7-Day Solo to Canada's Greatest Wilderness Cabin? - A Lonely Homesteader's Wooden Castle

[@LostLakes]

Drone: all drone footage was shot at the start of the trip, launching outside the park boundary. Bird: That bird was indeed a peregrine falcon according to feedback on iNaturalist. *References:* Friends of White Otter Castle: facebook.com/whiteottercastle/ Booklet referenced: White Otter Castle: The Legacy of Jimmy McOuat by Elinor Barr Peter Elliot's documentary on McOuat: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iabIfHmJq6-Feqcsi=pAQgYizHFY0Tl_X6

[@allisonwanderland9917]

Timestamp 53:35 Are you suggesting… Bigfoot?! 🤩

[@LostLakes]

@@allisonwanderland9917 lol of all the moments people have suggested bigfoot clues in my vids, I would say that's one of the most viable 😜

[@allisonwanderland9917]

Wow wow wow

[@paulwestenberger3710]

Great video. It's too bad people have to vandalize such an amazing part of history by scratching their names in the wood. That castle is unbelievable. People like Jimmy are few and far between.

[@Twobarpsi]

Congratulations on that wedding you have to go to 😃👍!!

[@kevinthewild]

Your filming, editing, narration and storytelling are second to none. What a pleasure it is to watch another one of your canoe trip videos on a grey and gloomy January day.

[@LostLakes]

Many thanks Kev!

[@hikeCANOEcamp]

Don't kid yourself, you too make excellent videos. You get so many animals in your trips and trek far in a days paddle. Jon is one of the best but it is his full-time job mind you. The fishing gains so many more viewers and showing meal cooking also a win. A little history research with narration when editing also keeps ppl coming back. Between you two Xander Canoe the North Jennings Northern Scavenger and a couple others are my main channels I watch. I do miss solo kayak camper guy... haven't seen him lately... hope he's doing well. Keep up the good work guys. You all have special personalities which is enjoyable to see and keeps everything interesting. See ya around the campfire.

[@hikeCANOEcamp]

What I don't like is not being able to watch videos that only allows members. If I have to pay to watch I'll save my money so I too can afford my camping trips.

[@LostLakes]

I give early access to some new videos when I'm not ready to post them publicly so non-members still get to see all new videos. My old videos that I was going remove are now available to "exclusives" members ad-free. If someone wants to, they can pay the $5 fee for one month and binge 200 older videos ad-free...if that ain't worth it then 🤷‍♂️ But the newer ~200 videos on this channel are available for free to anyone. Seems pretty reasonable to me

[@notquiteultralight1701]

@@hikeCANOEcampsolo kayak camp guy was one of my faves as well! I'm a kayaker as well. He does more on instagram.

[@TheNorthwestWind]

You romanticize his story, intertwined with your own adventure - in a way that no one else can. Quite remarkable

[@Myhandle306]

This is a completely next level cinematographic masterpiece, from the intro to the editing and music. What a pleasant experience watching this, theater quality on KZbin. Amazing work yet again.

[@LostLakes]

Thank you so much 🙂🙂

[@jasonmccool4342]

Hear hear! Yes, Jon has blown my mind yet again.

[@ellaashby5159]

You have no idea how much joy you bring to my life with your videos. I am 72 years old and an outdoor girl. No longer do I have the health to roam the woods but through you I can find some of the fun and peace I experienced . I love the way you respect nature. You can leave a person spellbound with your voice and your ability to tell a story. My plan is to never miss one of your videos. Thank you for all the work it takes.

[@LostLakes]

Really love to hear that--thank you!

[@jamesthompson8133]

You’re right! Incredibly done!!

[@randyrc58]

That, my friend was spectacular. You're camera work and story telling is second to none. Plus, you did a spectacular job of portraying White Otter Castle. Thank you for honoring that very special place.

[@LostLakes]

Thank you so much Randy 🙂🙂

[@nancymckenna3828]

The music, the editing, the story….just wow….you are certainly where you are supposed to be in this world. Thank you 😊

[@LostLakes]

Thank you so much!

[@RodMurray]

Story, narration, shots, angles, lighting, live action, stills, sound, music, voiceovers. Mastery. Brilliantly done Jonathan. Every time you release a new episode it’s a cut above the previous one. Don’t stop doing this. Thanks.

