CANOEING ACROSS CANADA: Day 2 on Lake Winnipeg - No Experience, Just Grit - Ep. 26 - Season 2

I’m CANOEING across CANADA! 🇨🇦 This is Day 2 on my journey across Lake Winnipeg, and here’s the kicker-I’ve NEVER canoed in my life! From the Rocky Mountains to Montreal, I’m taking on the challenge of a lifetime, and it has been one of the most intense, eye-opening, and character-building experiences I’ve ever had!
On this day, I faced some serious obstacles-unpredictable weather, tough waters, and moments of doubt-but with every stroke, I’m learning, growing, and pushing myself further than I ever thought possible.
👉 Thank you for joining me on this incredible adventure! I hope you’ll stick around and become a regular viewer.
If you’re enjoying this journey and want to support my work, consider becoming a Patreon! Your support goes directly toward making these videos possible-helping with editing, upgrading gear, and, yes, the occasional meal to keep me going! 😄
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[@WhatInTheWorld_Tom]

The very end sceme makes laugh outloud! Sometimes looking back at this footage even I'm wondering what I'm about to say 😂😂 So its always funny finding little clips like that of me giving myself notes 😂😂

[@AryehDenn]

F.Y.I. - In the northern ends of Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba, Oceanic research Institutes test scale models of large ocean going vessels for sea worthiness. The lakes are used because of their potential violence in bad weather ! - guess you might have wanted to know that before, oh well... lol.. take care.

[@blueskyfpv]

I'm quite enjoying your trip so far. I spent lots of time on lake Winnipeg as a kid. It is odd seeing you paddling on a lake that I know is covered in 5 feet of ice right now. 😄 You had some beautiful paddling weather for your lake crossing - wind can make it pretty dicey. Just a couple of quick comments. 1) The second large fish you show (6:36) is actually a lake trout - a very good sized one. They are uncommon in Lake Winnipeg, but really delicious. 2) Most people (most Canadians) make the same mistake you did with the insects at 17:19. Those are not mosquitos - they are chironomids in mating swarms. There are hundreds of species, most of which can look and sound like mosquitos, but they don't bite. The flying forms usually die within 48 hours of emerging from the water. The matting swarms happen at dusk in northern boreal forest most of the summer. You got some special footage to see them in tall columns in silhouette like that. Thanks for sharing your expedition.

[@robanddompattie5153]

Hey Tom, great video, and I have to say if I was 20 years younger I would be on a plane with a canoe to come and join you. What an awesome experience you are having and I live vicariously through you. That area you are in is absolutely beautiful, and the mosquitos, wow, run baby run. Good to see the knee is healing well and enjoy the rest of your journey. Keep up the great content.

[@kathrynavenell3587]

Nice Tom. Always a great watch. Must be weird to know that you are so far from people.

[@annetterobinson2853]

This area is awesome, literally, from the eyes of a person who has never seen that much fresh water in one place. Salt, yes, but not fresh water. Can't see across it, only the horizon. Awesome!

[@davidedwards3838]

Wait until he gets to Lake Superior.

[@r37l36]

I paddled from the forks in Winnipeg to the Hudson Bay. I completely agree with your description of looking back at your progress on the mighty Lake Winnipeg. I would look and aim for a point as far as I could see and that would usually be my half day goal. Obviously the big lake ultimately decides what and how far you get sometimes. That lake can become flat as glass or a raging torrent within minutes. BIG mosquitoes at the 7:37 mark.

[@bmint]

This would be so much fun! I’d love to go on an adventure like this.. someday I will ❤

[@marydesousa5981]

Thanks for another great “Saturday morning with Tom” - it’s my favorite way to start the weekend. As you are paddling along I soak up the sound of the water and can almost feel the waves under your canoe. Then I look out my window at the frozen lake and snow - which is equally beautiful - but I long for the warm days of summer. It will come, soon enough. Btw, I loved the blooper reel at the end 😂. I can start my day now - and look forward to next Saturday. Cheers!

[@jannie690]

I have many memories of Lake Winnipeg and just love seeing it from your perspective. The south end of the lake is where there are lots of cottages.

[@mbee6256]

It’s so pretty! Manitoba is the only province I’ve never been and I’d really like to go generally, but lake Winnipeg specifically! Glad to hear there’s cottages, will check out a rental there.

