventually where the rubber meets the fabric. I learned a few tricks from your video so hey why not share a few? Well done sir, huge respect for you for undertaking such a difficult and remote trip. My longest solo was sea kayaking for 21 days, protien is much easier to find in this envioronment, but veggies are harder so I use the spruce and rosehips for vit C as you do, you are the only other person I have know that has actually eatten fresh water mussels...blech they taste like mud.

[@laurenweisse9858]

Regarding solo canoe journeys... This guy is the Toughest!!!!! Mind blowing!!!!

[@SimDeck]

Incredible experience. I live in the UK and had the opportunity to paddle the River Spey a few years ago. Despite the frequent portages, I considered it quite the adventure. Then, I see remarkable individuals like you taking on challenges of a magnitude I could never have imagined. Your bravery, foresight, and intelligence are truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your extraordinary journey with us.

[@gainsy5425]

This was the most harrowing, anxiety inducing and exciting thing I’ve watched in a LONG time. Not sure how you stay so calm…I would’ve been losing my shit

[@Jason-ke2nj]

🫡🤣

[@brendanhughie5565]

Awesome video, can’t wait for part 2. I am James Bay Cree from Kashechewan. Albany river and Kenogami river is our highway for moose hunting, fishing, and harvesting by a freighter canoe, with all the rivers and creeks along the way. I’ve also paddled from Kabinakami river to Kashechewan James bay. Looking to do it again this summer before fall.

[@rogerlaviolette4640]

By any chance is the freighter canoe made by "Canoe Nor-West" in Prevost QC? I have one and was just curious.

[@brendanhughie5565]

@@rogerlaviolette4640 yes, with a 25 to 50 rp engine

[@Tom_Emody]

Your dedication pushing through all those log jams is commendable….Tom

[@Jane_Friday]

Thank you for showing this to those who can't get there. Husband and me waiting for part 2.

[@chuckbeattyo]

thankyou for showing the portages. I personally enjoy them the most, due to the raw nature off trail. Also, the log jams, I enjoy that you show these also.

[@clarencebarnes2510]

So many pieces of information you're sharing re resins, edible plants, berries, teas and medicinal cures that are rekindling memories I learned as a boy scout so very many years ago.

[@540chevhell9]

Where to start?!! I would have simply turned back at 48:40 when you came to that quick-bog that your paddle dipped 2 feed deep into! No way I would have attempted that - it looked to be able to swallow you whole in a minute. I would have been happy with the 130 odd kilometres I had come by that stage!! The 21km or portage through forest and swamp was beyond mind bending. I take my hat off to you - you are the personification of resilience and grit.

[@mclager88]

Great video! I thought the rapids were bad....then came the logjams....then came the portages....then came the marshland. With bugs the whole time. Thanks for putting yourself through this so I can watch from my couch!

[@stephendavis1520]

All I can say is wow, courage, tenacity and unshakable demeanor.

[@alekseyevromanov]

I made a few canoe trips with my brother, but nothing compares to what I just watched - simply put: IMPRESSIVE. There is no moose, wolfs, or bears where I’m at. Thank you for sharing it. Cheers from Argentina.

[@andyhatfield4838]

Dude fantastic job on this video and thanks for taking us along. When is part II?!

[@mickilkr]

Sunday morning coffee and an hour long video from mr shoalts. Awesome!

[@GuitarLessonsBobbyCrispy]

The intro song sounds a lot like 'When I Awoke' by Agincourt (1970). Another awesome adventure into the Canadian wilderness. I've read three of your books so far and thoroughly enjoyed them.

[@DanielFCutter]

Best thing I’ve watched in a long time. I just drove from Reno to coldfoot and back with your audio books being almost constant companions over 3 months. Real world stuff with zero pretense.

[@mondayb0y]

Thanķs for sharing Adam you have brought back memories from my canoe trips in Manitoba and Ontario in the 1980s. So interesting to see the plants and animals. Love the moth and the moose. Blackfly are brutal but worth the price for time spent in the wilderness. Thanks again from the UK.

[@debclouthier2100]

Taking a moment to enjoy an unripened cloudberry is tops in my opinion. You are true grit, determined, inspiring, educational story teller. Thankyou for sharing your knowledge, journey and passion with us all.

