17 Days in the Wilderness | Mysteries of the Mountains | Ep. 1

Episode 1 of Where The Waters Begin
Where The Waters Begin documents a 300km canoe expedition through the geographic heart of Quebec and expansive wilderness of Eeyou Istchee. The route begins in the remote Otish Mountains with a descent down the Tichégami River. Following in the footsteps of the Cree peoples, our journey would guide us along headwater courses, who shepherd us across the height of land and out beyond the abyss of Quebec's largest lake.
Teaser Trailer: • Where The Waters Begin...
EP I: • 17 Days in the Wildern...
EP II: • 17 Days in the Wildern...
EP III: • 17 Days in the Wildern...
EP IV: • 17 Days in the Wildern...
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[@Brentdarley]

Stunning start, makes me want to get in the truck and start driving!

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Heck yes! New adventure time!

[@Canoejerry]

You will never be sorry you did this with your life. You are a true adventurer (Both of you).

[@CanoeTheNorth]

What a great part one in such a beautiful place. Loving the trip so far. Hope that canoe holds up and really looking forward to the rest of the adventure. 🛶 🏕️

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

The canoe was a definitely a going concern in the back of mind the entire time. Really sucks when you start a trip and realize there's a fail point that was beyond your control....

[@SoloSchmitty]

Great vid! Looking forward to the whole series! Thanks for sharing this content!

[@janevalentine6391]

😊👏 Looking forward to the other 3 after this one.

[@TheBaines19]

Good attitudes and confidence after the repair. Took notes for adding to my repair kit! Can’t wait for part two 😎

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

The kit you hope to never bust out, a few extra pounds in the pack, but it comes in clutch when you need it most! Not much else you can do in those situations beyond hope it works out, and if it doesn't, you're looking ay more walking than paddling lol.

[@TheBaines19]

@@ExploreTheBackcountry I’ve had some good trips walking. Mind never bringing a boat I can’t use lol Also, can we talk about the epic fade on that Nova Craft hat?

[@rebeccadees2300]

Excellent video. Thank you for posting it on your channel.

[@mikesimpson9867]

What an adventure. Beautiful

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Thanks Mike!

[@benweir665]

Looks aaawweeessoommmeee

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Awesome 👍🏻

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@kristibrz2798]

Wonderful journey!

[@donalddakota8069]

Wow Brad, that area is truly remote! I would bet those canoe's were pretty beat by the end of this trip.

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

There were certainly a few extra scratches and gashes on all boats after this one! Even with some field repairs those hulls held up though!

[@henrymostert2125]

Absolutely stunning trip thanks for sharing this

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Many thanks Henry!

[@FreakofNature1]

Beautiful location☀️🏕, bomb edit🎥, sick runs🛶…Off to a great start friends!..Hell yeah.

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Thank you, thank you my man! Gotta take you two out too catch some waves soon 🤙

[@adventuretimefishinghunting]

Really cool expedition can't to sit and watch the rest!

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

This area blew us away. Simply amazing scenery. Hope you enjoy

[@garywheeler2055]

Like your system of “summing up” the events. Well made videos 👍🇨🇦🍻

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Thanks Gary!

[@davidjennings6937]

Beautiful and so remote. Great video!

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Many thanks David! The solitude was unparalleled!

[@decentdiversions]

Congrats Brad and Team. Enjoyed every minute. The ambition of the project, team composition and filmmaking are all great! Looking forward to the next parts!

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Many thanks Paul! Would recommend looking to ride some of roads up that way. You can do some pretty epic remote loops through the Taiga

[@decentdiversions]

@@ExploreTheBackcountry Oh boy. I've got to look more into this. Many people have done the Trans-Taiga as a long out and back but I should explore what loop potential there might be. Cheers.

[@paultaylor3856]

Soooo good👍

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Thanks Paul!

[@jaythomas996]

Episode 1 was sure worth waiting for Brad. Many thanks to you and your crew. Scenery was just outstanding!

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Our pleasure! So glad you enjoyed it! More unreal scenery in EP II !!

[@madformaple]

the intro gave me goosebumps - absolutely worth the wait! such a cool area. Thanks for sharing!

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

I'd been eyeing it on sat maps for years.... But that first view of the mountains from the road blew me away. Far more beautiful than I could imagine. Northern Quebec has some gems!

[@fishingfables3971]

Breathtaking scenery! Can't wait for the next episode which I will watch from my armchair in Australia 😉 Keep up the great work.

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Thanks! You've got some great scenery down there that one day we hope to witness for ourselves too!

[@steveburns6503]

Fantastic… wow … thanks for the effort

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Thanks Steve!