[@LostLakes]

Thanks so much Rod!

[@bryceborgialli5090]

Literally always dropping bangers here. These videos are better than any tv show, such a great way to tell a story about a wonderful hidden castle.

[@LostLakes]

Thank you so much!

[@luluwan5212]

I was going to complain we don't see Erin enough on your trips, but this one called for a solitary man to appreciate Jimmy's legacy. What a beautiful trip with amazing scenery. Your intelligent commentary makes this channel.

[@LostLakes]

Too true :) Thank you John!

[@KingofCrusher]

Erin is like cowbell, I've got a fever and the only prescription is more Erin!

[@williamleppert3270]

I happened across your channel a few weeks back, not exactly sure what I was looking for. I am an avid hiker and seek quiet communing with nature whenever I can, life isn't always cooperative with that unfortunately. Your channel has filled that gap for me when I can't get outside as often as I want...your quiet, intelligent and educated narration, the obvious reverence you and Erin have for the Canadian wilderness, the cinematography, and the respect you show the world in which you live is life affirming. In this day and age of egos, frenetic noise, and disregard for others, your channel is a wonderful respite and I thank you for sharing your world with us.

[@LostLakes]

Truly appreciate that!

[@joshuaarsenault951]

Your editing and music are next level. I was a Jr ranger in Ignace. Your love for this land echoes my spirit. Thanks for taking us with you. " Not all those who wander are lost..."

[@LostLakes]

Thanks a bunch Joshua :)

[@differentfins]

Nice! Ignace is my home town. I love seeing Jon camping and exploring my backyard

[@markasiala6355]

You said at one point that some may find rocks boring. I will say that at one point, so did I (the south shores of Lake Superior make terrible "beaches"). However, after these past few years watching your channel, I have an amazement for rocks that I never imagined. How they ended up where they are now, how they were formed and shaped. Suddenly, geology is a fascinating topic. All in part, due to the cinematography of you videos. Thank you.

[@susandidier8274]

Jon every time I say you out did yourself. You really did this time. You are truly blessed to be able to do what you do and thank you for sharing. If I could go back in time I’d take Jimmy up on his offer and share that beautiful castle with him. ( if he’d have me). The song you narrated brought tears to my eyes. Thank you again

[@LostLakes]

Thank you so much :) If only he was alive today with our dating apps to find you

[@wendyshick6689]

That was so thoroughly enjoyable John very beautiful and relaxing and you are very good story teller 😊

[@Tommytwohawks]

These videos are actual movies. You’re extremely talented and I’m really grateful for your content. Cheers from Texas 🍻

[@Rcm2599]

This intro is next level. Teleporting. Thanks for taking us with you

[@mikemclean2449]

Watching this. My 4 year old daughter runs in and says "You're watching my favorite guy." Curls up beside me and watches. She doesn't do that for Xander 😅

[@LostLakes]

Awww 💚 Thanks to you both for watching!

[@jasonmccool4342]

❤ cute 😊

[@abandonedwest]

_(Canoe glides effortlessly into shore. Our hero and explorer disembarks and begins his quest onto the land in this untouched, resplendent place... by slipping and nearly falling down)_ 🤣 This looks like such a cool adventure! Love the narration/setup at the beginning. You are just so good at telling a story, Jon.

[@LostLakes]

😂 Gotta keep y'all on your toes. Thank you my friend!

[@ropshubop]

and this choral music over the drone shots at the beginning are seriously setting the mood haha

[@LostLakes]

​@@ropshubop😬

[@PeterCPRail8748]

White Otter Caslte is a testament to human perseverance and ingenuity, dream to dream a dream, and then accomplish the unimaginable. Much like your never-ending persute for wilderness adventure. Seems to me you and Jimmy are kindered spirits.

[@FPLJCB]

I finally got a sweet amok Dramur 5.0 for Christmas this year john! Showed my parents some of your videos and they saw how excited it made me. All thanks to you my man!

[@kriyashivajiva]

I pray that Jimmy found what he was seeking. Glad you found your queen!