[@peterduffield1401]

So nice to watch someone doing what I used to do. I actually miss forcing a way through dense willows, swamps, pullovers, logjams, wind and current but what I don't miss are the mosquitoes, black flies, deer flies, horseflies and the odd kamikaze hornet. Excellent video Adam, what you've shown is what Canada used to be known for, there are millions of Canadians now who would consider this a totally alien way of life.

[@Theluckiestdadalive]

Love your work Adam big fan of your books. I am very jealous of this trip. Fantastic!

[@michaelbroyer3918]

Fantastic adventure video! The obstacles you face with a calm demeanor is impressive! I am looking forward to Part II.

[@blakeherrod3060]

Looking forward for part two!! I enjoyed watching some genuine adventure through some very isolated land like the Hudson Bay Area as I am from Ontario and unfortunately only have a skill set good enough for a week in Algonquin.. I am glad I live in a time where I can watch someone who’s able to do something I can only imagine of doing myself! Thank you for the treacherous work and well documented film work! Well done.

[@adamshoalts]

Thank you!

[@JimHep]

Yes! A video to add to the imagination stirred up by your books. Have all 5 in my office.

[@MisfitsFiendClub138]

Wow! The colossal adversity you overcome to complete the journey is difficult to comprehend. Just so many obstacles and ferocious insects never giving you a moments rest. Kudos for your sheer determination 👏 💪 💯

[@chrisbee8340]

This is amazing, we stumpled across your video over here in Germany and are in awe what you are able to endure! Cant wait for part two.

[@bluebird4667]

Mr. Shoalts' perseverence is to be admired. Hats off to a true explorer who battled extremely fatiguing conditions. Having done so myself to a lesser extent I admire him.

[@SueLeon007]

Always an amazing adventure watching your videos and reading your books! Incredible to have a Canadian travelling these wild lands of Canada for all of us that have never, nor will ever see! We all have to realize what precious wild land we have still in this country and protect it.

[@andrewroy5391]

Keep up the hard work, Adam. Thank you for sharing with us, your books and videos go a long way.

[@adamshoalts]

Thanks!

[@rowdypowripper]

To do something like this takes incredible mental resolve. Hats off to you brother. AMAZING documentation of your expedition!

[@coolhand6656]

A remarkable journey and wonderful insights. Thank you so much for taking us along for the adventure.

[@SerpWerx]

Nothing short of legendary... Amazing and thanks for sharing your journey.

[@marthagiza4884]

What an adventure! I was disappointed when it was over, thanks for sharing.

[@janicecraig2364]

Enjoyed your 10 Maps book and gifted it to my son in law. Would be interesting to see your rations and meals along the way.

[@escapingthegrind7000]

Dedicated and persistent, that was amazing to watch im excited for part two.

[@Memesaplenty]

Brutal. The perseverance you have is off the charts.

[@bluesideup007]

Wow Adam! A man of knowledge and determination (not to mention filming and editing). Hats off to you. This is my first encounter with you channel which kept popping up on my feed. You earned a sub.

[@oldschoolboyscout]

Enjoyed your intervier with Jim Baird. Bought your book, "Alone against the North". Excellent read. Thanks for sharing your story in such a well written book. Cheers. Keep your paddle in the water.

[@adamshoalts]

Thank you!

[@johnanon3081]

Some beautiful sunsets and views! I've got most of your books! You should post more videos of your amazing journeys! Maybe even gear reviews and/or gear lists. I know you're a busy person, but I really hope your KZbin channel takes off. You deserve it!

[@lindaromero7780]

There’s a reason you’re the only one out there. I thought I was adventurous. I wouldn’t have lasted a week!

[@rezNezami]

my hat out to you man, full of awe and admiration for your resolution. Fully enjoy watching your journey.

[@mooseknuckle5958]

Just picked up your book, Alone against the North. Great read thus far. Can’t wait to finish it.

[@xjrj]

This is the most intense thing I have seen in a long time. So interesting that you referenced "into the wild" at least twice. This could have gone so bad, so many times. At least the original native people and explorers had others in the group that would bury you when you die. Your level of experience, fitness and calmness in the face of adversity is remarkable. So much respect.