[@jannie690]

@ there’s lots of air b@b. Look at Gimli - cute town on the west side of the lake. South of Gimli is Winnipeg Beach, and from there south are all kinds of places on the lake.

[@jonathanscott550]

Hello Tom, another really good video. Lake Winnipeg has been treating you well for these past couple of days. Nice camping area you got at the end of the video. And yeah, those mosquitoes are tornadoes. I've never heard of that before. I'll need to Google. Catch you next video cheers. A mosquito tornado is a rare event where a large number of mosquitoes form a swirling vortex in the sky. These swarms can be so large that they block out the sun.

[@peezim]

On a plus side if you don't mind the continual buzzing, they will carry the canoe for you, if a portage is needed

[@TM-jx4zj]

🤣👍🏻

[@JohnDoe-ms2kf]

Great video. The swarming of the flies were most likely a mating swarm. Most likely not mosquitoes, but some sort of fly/midge.

[@traitoR142]

Otherwise called fish flies here in Saskatchewan, when i lived at the lake when they hatch they number in the billions i would say, it's unreal sometimes.

[@esmith1771]

Another great video Tom! Thank you for sharing your journey in my beautiful country.

[@WhatInTheWorld_Tom]

Thank you! And thank you for being a patreon 🙂🙏

[@MamaTrepFreeman]

Hi Tom, sweet set of winnipeg videos ( i had to catch up, i missed a week.) Love the music and the bloopers and beautiful video. Showing me things i see in my dreams. Take care!❤

[@79PoisonBreaker]

Those mosquitoes are the reason I like winter better , even in the cold Manitoba landscape. Glad you had a great time.

[@willjonesism]

Tom, Lake Manitoba cottager here, those are not mosquitoes, they are lake midges or grandfather fly, and incorrectly called fish flies by Lake Manitoba cottagers, there are several hatches a season and they form these tornados at dusk and have an almost low level electrical hum in such large numbers, they are non biting but they are very irritating and they leave green dotted shit omn everything.

[@WhatInTheWorld_Tom]

Ahhh ok!! Thank you!

[@willjonesism]

@ I’ve grown up on Manitoba Interlake summers so they’re not as irritating to me anymore but I can see how someone completely unfamiliar with the phenomenon would be astounded. Welcome to Manitoba. I kayak a lot, over 1000km three times in the last five years but what you’re doing blows that paltry number out of the water.

[@l.n.2424]

Absolutely serene!

[@michaelsimpson6721]

Hey Tom- In 2011 a friend and I paddled from Key West to Portland Maine , on stand up paddle boards. When I found your channel it was such a pleasure to reminisce about our trip. 121 days over 2000 miles. I feel like your journey is just so Herculean compared to SUP the Coast odyssey. Thank you for taking us along.

[@WhatInTheWorld_Tom]

Wow! Thats good going!! Did you use the ICW the whole way? That would of been epic!

[@michaelsimpson6721]

@ Tom We where in the ICW at times. Florida was ICW the entire state 500 something miles. We were in the sea for Georgia. In and out of ICW weather permitting for the rest of journey. So many memories came rushing back watching your channel. The adverse conditions you experienced, really, really made me feel for you and made me remember so many days I blocked out. It’s funny, for some reason the perfect days I don’t even recall 😂

[@nooneanybodyknows7912]

I need to go to bed before they see me. 🦟😂 The music was perfect for the scenery. Thanks for sharing.

[@betsykramer587]

Hi Tom. Some great scenery this time. Those mosquitoes were awesome.

[@billmeldrum2509]

Another great episode Tom… see ya next week. 🇨🇦

[@JoeAquatic123]

15:33 You are right Tom, scenery was unreal

[@heinejonker4981]

Great effort . Keep on going

[@PamCottonwood]

You crack me up. Thanks! Lucky you hanging out with the otters!

[@TangerineTulip]

Tom was just thinking the calm spot on the lake gave me Tropical Thailand 🇹🇭 vibes, and then you said the exact same thing. 😊

[@jasonquagliata7431]

Awesome work Tom 👏 👌

[@mikemontague8208]

Awesome as always! Thanks. Humbling indeed

[@Blessed-vb2fi]

Good morning Tom! So happy to see you doing great! What beautiful country. The mosquitoes tornadoes are crazy! Yuk! Stay safe, see you next week!

