Waterwalker

This feature-length documentary follows naturalist Bill Mason on his journey by canoe into the Ontario wilderness. The filmmaker and artist begins on Lake Superior, then explores winding and sometimes tortuous river waters to the meadowlands of the river's source. Along the way, Mason paints scenes that capture his attention and muses about his love of the canoe, his artwork and his own sense of the land.
Mason also uses the film as a commentary on the link between God and nature and the vast array of beautiful canvases God created for him to paint. Features breathtaking visuals and exciting whitewater footage, with a musical score by Bruce Cockburn.
For more background information on this film, visit the NFB.ca blog: bit.ly/uhXVNQ
Directed by Bill Mason - 1984 | 87 min
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[@paulbier2182]

The quality of this film is amazing for being 38 years old

[@drubber007]

Film is a better quality medium than digital believe it or not.

[@seattlebeard]

Every time I watch this film, I cannot imagine anyone leading a better life.

[@margoburns9085]

I bought a canoe just so I could paint out in nature like Bill did. He was right, there's no greater feeling in the world than being alone in the Canadian wilderness with paddle and a paint brush. Hope I am still going out there well into my golden years!

[@Jagdpower]

I've probably watched this about 50 times and it's the most beautiful thing I've ever watched, what a great man I can't wait to visit canada

[@talaysaytours6878]

I feel the same way!

[@jslute]

Alot of this was filmed on the American side of Quetico National Park

[@Fdeubcfhbbjhfd]

If you have a criminal record- good luck!

[@506jeff]

i live in canada and hope to someday paddle this, after the yukon ofc

[@jayanxiety]

Just dont think the entire country is like this. Southern Ontario is a dirty, Industry-infested urban jungle where things are loud, fast and busy.

[@hollyspi]

This should be mandatory viewing not only for Canadians but for Minnesotans. I saw this movie maybe 20 years ago and watched it with almost everyone who came to visit my home on Lake Superior. Thanks for uploading it so I can view it again. RIP Bill Mason.

[@Hjgfrfjufdetivjiu]

20 years ago i saw this on tv, remembered the name, repeated it to myself a few times every year, and just now looked it up and it was the first hit on youtube.

[@k.g.r.2682]

An extraordinary film about an extraordinary man. If watching this film does not get you out of your chair and into the wilderness on your own adventure, perhaps knowing that just four years after filming this, Bill Mason died of cancer before he reached his 60th birthday. Find challenging purpose. And live it.

[@sonja9001]

Bill Mason a man that knew what he wanted to do and did it. He is a ballerina no water walker in whitewater. His art is full of haunting faces. Bills painting is like I see into his subconscious mind. Beautiful film, only the Canadian Film Board could do it. Thanks CFB!

[@peteryeung111]

I will pay to watch this again in IMAX. This by far is the best documentary film I'd ever seen. Thank you so much for sharing. ----RIP Mr. Bill Mason.

[@lt9316]

peter yeung CHASING BUBBLES is another excellent documentary

[@johnmiller7453]

This is the fourth time I've watched this now. It's pure magic music. It's really a shame there wasn't more humans like Bill. Instead we have a race of destructive ignorant fools. This video will forever remind me of my days along Superior and all of Northern Michigan's woods and waterways. Just a memory before I fell from grace into a world where I can't find the magic anymore. Bill you led a righteous life and a good one. You've become one of my last few heroes along with some of the ones who knew these lands before us white men took a huge shit on it.

[@DrRestezi]

This might just be the most endearingly Canadian film ever made. Bill Mason is a national treasure.

[@martinholme6273]

This film is deeply inspirational on so many levels. Bill must have been an amazing man. I really don't get how people can 'dislike' it. Certain films sow strong seeds. This is one of them.

[@Dinahflo1]

The scenery was beautiful, his paintings are wonderful and best of all he gives credit to the One who created our beautiful world.

[@rainbowconnectionmanota3736]

I remember watching this film for the first time in mid to late 80's. I was a teenager back then and the first time I watched it I was hooked, it captured my imagination. I too wanted to live the life that Bill Mason had shown. This film and Bill Mason's narration of it is what got me interested in canoeing and exploring being part of Nature. Bill Mason is a true legend and true Canadian. I would love if someone started a go fund me campaign to develop a new WaterWalker sequel a sort of return to Bill Mason re-tracing the canoe routes he took. Looking at his life and the people that he touched through his films and paintings. I wish NFB would put their money towards something like this. It is long overdue and I think we need it more than ever. Perhaps it will even touch a whole new generation of people.