[@m.c.5744]

Well done, thank you for sharing your adventure! A+

[@timothyschollux]

1:03:45 - I'm really fascinated by the ease with which Adam talks while being bitten by mosquitoes

[@jansturk]

You talk nicely about your long adventure in the wilderness. Very fun to watch. It is, of course, heavy to pull the canoe, but it also gives a nice feeling to see that you can do it.

[@WindWaterandPine]

Next level stuff, Adam. I love tripping solo but I can scarcely imagine the solitude of these places. I'd be interested to know what the staple meals of your food barrel are and how many calories you need in a day to be able to pull through that muskeg. Looking forward to part 2!

[@pacificnorthwest7613]

My favourite author has a youtube channel??? Best discovery EVER.

[@TuFRyDa]

so intense!! The BUGS make me anxious just watching! Really enjoyed the video. I wish he made it longer into a mini series and talked more about the isolation. 2 months is a REALLY long time to be alone so I'd love to hear about the mental aspect, the ups and the downs.

[@edupereira1067]

I follow outdoor channels and I love them. I thought your video was excellent, you have a lot of knowledge and courage. I loved the tips on how to use resins to repair clothes. The tree sap to heal the wound was incredible. Greetings from Brazil.

[@davebakker1911]

This was well done, and now we wait with excitment for part 2.

[@nickharland3795]

This is fantastic!! Just brilliant!! You are an inspiration, thanks Dr. Shoalts.

[@adamshoalts]

Thank you!

[@deanNRSV8661]

Wow!! An incredible journey. Can’t wait for part 2. 💪🛶

[@wanderyourwoods]

Amazing travels into the wild, storied and well-captured.

[@RodMurray]

This brought back memories of paddling the Albany starting at the Kabina and Kenogami Rivers back in 1977. We paddled all the way to Fort Albany on James Bay. Wonderful to see the Lowlands are still very wild. Looking forward to Part Ii!

[@ricktavares8712]

Great to see you in the wild after reading the book. Thanks Adam

[@scrock65]

Adam what a journey ! that was amazing, looking forward part two. Thank you sharing this.

[@elliee8683]

I really love that you share your knowledge of the area and the natural resources that are available to eat or heal, a lot of us have lost that knowledge.

[@charlesleblanc6638]

Man are you ever courageous ... Your no quitter that's for sure.

[@nasos_zovoilis]

Nothing beats the feeling of freedom you get from exploring the great outdoors. This video transports me back to the sense of adventure I felt on my recent camping trip. Liked!!!

[@Larry-d1c]

I had no idea it was even possible to pole a canoe. Your canoe skills are incredible.

[@justloirt2176]

What a treat! Thank you for sharing another beautiful adventure! Always grateful. Thanks Adam!

[@buffalolizard]

Outstanding Adam, to gain knowledge of all the useable plants in the Forest…such good information. And the very obvious outcome, healing from balsom fir sap!

[@PickleOutdoorAdventures]

Watched the entire video! Inspirational! Great to know there is at least a little bit of wilderness left in this world.

[@barbgilbart7945]

So enjoyed learning about woodland items/food sources you "enjoy"! I was secretly moaning while watching your long portage through the "Canadian quick sand"! So enjoy your stories! I very much enjoyed "Beyond the trees" and am half way through "Where the falcon flies!" Your adventure are amazing! Stay safe!

[@thomasbenian4701]

Great report, my hat down young man. I'm glad you came back to tell us about it, because you took a great risk doing this solo.

[@KnifeCrazzzzy]

Epic trip so far man! 🙌🏻 Love the addition of wild edible plants! That long portage looked killer ☠️

[@mandy7422]

We would have half a hour in and I would have been crying 😂. So glad I can do this with you from my lounge room ..your out of your mind ..your family must be constantly in a state of anxiety

[@billhayden7112]

Gotta wonder, how many years, or decades, or ever, since a human navigated that small tributary....Adam, you're building memories to last a lifetime, someday you'll look back and say "Man, I did that!"