[@mattvaandering]

Love all the credit you gave to Kevin Callan throughout this one. His guidebooks are such treasures and I think he has had a tremendous influence on canoe culture in ontario and beyond. Also, really enjoy your beautifully written and spoken narration throughout the castle tour. Keep it up!

[@LostLakes]

Thanks a lot Matt! Kevin has certainly impacted my life with his work

[@challey3109]

Omg soooo many memories of my summer of 1989 as an Ontario Junior Ranger. Spent 5 days, 4 nights on White Otter Lake. I should dig up the pictures of the 2 POW camps and of the castle from back then. The clear water along the cliffs is forever etched in my mind. Now, I want to go back and just spend a week paddling that lake ❤

[@LostLakes]

That's awesome

[@joeyf6133]

I shed a tear to this. Your videos our bringing me back to who I used to be. I thank you for this.

[@LostLakes]

💚

[@johnanglin9577]

Another amazing Video. One of my favorite Channels that deserves a Million views. Amazing. Thanks for taking us a long.

[@edskodevries]

Your films are just such an amazing gift. The sense of peace, the beautiful colours, the quietude, the gentle sounds of water, fire, weather, and the sense of wonder and curiosity. Sincerely, thank you.

[@messileo919]

Absolutely blown away by these videos-they're like cinematic masterpieces! Your talent is undeniable, and I'm immensely grateful for the incredible content you create. Cheers to you from Pakistan Thanks for keeping us entertained and inspired!

[@LostLakes]

Thank you so much! 👋

[@derrickmorrell8275]

Beautiful cinematography on this trip, with stunning rock and pictographs. The story of Jimmy McOuat really touched me and I have nothing but respect and awe for anyone able to do what he did. Thank you for bringing Jimmy's legacy and Otter Lake to us..

[@iigman22]

has got to be one of the best youtube videos ever made

[@LostLakes]

Thank you!!

[@sherrierifenberg2199]

This was absolutely amazing, stunning, spectacular, magical, mysterious , serene, heartwarming, mystical…you truly have a special gift expressing yourself thru your videos . What a wonderful and special place to visit and experience…what a wonderful blessed peacefulness. TY, Jon

[@LostLakes]

Thank you so much!

[@Tom_Emody]

I just got the news from an old buddy that his 20 year old son was killed. Then you found a dead bird the very next moment. I’m so extremely sad. May all of the creators sweet creatures be at peace….for now and forever…..Tom

[@GratefulTrekker]

Loon calls are so majestic

[@joshiannuzzi6737]

That underwater footage of the bass is unreal. Can never get tired of these videos. Thank so much

[@caroleL.3133]

Congratulations on your wedding ❤️😎

[@JudithHaworth-yu6oz]

And...within a few moments, I am once again transported. Such a relief to be back on the water and in the forest . Thank you.

[@annemarieacosta8775]

Another incredibly beautiful trip with you. Watching on the big screen tv enhances the experience. Hope Erin is doing well .

[@steve8421]

Very compelling story of a unique man, set in beautiful Canadian wilderness. Yet filled with both success and failure and an untimely end. Sad that Jane married another man in what must have broken Jimmy's heart. Thank you, Jon. Masterfully told, wonderful filmed.

[@LostLakes]

Very much appreciated!

[@lizdg3892]

Jon you have made a fabulous life. The scenery is food for the soul. Sunset day one was phenomenal. I love the rock formations as well. The castle was such a feat. Wish people could resist carving on it. Fantastic trip.

[@jasonhammond4640]

That POW camp was at least a saw mill of some kind. That shaft you picked up on one end was a planer head.

[@dwrivers47]

Very impressive scenery in this one. You have captured it so beautifully once again. I cannot imagine building that castle, unfathomable 😊

[@allanhovi9034]

Love your vlog about the White Otter castle. With two friends, I visited this place from Ignace in 1977. It was a slog and I'm glad that we did it and survived. I am pleased to see that the castle looks better than what it looked like when we were there. Thank you for your sensitive presentation. Jimmy was a true pioneer and Canadian hero.

[@KathysQuiltsandStitching]

So much beauty - I am living vicariously through you! I laughed so much about Scotch being like Draino through pipes! Cloud 9 indeed! I love the story of Jimmy... thanks for sharing it! My eyes are so happy to see all of these gorgeous sights! Congrats on being a groom!