[@paulearle5361]

What a wonderful idea! Not sure but I think Imago is still around🤔

[@user-xi8hs8dv6m]

Ha.. go fund me?

[@veefriend4201]

A most beautiful, and sometimes haunting, film. Although I don't have Bill Mason's sky-god view of our mother earth, my personal philosophy still connects me to our "mother". The sun and the soil give us life. These I feel a close connection with when I garden; when I hike in the woods, when I canoe a lake or stream. Decades ago, it was Bill Mason's films I watched by the hour to help me read white water when I was passionate about running rivers, never greater than grade 3, being the more conservative type. It's wonderful when a man like this can remain in one's memory, feeling a kinship even though you've never met him in person. I did not know Bill was an artist. This was a huge, unexpected surprise. It took me a good while to get through the film, having to pause to study his landscapes. What a great honor it would be to have one of his paintings hanging on a feature wall in my little home.

[@karensaville4952]

~ Thank you for taking Bruce Cockburn with you on your awesome journey ~ Thank You for sharing ~

[@boatman222345]

One of the most beautiful movies I have ever encountered! Stunning wild places and waters and Bill's awesome skill with the paddle creates a sense of complete competence that makes every stroke a pleasurable experience. There is nothing that I enjoy more than watching someone skilled at the act they are performing that the very "doing" of the tasks creates a sense of peace and joy.I will probably watch this movie over and over and over, it's that good!

[@nicholaslonghurst3562]

Beautiful, inspiring. My own childhood, floating without a care in the world, in a canoe. The greatest joy and peace...aaaahhhh.

[@RichBriere]

This is, by far, the BEST Documentary of its kind EVER to exist.......I watch it over and over.....and my Blood Pressure Drops to much Safer levels with Each Watching.

[@DrTammyCashion]

Rich Briere I see u stayed onG+; I saw on ur post to ***** that u were taking your profile down which would have been sad! Glad u r here and having fun! Best wishes ! ;))))!!

[@DrTammyCashion]

ty Rich Briere hang around for a while longer..............:))) I have met some amazing folks over time. you have yourself a great nite and I will cu soon- come and join me for coffee in the am- ok?ok! :))) best wishes!

[@aadivgodhecker1130]

Zgghhbbbb...mn mmmmmmm

[@markdemell6087]

Halleluyah ,amein.

[@kevinthewild]

My favourite documentary of all time. Such a pleasure to watch over and over again. Thank you Bill Mason for the gift you have left us.

[@ekhaat]

No, this should be mandatory viewing for all the world. RIP Bill Mason

[@MrLukescheybeler]

I love this documentary so much, and what an incredible soundtrack. It made such an impact on me and my wife, whenever one of us says "water" the other one sings "walkerrrrrr".

[@flhxri]

I have always loved canoeing. It took my five seconds to get the hang of it. Then I realized my grandma was French Canadian. Then I learned about my family tree. My 12th grand grandfather was Maurice Ménard dit LaFontaine a Voyageur, it's in the blood! I am canoeing the waters of me heritage, the upper great lakes!

[@filmic1]

Thank you Bill, Bruce, Hugh, Wally, the Mason family, Bruce Cockburn and the NFB. Always love watching this ever since it came out on the big screen at Cin. de Parc in Montreal. Calms my soul. Love that quote from The Book of Job.

[@AlbertChalmers]

Job 12:7-9 King James Version (KJV) 7 But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: 8 Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. 9 Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this?

[@johnmiller7453]

Brilliant! Takes me back to canoeing in Michigan rivers back in the early 70s. Best times.

[@mainHERO88]

How could anyone downvote this? Even if you're not a canoeist, this is such a harmless, peaceful documentary.

[@-UseSoap_]

For your health!

[@dustman96]

Because people are so sadly and utterly disconnected from nature they don't know true peace and beauty and joy when they see it.

[@wildernesscanoeassociation]

Thankfully, Bill filmed many of his favorite places in order to share them with us. For that we are most grateful. Most if not all of these places are still there, mostly untouched, waiting to be visited with grace and respect, once again. These places are still waiting to be paddled, by you.