[@rockybalboa4035]

I'm exhausted just watching you. I need to take a break

[@p3outdoors]

The start of it looks awesome. I can't wait to watch it later. Thanks for sharing another video.

[@adamshoalts]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@PaulLambert2]

Really good - looking forward to part 2

[@stevecaruso8199]

Amazingly epic adventure ! Truly awesome and brought back a lot of memories of canoe trips in my youth. Very impressive. Soft spoken individual with more guts and gumption than 99% of the rest of us. Curious as to why you don’t utilize painters on your canoe but I’m no expert.

[@davidkroft9955]

Love the adventure Adam, never stop exploring!

[@CacheCanada]

What an incredible journey. Scared a couple of times there. The Canadian bugs are nothing to sneeze at, they'll eat you alive for sure.

[@rockyhill_homestead]

I read your book “Alone Against the North” a few years ago and really enjoyed it! Keep going! Cheers from Powell River.

[@BlairsBucketlist2025]

I'm so glad I found this channel. Thank You for sharing your adventures with the world. I'm planning a trip down the Cahaba River in Alabama this Spring. Fishing, canoeing and camping for about 3wks. This will be my first trip ever. Maybe we will run into each other on the water one day. Happy Floating and Safe Journey

[@Sonofdonald2024]

Beautiful unspoilt nature. I get so depressed by all of the plastic waste scattered around my country (England) it's nice to see places in the world unspoilt

[@noleftturnunstoned]

This part of Canada is absolutely deadly. There are no roads, few if any worn paths, and the bush is thick and wet. Lose your canoe, and you will be walking out, but more likely you will die. Good stuff

[@itsacrazyworld4958]

Wow-that takes grit and dedication. I’m tired just watching you. Best of luck and stay safe

[@drewsimmons1629]

Dude you got some balls hitting those rapids up there all alone lol

[@CanadianSledDog]

I've been intrigued by your adventures since I saw your interviews with KC Happy Camper and a few other videos here and there. This morning I saw this video and I was thrilled to learn you have your own channel. Can't wait to watch part 2!

[@jasonsnita4734]

Thank you for this! Looking forward to part deux...

[@louisecassel2433]

Really cool. Very enjoyable. Thanks for sharing. Maybe you could add a map of where your travel took you.

[@andree.b4723]

Hockey and Football players have nothing on you, no gun? Real survival of true adventure. Knee pads would seem obvious, luxury, no? Yet your educated instinct always kicked in and kept going like a man, I am proud that my Country that is in peril from humans and political (lack of) leadership is still alive and sort of well in the great North, we have all the wild beauty and resources in the world here, you Sir, exploited it in the Right way! Tipping my hat to you and thanking you for taking us along. I wish you happy trails on many more solo adventures, since it is a true self-reliance adventure you have taken on that will forever enrich you has a man. Thanks for showing me places of my home that I never got to but only dreamed of, says a lot in this day and age. Merci Coureur des Bois! (your Historical French name).

[@Cary-cgc98]

Hey Adam. Another fantastic adventure & video! Thanks for sharing these beautiful, rarely seen landscapes along with the wildlife and your foraging tips. Truly entertaining! Congrats on this accomplishment and hoping your plans for 2024 are going well. Cheers from Fonthill👏🏼👏🏼👍🏻

[@adamshoalts]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@blueyedream]

Absolutely elite backcountry survival skills. 99.9999% of people wouldn't make it.

[@isawthelight]

Hats off to you! What a REAL Adventure! Cant wait for part 2!

[@johnburrows6055]

Hey Adam how are you? An absolutely amazing video, incredible. What I can't believe, is how in this entire trip, nothing seemed to faze you ,or set you back. You made it look like a walk in the park. 😊 Thanks .😊

[@erickalter7086]

Adam when will you release part 2? Great stuff!

[@ispringle]

Adam I'd love to see a video where you detail what you're packing with you. I love the barrel packs, going to have to invest in one of those for my own canoe trips.

[@brandonmacleod4933]

Fantastic video Adam. I love your work. Im always looking forward to your next inspiring adventure.

[@adamshoalts]

Thanks!

[@KartsHuseonica]

I can't begin to imagine that challenging portage. Wow!