[@2010gtoner]

fantastic watch. well done young man

[@nickgrossmeyer5468]

Thank you for another great video, You are getting better an better . This is TV documentry quality

[@kitsmiller2]

It's midnight .. was going to bed ... saw this .. not going to bed ....✅️👍 Victoria 🇨🇦

[@Athabina]

Your night shots of the stars are always so awesome and inspiring Jon! Thanks for the video to enjoy while recovering from the nasty flu - John in Victoria

[@ufafgd]

I was going to comment on that also, but you said it for me. There's nothing like the night sky. Magnificent.

[@nrgltwrkr2225]

This video made me feel so many different ways! A sense of mystery and even eerie foreboding at the beginning, especially fueled by the amazing music choices. A sense of awe and wonder, and then a deep sadness as I pondered the unfulfilled dream of this man's heart, all followed by a calm serenity. Very moving and expertly done. Thank you for taking me with you on this journey!

[@LostLakes]

Very much appreciated!

[@gregsoto2679]

I was in such a 💩 place when I started this video. Full of distress over the plight of Palestine. Of need of distraction. Within 5 minutes I was transformed. Tamaracks and giant pines! Your videography always out does my memory. Serenity. Thanks. ❤

[@LostLakes]

Glad to hear that Greg 💚

[@andykaiser7547]

Thanks for sharing. I appreciate the feeling that you seem to intimately admire and connect with Jimmy and his search for isolation and happiness. There's a lot to be admired from simple. And I hope we can all find our own simple happiness someday.

[@AQUPAS]

Absolutely stunning scenery. Northern Ontario never ceases to amaze me. So much untouched beauty. I knew off the bat from the thumbnail that was beautiful White Otter Lake castle. Fantastic presentation and adventure!

[@gillianhutton9776]

Another very enjoyable video. Spectacular scenery and great story telling, I’ll never forget Jimmy’s story because you told it so beautifully. Thanks

[@differentfins]

Very cool seeing you explore my backyard. I was camping the day before the storm that leveled all those trees. I left the lake early because I knew what was coming. That day it was plus 37 and after that storm front hit the temperature dropped to 14 degrees!!! That is a very unusual place to put it for that loop. Ignace does have a lot of portages but the Turtle River access off highway 622 is most commonly used. Very cool video Jon!!!

[@brianchantler2959]

You did such an incredible job showcasing this amazing area. I was there this past summer, actually only a few weeks before you and I felt the exact same about the castle. Mind blowing an individual did all that work so remote with essentially such primitive tooling. This area is hands down one of my favorites and like you, I'll also be back! Amazing video

[@chrismoroz9454]

Awesome place. Was there 25 or so years ago when they were doing some restoration work on the Castle. An amazing place and an amazing story.

[@KC_hikes]

My husband and I watched this weekend on our large tv - stunning! Love seeing your adventures. That house is amazing! (And the pictographs!!!)

[@LostLakes]

Thank you so much!!

[@hannahmunro7794]

The imagery, your story telling, your respect for nature and lastly your humour have me in awe everytime! 🧚🏻‍♀ Magical, we’re so lucky to live in this beautiful country. 🇨🇦

[@joshthompiano]

You take quick nature shots of the sublime and the simple and the simply sublime ie, rocks, leaves, water movement, birds and wildlife etc. I really appreciate those "zen moments" that you add to your edit of every area you visit. Great trip, incredible destination. This was one of my favorite episodes Jon. Great work. How nice to have nice weather and no bugs at the same time!

[@LostLakes]

Greatly appreciate that Josh!

[@joshthompiano]

@@LostLakes Congratulations to you and Erin! Legends! Best wishes

[@BrendanMcNamara]

That Lake name on the map at 57:31 !! New bucket list destination for me, my cousin, and any long lost tripping brethren in our clan.

[@PattioAthiest-ef4km]

I detect hints of Farley Mowat in your words , a compliment to be sure. Separation from the mainstream is very addictive and difficult to pull away from , there is a voice telling humanity to turn back and follow nature . Thank you for taking my husband and I with you on your journey as we are old and can no longer adventure out.