[@sehaj6493]

What different ways does Bill use the paddle in the movie?

[@wildernesscanoeassociation]

We surely hope that you will take the time to watch the film yourself, rather than getting others to do your homework for you. Regardless; Bill spends most of the film using his paddle to propel the canoe forward along the Northern shore of Lake Superior. In the opening scene he is using the paddle to propel the canoe forward using a modified J-stroke at The Natch on the Petawawa River. From 2:03 he is using the paddle to propel the canoe forward at Old Woman Bay. At 8:00 Bill uses the paddle as an arm rest in his Sport Utility Vehicle. Bill uses the paddle to propel the canoe forward past Agawa Rock at 23:13. There is a good close-up of the Canadian Stroke being used in effluent from a pulp and paper mill at 24:09. From 26:41 the paddles are screaming encouragement into Bill's ears. From 34:46 the paddles are ballast while Bill is poling upstream. At 46:55 Bill is all high brace, and at 47:38 Bill uses an aluminium paddle mostly for bracing to maintain stability while negotiating a Class III rapid. For quite a while beginning at 55:53 the paddles are used both as a keel and rudder to sail. At 1:05:01 the paddles are used as yokes to portage. Briefly at 1:07:41 he uses the paddle as a shovel. The iconic scene of Bill descending Rollway Rapids on the Petawawa River begins at 1:11:20. There is a lot of prying and drawing in here. At 1:17:25 that is Niagara Falls, one of the world's largest volume rivers. In October 1987 Nolan Whitesell and a group successfully ran the Gorge in canoes. Bill wasn't there. Finally, at 1:24:18 Bill uses his paddle to break ice.

[@villagelightsmith4375]

So much Life he poured into his paintings! So much Life he gleaned from the lands and waters that he travelled! I met Bill and Paul once. They had a voyageur canoe atop their van. We were bicycling from Banff to Jasper, and I was sanding on some paddles I'd cobbled up. We had been reading Bill's book. I didn't know who I was talking with. It was a good day, and it remains a treasure for me. After a week of cycling we hiked the skyline trail for a week, then paddled from Nordegg to Rocky Mountain House. That was a god summer.

[@eringobragh6204]

Loved being in the north woods like this, we even put a sail on our canoe to help get across the big lakes.. Listening to the Loons call nothing like it.

[@pipandlobo2979]

Watching Bill do his thing for the first time in 2021 in Ireland! Inspiring

[@mozdickson]

first viewing. rediscovering my son's (now 27) childhood book Hatchet bought me looking. im a lifelong Cockburn fan, never been in Canada, but i know the Giver and love his metaphor for love (Nature). Bill seems a great guy to campfire with. Thanks.

[@billygoatfilms7531]

Oh my, what an amazing and beautiful film. Should be shown to all schools throughout the world whilst we still have schools and a planet to live on.

[@chris1223able]

I love the sequence where Bill dumps on a rough Lake Superior, frigging intense!!!

[@susanholt9119]

RIP BILL MASON.THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS VERY PERSONAL PART OF YOURSELF.THIS WOULD BE GREAT AT IMAX.

[@LindaCasey]

A MILLION thumbs up!!! Just delightful!! Thank you very much. And his paintings ... wowwwwwwwwwwwww

[@MrDXRamirez]

There can be no other craft more suited for such bodies of water next to a smaller version of the canoe than the canoe itself. A perfect craft. I tip my hat to Mr. Mason and his crew for making a canoe of a film and a film of a canoe with an artist or an artist who likes to canoe. A great, great movie.

[@margaretyoung4262]

I watch this every summer if not more often. It’s an instant shift to my happy place. God bless Bill and this gorgeous planet ❣️

[@maruska13x]

This is true gem! As all movies with Bill Mason.

[@nilo4339]

Beautiful. Everything i love about Canada and maritimes. I spent a lot of happy days in a wood and canvas chestnut canoe in 70s and 80s, so Mason's brill doc brings it all back. Cumberland county. wonderful time. love the music.

[@zantigar]

Fantastic, a truly unique, landmark film. Mason's "Paddle to the Sea" was always one of my favorites since childhood. I can't believe it took me until middle age to find this masterpiece!

[@martinoutdoors6941]

First time I've watched this and this has to be recommended viewing for any and all outdoor people

[@dfhauck]

My first time seeing this. Just loved it. Dude got mad skills...