[@trishaharrison6183]

You just never disappoint. Every view is totally breathtaking. Thanks for bringing us along😘

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Thanks Trisha! I'm always at a loss for words in places like this. There's no end to the beauty of these places! Thanks for watching as always!

[@Tents.and.Timber]

OH my, this looks like an incredible adventure! We are absolutely pumped to watch the rest of this canoe trip!

[@canoepoler]

Great Edit!

[@lisagauvin]

This was awesome! So we’ll done.

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Thanks so much Lisa!

[@ride-paddle-repeat]

Your presentation at the canoe symposium was a great little teaser, but the captures on video completely blow my mind. Unreal sunsets, vistas and scenery. So glad you took the time to film/edit this.

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Thanks for watching Darren! The kicker is, the video can only capture so much too... definitely a landscape that commands your attention. Bit of a delay on that edit, but hope it was worth the wait!

[@GreybeardAdventures]

Thanks so much for bringing us along on your adventure Brad & Leah! Beautiful scenery throughout and some great mountaintop views too! I’m looking forward to the Mistassini section of your trip as I was up in that area years ago - it’ll be like a trip down memory lane for me!

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Awesome! Mistassini was really gorgeous. The north end reminded me of paddling Lake Superior. Lots of water. Whereabouts were you on the lake?

[@GreybeardAdventures]

@@ExploreTheBackcountry I was at the complete other end near the town of Mistissini. We were mostly just fishing some of the lakes around Chapais and Chibougamau, and visiting some of the Cree towns like Oujé-Bougoumou and Mistissini. So beautiful and pristine up there!

[@ryanhines2857]

Nice work on the intro! Really pulled me in and added excitement for trip route!

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Awesome! Thank you!! Was a bit of a trickier edit, so glad to hear it's paid off!

[@travellingjack8960]

What an adventure ! What a place !

[@biged4476]

Cheers guy's👍😎👍

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Cheers Big Ed!

[@carolguezen5829]

OMG!!! I agree "can't believe this is Canada"!!! So amazing and the only way I could possibly get there is through you!!! Thank you for your adventurous spirit and gift of storytelling.

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Thanks so much Carol! 😁 This vast country never ceases to surprise and amaze us! The lands do most of the storytelling, I just listen and share.

[@ronpoet]

As usual an excellent video with views that are impossible to describe....can't wait until the next one ....bless you Brad and Leah...

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Glad you enjoyed it Ronald! Thanks so much!

[@cretan911]

wow

[@jimhanson7476]

Stunning scenery guys, what a beautiful river and crazy adventure… so enjoyed….

[@davidmodeland429]

You are an exquisite film maker, Brad. I'm greatly looking forward to the next episode and the whitewater. I loved the campsite at the end, just perfect. Cheers!

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Thanks so much David! The next episode is definitely the whitewater heavy one of the series. That campsite was made even more magical by our late day, sunset arrival. I find it funny how sometimes the perfect campsite just pops up when you least expect it, but need it the most.

[@amorimontagnus2042]

This will be a fantastic journey to follow. Makes the end of the season easier to swallow! Looking forward to what is to come.

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Tis the season to plan for next season! Hope you find some inspiration for you next adventure!

[@dwrivers47]

You’re living the best life Brad, keep it up - awesome & 🤩 inspiring 😊

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Thanks Derek! 😀

[@canoepoler]

I try not to comment like this (I am a fan), but... I think that it is time to look at poling skills. Those boulder fields are a poler's dream and if lining is an option except for the shoreline, well... time to pull out the long stick. Worked fine for the previous ten thousand years! I saw your presentation at the O.B.C.S. last spring and it was great, so I am looking forward to this series!

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Hey Stephen, I think you'll look at EP III and some of IV with a keen eye then. 90% of the up and downstream travel to the height of land would be 100% poleable; good gradients, canoe has water to float through, decent lines and places to wedge the poles. Generally, I find we often run out of water a lot more than depicted on screen where we have to lift or drag the canoe over rocks or a ledge but, this wasn't so much the case on this section of travel. I stand up in the canoe often to river scout or pseudo-pole with my paddle, much to the chagrin of some folks who have the belief that standing up in a canoe is inherently dangerous; though last I checked, good balance is key component for craft control. I have no doubt the next level of skill with regards to poling would be fun to hone.

[@canoepoler]

@@ExploreTheBackcountryBeautiful river and well run! Looking forward to the next installments. (You must add this skill to the canoeing tool box. It keeps you in your boat... Jon B. is a fan, you know. :)

[@CanadianSledDog]

When I see something this good I can't find the words to describe it, what could I say that would convey how much I'm enjoying this? A third of the way in and I'm already so stoked for my next canoe trip... Loving every minute of this. You are legends.