[@LostLakes]

Greatly appreciate that!

[@TimAndyMik]

Alberta may have its mountains but Ontario will always have its stunning Tamarac. What a joy to see in your high def videography. Over the years driving miles of city and suburban streets I continue to remove animals that have perished from traffic encounters. I'm hoping others see the dignity of removing their broken bodies to a more peaceful resting place, even if it is only in some brush a few feet away. I was touched by your compassion and honor for that Falcon even if you had no insights to its demise. The only home these creatures have is what we humans call, with some indifference, "outside". It was a moving sequence and totally unselfish of you. The castle piece will be unforgettable for most of us because who else would have thought of bringing this to us other than yourself? The last bit with the fade-in scenes of your visits I think is the first time I've seen this from you.....this is great art at the very least!! Be safe, be well. We are a grateful for your dedication.

[@cherylbarns-y4m]

The graffiti destruction is so sad. This is an amazing beautiful story. Is there any chance there were aliens to help him? HOW could he have raised those logs up to the heights of his roofline. This whole adventure was simply stunning. And the cliffs, rocks and ambiance of your campsites are magical. Some of those large boulders are very precariously balanced

[@LostLakes]

I wonder if the forestry workers had any hand in it but locals said that he did it himself. Just incredible ingenuity

[@terryrichards8645]

I would have to say that’s been one of your best videos. That cabin was awesome and the majestic, wild eagle footage was incredible. Thanks for another great video. I really enjoyed the underwater video too of the bass.😊

[@LostLakes]

Really appreciate that!

[@terrytomlinson8772]

Another very enjoyable presentation to view as well as listen to

[@jeffprice9105]

Another amazing trip thanks for taking us along - The picto at 1:05:27 that’s you man!

[@ScottRauber]

And you only caught one fish!!! Love! LOve!! Great editing. good job Mom!!! Huuuuuuuuuuuge fan as you know!! TY Jon. Seriously, THANK YOU!!!!

[@LostLakes]

Hahah the small fish don't make the cut much anymore :) Thanks Scotty!!

[@pamelaellott8044]

Wonderful video. A note here - the Wakami Wailers (a group (formed in the 70's when they all worked at Wakami Lake Provincial Park (and only retired as a singing group last year actually!), wrote a song about the castle at White Otter Lake. It's on their CD called "Waltz with the Woods". Brilliant album (that they wrote for the 100th anniversary of Algonquin PP.) You can hear it on youtube.

[@stephendouglas6328]

I've been waiting to see you get into White Otter! I used to guide trips in that area back in the 90s for a Minnesotan summer camp. One of my favorite places. Thanks for this one Jon!

[@reaverenterprises]

Jon, FYI if you didn't know, Flextailgear and some other companies make a small rechargeable air pad pump about the size of a mini Coke can that both inflates and deflates air pads (in about 1 - 2 minutes). Small enough to warrant taking on trips and would remedy having to blow up and deflate the air pad manually. Stuffing the pad as you did works too but wanted to mention in case you did not know 👍. Great video (again).

[@MultiCrackerjacker]

Thank you for taking us along. And don’t think I didn’t notice you not wearing that life vest. Safety first. Ok, Erin first, then safety.🙋🏼‍♀️All the best from Penetanguishene

[@threeshocks5769]

Such beautiful story about a labor of love.

[@sophiaspaul7471]

another beautiful masterpiece.. Couldn't have come at a better time for me. Thank you again.

[@Montana_Ranch_Rescue]

We have been addicted to your channel this winter! Thank you for the amazing videos. We just started releasing a video series on rebuilding an 1800s homesteader cabin in Montana, so this video hits a home run to us 🙌🏻 All best to you!

[@LostLakes]

Awesome project! Thank you :)

[@dalbert4991]

Jon, there are so many words I could write, many others have written them here. I'll choose a few to describe your stories...Excellent, Brilliant, Inspiring. Thank you, for what you do.

[@LostLakes]

Thank you so much!!

[@thejollytwatwaffle2271]

What a spiritual journey loved it thanks Jontario precious ❤

[@thomasroy5833]

Nice job. Layered images worked perfectly. I would bet this old timer brought materials in during winter ice up. Probably had logger buddies with sleds and horses.