[@jackiegaudette6225]

Well I was too busy this morning to have my “ Coffee with Tom “ so I’ll have to settle for a “ Beer with Tom “ today . From Southwestern Ontario .

[@jamesfrommanitoba.1992]

New subscriber! I live just a few miles from where you made camp that morning. What a shame! We would have loved a visit. Could have at least had a pickerel dinner! Great video

[@WhatInTheWorld_Tom]

Really? That camp was about 85km south of Grand Rapids and 20km straight east of highway 6. I didn't think there was anyone around there!😊

[@WhatInTheWorld_Tom]

Hey and thanks for the subscribe! But you better go back to the start of the journey from the Rocky Mountains 🙂 follow the story of getting here 🤙

[@jamesfrommanitoba.1992]

@ your right, not there. We are south of Gimli Manitoba and we have not very many neighbours but a 4 min walk to something that looked very similar. I apologize. My intention is to start watching you tonight as our weather is going down to-26 with windchill-37. Sit by the wood stove and keep warm. Take care.

[@CynLeeAm]

Yay I love drinking my coffee and waking up to this on Saturday morning 🌄 that shot of the lake looks terrifying btw 😳 you are a brave soul.

[@laceygander2022]

Love your videos! ❤

[@Cjames86]

Thanks, really enjoying your weekly videos and following your adventures

[@tiborkiss9186]

great journey.

[@aaronw3067]

Scrolling through KZbin and I see a familiar face. I said hey I "know" that guy! You were one heck of a sailor on Parlay! So glad I found you!

[@WhatInTheWorld_Tom]

Haha!! I'm glad you found me! But make sure you start from Day 1 of this trip, so you see how i got ti this point 🙂🤙

[@internet146]

Dude I just planned a Canoe from downtown winnipeg to hecla and you popped up on yt

[@Flatrock.motorclub]

Hi! Thanks for the great content

[@RainyDayForge]

At the end, the bugs are fish flies. I seen them do this before. I think they group together like that to use the upwards columns of warm air coming off the trees as the temperature declines.

[@KIRALYW]

Nice & short this week, but looks like it gets jam packed in the days to come. Never seen a “mosnado” before & I live in Australia in a place called Bittern… I’m sure it’s called that because of the amount of mozzies here. LOL Good stuff Tommo See ya next week. Stay safe. 🤙🏽

[@gianfunk9121]

beautiful lake, one manitobans are proud to call theirs, personally i've never seen a moose in the southern region of lake winnipeg, although if you travel further north in manitoba you will see lots of elk and moose, many have travelled further north as theres many swampy regions up there and not as many people, hope you get to see one on your travels!

[@WhatInTheWorld_Tom]

I've seen a ton of Moose as I've been paddling. Always in the places I least expected to see them.. 14 in one day is my record!! This is the northern part of Lake Winnipeg.. well, a little south of Grand Rapids.. so i thought there would be a couple of sightings.

[@krystaldelmonico7294]

As a small child my father was stationed in the UP of Michigan close to Sault St Marie. As a young teen we went back to visit, I remember walking yard and yards out into Lake Superior and it was only shin deep, then very suddenly there was a Huge drop. I also remember visiting a maritime museum, and watching the freighters go through the Soo locks. I was 10 years old when the Edmund Fitzgerald was lost. I remember the song that Gordon Lightfoot wrote/sang about the wreck is still very poignant to hear. Keep Safe.

[@WhatInTheWorld_Tom]

Have you been back since? I will be passing through Sault St Marie.. maybe it will bring back some memories 😊

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

@@WhatInTheWorld_TomI grew up in Sault Ste. Marie. Live in Toronto now, but figured you’d have to go through the Soo next spring/summer.

[@genieclarke7346]

Great video, Tom.

[@stephenmacleod8524]

Great episode Tom. In Vancouver for the boat show. Will say hi to big D for you.