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

I think that captures it perfectly! That's the best possible response you could ask for. Wicked, thanks so much for watching. Hope your next trip is bomber. Happy planning!

[@Devight]

Hi from Niagara Falls, ont. You guys are inspiring. I hope my fiance and I can someday embody the band, that you two portray so naturally. What a beautiful friendship and adventure of a life

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

We find the harder trips really help you both grow together as a couple. Overcoming challenges as a team helps to put everything else into perspective. We've always said a canoe trip that pushes your boundaries is a good litmus test to see how you tackle the rest of what life throws your way. You don't need to jump into an expedition, but slowly push the comfort zone together. There's no better feeling when you've overcome hardship and accomplished something together. Wishing you two the best on your own adventures through life!

[@dustintaylor9157]

Absolutely awesome

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Thanks Dustin!

[@rene3339]

Amazing landscape and beautiful footage. A very nice video.😀

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Landscape was the star of this. Just blew us away at every bend!

[@NobleEndeavours123]

I enjoyed your presentation about this trip at this springs Canoe Symposium in Waterloo. The video is nicely done, incredible scenery!

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Longer format here too, only so much we can condense into a presentation! Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@The-Real-Ando]

Epic! Thanks for sharing.

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Thanks for watching!

[@weatherincorporated6088]

Wow, if the first installment is any indication, this is going to be an amazing series! Thank you for bringing us along!

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Glad you enjoyed PT 1 :) thanks for following along!

[@davidtowlun2118]

Really nice use of transitions in your editing!

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Ah! Keen eye David. Was wondering if anyone would pick up on that! I always try to branch out with a few different tools and techniques; some new transitions were the next creative iteration of that.

[@davidtowlun2118]

@@ExploreTheBackcountry The best opportunity for artistry comes in the transitions. It also helps tell the story and set the tone for the moment. The work you are putting into this shows. Looking forward to more!

[@AdamRomanoExplores]

Just getting dug into this one. Looks like an awesome series ahead. Beautiful filming and hardcore tripping as usual. Did you do some color grading in this one? Looks good. 👍

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Wicked, hope you enjoy Adam! I did some grading, though not nearly as much as I'd normally do. A good chunk is derived from LUTs which I've been experimenting with. There's a few sections I somewhat skimmed over the exposure adjustment as I was under a time crunch to get this wrapped up. May adjust for when I eventually do the combined version.

[@AdamRomanoExplores]

@@ExploreTheBackcountry looks good buddy. A lot of work going clip by clip but we'll worth it.

[@kimsavoie5335]

You should all introduce yourselves and tell a little about yourself before the trip starts! Would like to know who all is involved!

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Ah, I tried to get the others to provide more comments and an intro at the onset, but they were camera shy until the trip progressed. Was a bit tricky to sort out a form of into with the footage I had afterwards. But the good news is everyone is much more comfortable with a camera now!

[@georgemilinkovic4120]

Which one is the red canoe? Esquif Prospector 16? Considering the 15 for me. I was concerned it might be too heavy, but your friend as far as I can see didn't have any problem with it. Great video.

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Yeh a prospecteur 16. About 10-12lbs heavier than my Nova Craft. So outfitted with straps and deck etc, I think he's got it in mid 80 lbs

[@georgemilinkovic4120]

@@ExploreTheBackcountry thank you.

[@andrecouture2061]

Looks just like the pictures from my aunt's trip on the Missinaibi.

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Cool! That's a river I haven't paddled.... yet!

[@andrecouture2061]

@@ExploreTheBackcountry she did that trip back in the early 80s. As a kid I'd look at the pictures for hours. The mossy rock outcrops, the rapids extending for 100s of meters, the thin and short taiga forests; this episode reminds me a lot of that album. I'm looking forward to the crossing of lake Mistassini.

[@colepef4902]

Do you tie all your shit down when running rapids? I saw in the rapids at 28:30, your red camera box seemed to be sitting loosely on top of the canoe but I couldn’t tell.

[@jasonsmy280]

😮👍👍

[@rebeccadees2300]

Did you have to get permission to take this trip?

[@markperrin7852]

Where is you pup?

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Too hyper for a trip like this unfortunately. We're hopeful he can get to a calmer level for future trips. But we've had him in the canoe 30 times and he's still super excitable

[@glennjohnson9309]

Did you guys spot any wildlife on your trip? Please enlighten.

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Oh yeah. Ep II and IV will have a few quick shots. Most moved pretty quick and fled when they heard my camera case 'click' open, but we had one special encounter on our final full day.....