[@saiyanbrat5174]

Yay 🎉 just in time for a nice rest and relax! Thank you

[@CampMymy]

My friend you are an artist.

[@LostLakes]

💚

[@dad4life664]

Bravo, bravo my Canadian friend! I yearn for these types of experiences! God bless

[@ingridhohmann3523]

This.was.a very special treat 🙋‍♀️ 🌲

[@Racing1954]

Quite the storytelling experience you gave us. Kudos for such fantastic video capture of trip.

[@erinhenry9750]

What a cool place, great intro 👌 ❤from Michigan

[@jeandorsey7991]

Excellent Jon I enjoyed this one immensely. We tend to drop everything and tune right into the notification. ❤

[@TheNorthwestWind]

yess

[@NikonF5user]

Looked like you had a silhouetted sunset glimpse at a Red-necked Grebe! That's VERY cool!

[@Rose-xp5fk]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful trip with us. Congratulations!

[@littlesmokey57]

Jimmy's mansion is simply amazing... But, I have to say, you do quite a fine job keeping the dream alive. The videos you share with us the viewers, are a testament to Уour dreams as much as his mansion was for him. Camp sites I can only dream about, Lakes forever Lost to me, that I'll never experiance in person. Thank you for alowing us to live vicariously through the lens of your camera and thank you for introducing us to Jimmy. Like his mansion, your vision have & will inspire present & future generations to come... Уоur Lakes will never be Lost on me or any of us young man... God Bless Arron & you Jon, for letting us tag along... -LiттІе Sмокеу 💚🤙🏼❤ 🍻

[@LostLakes]

Greatly appreciate that LS 🙂🙂

[@Forever-wild]

Hi Jon, Thank you so much for sharing your experience to Jimmy’s Castle. I never heard of this place until now, thanks to you Jon, for opening up my world again! thanks for your beautiful videos and stories of the great Canadian bush! And congrats on your marriage to your queen Erin!

[@SimplyFishing]

As I watch your videos I am truly humbled.

[@jfunk8628]

Glad I watched that. It was like i was there. Thank you for the journey.

[@kathleenodriscoll3203]

hi from Ireland, your video was amazing and telling the story of Jimmy ,R.i.p to him, and congratulations to you and your wife🎉🎉

[@robertnoel2363]

Excellent video, as always. Places I may never have a chance to visit otherwise. thank you for the concise, thorough exploration. edit: I will admit my comment was early, But Jimmy is an all-time legend! His place deserves the love and protection it gets from it's friends

[@gigi3242]

Beautiful, haunting video. Thank you.

[@maxwellcameron2159]

Love the ending epitaph to Jimmy. Well done as always Jon.

[@joeldesmarais.wild1]

Dude your videography, editing and narration is hitting a whole new level lately

[@Sushi2735]

Beautiful workmanship on the castle, but such a sad tale………it is amazing. What an incredible man. Oh course jerk would write something on the wall downstairs. The music is perfect for this. Thank goodness it was restored and protected!!! What an adventure, wish Erin was with you! It seems as if all your creativity has been unleashed afresh after your long convalescence. This one is fresh creative and inspired . Bravo 👏 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@LostLakes]

Thank you so much!

[@marthalikens482]

Touring and listening to Jimmy's dream is very humbling!

[@Djhikes63]

This was magnificent as always. I go through stretches where I work long and stay busy. I don't watch many videos during those times. Today, I find myself slowing down for a while. I'm binge watching your videos. I like the ones with Erin in them. Y'all have a beautiful dynamic in your relationship. It's all a joy to watch.

[@davidhindy]

Yes it has been said! But u have stepped up ur video's. I think this is my favorite . I can see Jimmy walking those lonely creaking floors day after day. Looking out the windows hoping for someone to be approaching this mansion he has built only to once again be let down. Really is a sad story. Thanks for bringing it our attention

[@LostLakes]

Very much appreciated!

[@garycook8220]

Sound editing excellent. Timing at the end of you Wild Goose song... made me smile

[@wills5047]

Absolutely beautiful and so inspiring, Jon! What an unbelievable feat old Jimmy completed with that home. What an incredible province that we call home, Eh! Thanks for sharing your travels.