[@WhatInTheWorld_Tom]

Nice one! Are you just browsing or shopping for a new boat? 🙂

[@stephenmacleod8524]

@WhatInTheWorld_Tom just here to meet up with sailing Nahoa and Breaking waves sailing

[@WhatInTheWorld_Tom]

@stephenmacleod8524 Say hi to Ben and Alie for me! 🙂 I haven't met Nahoa yet

[@stephenmacleod8524]

@WhatInTheWorld_Tom will do

[@jasontodd3819]

I have a cottage at the south end of Lake Winnipeg on Traverse Bay. When it is calm for 3-4 days the water settles and is very clear. When the wind get up it churns up the lake and the water becomes cloudy. When it gets violent windy, especially in the fall, the waves crash hard and rearrange the trees pilling them up on the shoreline. Just south of my place there is a bunch of pilled trees we call the elephant graveyard because of all the driftwood.

[@alrightyru]

Sounds like magic a cottage on a lake

[@peezim]

Yep, you were warned. My dad was a freighter for the Hudson Bay Company prior to the start of WW2, From N of the lake at Warren Landing along the Nelson River to Fort Churchill and Churchill. Watching you canoe the lake brings back memories.

[@xAnAngelOfDeathx]

Great video mate! Did you say that you are going to Winnipeg via the Winnipeg River? I would think that the Red River would be a better route. I've kayaked on Lake Winnipeg for years, the reason that the lake is so dangerous is because it is shallow and the wind can whip it into a frenzy quickly. Looking forward to the next video, cheers!

[@leroysmith8203]

Great video… 🛶🤓🥰

[@NWORandomshhh]

It was probably pine flies at the tree tops not mosquitos, they sound the same and are annoying but dont bite you. I live on Lake of the Woods and pine flies can darken the sky above the trees, as well as fish flies.

[@marklelonde6684]

On hot days, the large animals stay in the shade. Early mornings and evenings are when they come out to feed.

[@darrellsandmoen8523]

Very cool! Love your videos. One small thing. You showed a large Lake Trout. as a Northern Pike! Oops. Nice video work and narration. Thanks.

[@WhatInTheWorld_Tom]

Are you sure? 🤔🙂 looks like a Pike to me. Lake trout have their dorsal fin more in the center of their body and have more gerth to there bodies... don't they?

[@darrellsandmoen8523]

Yes. The first image is indeed a pike but the second large fish that you show is definitely a lake trout. I caught hundreds of each. I don’t think there are any lakers in Lake Winnipeg. Maybe in the far end. They require very deep cold water to survive. Hey, easy mistake. No biggee! Love your videos. You have way more gumption than I do. Cheers.

[@WhatInTheWorld_Tom]

​@darrellsandmoen8523 ahh the second one! Dam, I missed that!

[@darrellsandmoen8523]

Hey, you do a ton of work doing these videos. We appreciate it. I used to do a lot of canoeing but not so much anymore. I love it! Bring right down beside water is exquisite. 3 inches of water…no problem. You know what I mean. Where are you now, if I may ask?

[@tr0ymclur3]

The pike is better eating.

[@robertreid9720]

Winnipeg river doesn't goto Winnipeg tho. That's the red river that goes to and thru Winnipeg.

[@CoryMckinnonHandle]

Moose are shallow water grazers... they won't be out in the lake unless they are crossing for some reason.

[@terrymacyk7013]

I live in Winnipeg. The most prominent winds are the north west. It’s not uncommon to have 40-60 kph from that direction. Also, I’ve spent the last two winters travelling NZ. I love it there!

[@justinmatthews7789]

It's funny the way it was cut, it looks like you hunted frogs and then grilled the meat after lmao

[@WhatInTheWorld_Tom]

Haha true! I never noticed that

[@Hotblackdesiato4242]

Hi Tom, I used to live in Manitoba and would go to Lake Winnipeg for beach and cottage trips. I recall an insect called a mosquito hawk or crane fly. They look like huge mosquitoes but don't bite. They swarm above tree tops when mating...pretty sure that's what you were seeing. Amazing content, always looking forward to your next video. Would love to say "hi" when you come through Ontario.

[@WhatInTheWorld_Tom]

Which part of Ontario are you in?

[@Hotblackdesiato4242]

Kitchener/Waterloo area.....pretty land locked. We like to drive north to Georian Bay or Algonquin areas. I saw your map numerous episodes ago, looks like you will across well north of here. Last year's innovation for camping were these clip on dragonflies. Great way to scare away horse and deer flies. Can buy in local stores...we would love to send you a couple if you'd like. Was a camping game changer for me.

[@WhatInTheWorld_Tom]

@Hotblackdesiato4242 The plan is to go up through North Bay. Do you mean literally a dragon fly that you clip on? 😀 does it really work?

[@Hotblackdesiato4242]

It's called Dragonfly Wingman...I thought it worked great. Dragonflies are apex insect predators, I watched horse and deer flies come at us then veer away. Basic but effective.

[@Hotblackdesiato4242]

I contacted the company that makes them, hoping they reach out to you. Fingers crossed

[@seayak]

The second "northern pike" pictured is a lake trout. Generally not found in Lake Winnipeg.

[@sloshbucket6553]

I've seen these insect tornados in Kansas, crazy stuff!

[@markgolden1418]

That second picture of the fish was a lake trout.

[@mommie2492]

Good morning Tom. So enjoy your video’s. We’re freezing cold in Colorado Springs Colorado. I was wondering how your knee is doing?

[@WhatInTheWorld_Tom]

Uff i can imagine! Only a few more months to go of the cold 😊 The knee.. is not healed, I've been to physio about it and they say they can't help.. I'm trying glucosamine atm

[@stunna7807]

That Lake can kill you pretty fast. I knew a Lake Captain who said it’s scarier than the North Atlantic during a big storm

[@Bgood2others]

The second picture labeled northern pike was a lake trout

[@pbest5040]

My vote on the columns of insects , is flying ants. Cheers.

[@Tickalish]

1st fish you showed was a northern pike. 2nd was a lake trout.

[@WhatInTheWorld_Tom]

I know 😞 that slipped through.. I completely missed it!

[@Tickalish]

@ all good. We WISH those were in Lake Winnipeg!

[@GoldenBaaaay]

Hi cousin ❤

[@WhatInTheWorld_Tom]

Oh look who decided to show up! 😉 Hello my cousin 🤙

[@42Grammy]

Awesome video. Make friends with some bats to eat those mosquitoes!

[@patrickjames9165]

ENJOYING WATCHING YOUR JOURNEY! THANK YOU! BTW...HOW LONG DID YOU PADDLE BEFORE YOU REALIZED YOU SAT ON YOUR PHONE?

[@davadmillar1582]

Those mosquito swarms are males, I believe (Saskatchewanian here). Awful, but males don't bite, don't need blood meals.

[@r37l36]

Even though we have moose, elk, deer, bear, wolves and caribou you won’t often see many big game animals except whitetail deer and black bear.

[@DeeStitcher]

My parents live on Lake Winnipeg at Matheson Island.

[@alobar7814]

The second fish at 6:35 is not a northern pike. That's a lake trout.

[@JS-gp3xd]

Agreed, a nice laker, looks like some big fish in that lake.

[@davidedwards3838]

Male Mosquitoes. They dont feed on blood. They always swarm around and above tress. I have no clue why they do that, though.

[@beachroadfilms]

DAWN IS THEIR ACTIVE TIME. Surprised you haven't learned that yet.

[@hitchhikemike1]

Way to go! Paddle however you like of course! You’re a very special expert too! When you’re done I do some fun outdoor living in pacific islands, you’re welcome to visit! I have a you tube channel that might intrigue you

[@calboifresh]

just casually spreading zebra mussels

[@WhatInTheWorld_Tom]

A single canoe crossing Lake Winnipeg has no meaningful impact on the spread of zebra mussels. They primarily spread through ballast water in large ships, uncleaned motorboats, and water-based equipment left in infected waters. They’ve already established themselves in Lake Winnipeg, so my canoe isn't introducing anything new.

[@darrellsandmoen8523]

I don’t disagree but I cannot eat pike ( ask me how I know!) . A 3 lb lake trout quickly fried in corn oil is difficult to beat. Or baked over a wood fire in foil with lemons and pepper. Holy smokes. That is a meal for a king. Pike …kinda weedy tasting. Plus , my lips explode and I can’t breath. Seriously!

[@BenD88343]

This is one of the reasons the United States wants canada as a 51st state. This lake and its connections with Hudson Bay are needed by all of bill gates farms in central.america. this water source would solve alot of problems

[@agkittyhook2257]

I did a google search on the mosquito swarms and got this: Mosquito swarms are often made up of male mosquitoes looking to attract females. Females may fly towards a swarm based on sound, which can lead them to pass through the center more frequently. This makes the center of the swarm a favorable location for waiting males.