[@davyrando1203]

This has got to be one of the best documentaries ever made!

[@leslieross3404]

Loved the quote at the end, I also love to use it. Why do we doubt that we have been called to walk on the water. Oh ye have little faith, why did ye doubt? Indeed Christ is calling, indeed all creation testifies that God is. I pray all come to know the Truth, God bless and blessed be the Name of the Lord Amen and Amen.

[@RealBradMiller]

Les Stroud told me to watch this. Dolly Parton and Les are a few of the only celebrities I'd trust with my life.

[@dancoghlan1979]

A great little bit of Canadian history told in a lovely way.

[@denboe2894]

Bill's rivers and waterfalls are the best.

[@denboe2894]

I was checking the Nahanni River, Cryptids, stuff and clicked on this video.

[@northwindforge7663]

I don't think you can get much more Canadian then this :). My first introduction to Bill was in 1990 and I have watched and read about him since then absolutely fantastic work and life!!!

[@jaycooper6840]

Bill Mason, Bruce Cockburn, Hugh Marsh. Beautifully combined.

[@el-pintor]

Un capolavoro questo film…relax puro

[@jbradshaw4236]

Thanks for sharing.. this is the stuff dreams are made of... just wonderful.

[@alaskadrifter8334]

I grew up in the bush of Alaska. 3 to 6 weeks at a time just me and my wolf-dog. Maybe a canoe or just a pack. Really miss the feeling connected you get.

[@chrisace9543]

Get your ass on back out there. I'm sick and tired of people dam excuses.

[@cornelieusfields2062]

Hahahahahaha

[@redfernfarmstead]

ah...I am sure no one ever gets sick and tired of inane commentary.

[@elm1230]

This guy is living my dream life!!! This is so me when I get older. He rocks! Thanks NFB for another great video!

[@laurinorton4578]

If you want to feed your soul this is for you I would say. The photography and the music is great, not to mention the trip!!!!! Thank you.

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

This is the second time that i've watched this in the past 2 years and it just doesn't get old. So inspirational!

[@allriversouth]

Great film. This was the first time I've had a chance to watch Bill Mason on film, but his book, Song of the Paddle, kept me day dreaming about wilderness living since I was a kid. I still read through those pages in his book and it gets me stirring. Heck, I think its about time to start reading it again. Thanks Bill, your still giving after all these years.

[@charleshack6715]

HE ALSO HAS A FILM CALLED SONG OF THE PADDLE WITH HIS FAMILY

[@MrRaretunes]

RIP Bill Mason,a Canadian legend.

[@riverlighttrider]

I'm sorry he's no longer with us... My great uncle Floyd Van Wagner was a lifelong outdoorsman. (I wonder if they crossed paths ... It seems they must have at some point) He started Camp Nominingue in Quebec in 1925 ....It's a boys camp and still in the family. (Or perhaps he knew my cousin Peter, now in his 90's) This presentation is so beautiful and so sincere. It really reminds me of them. They were of one heart and mind, and that's for sure

[@gary7vn]

When you sit around the fire at night, on an island, if you listen well, you can still hear the sound of his paddle in the water.

[@non-descriptinfluence3112]

Best song to introduce a magnificent tale of water, scenic places and peace.

[@F-M-U]

I watched this when it was first uploaded and many times after, it is to this day, Inspirational, than you.

[@matthewglowacki3455]

as an artist and educator who loves nature, this inspires me deeply to return to nature and seek solitude in my landscape art making. BWCA here I come :)

[@chrisdowns422]

Wow. This guy is now my idol.

[@turnmazio]

This answers many questions that I have never been able to put to words. Since buying this video I have now watched all of his films. I would like to say to Mr. mason, Thank You. Many of you reading this comment will understand.

[@natureboy7850]

Matt Turner

[@SwampDonkey530]

No wonder the hills and groves were God's first temples, and the more they are cut down and hewn into cathedrals and churches, the farther off and dimmer seems the Lord himself. Rest in Peace Bill.

[@solarisseven6969]

SwampDonkey530 hills and valleys. as above so below

[@rubyjames3105]

beautifully said

[@glutinousmaximus]

You can't rest - you have an infinity of praising to do yet.

[@duantorruellas716]

Ruby James , I'll 2nd it.

[@jackwhite4578]

SwampDonkey530 seems when you cut down nature and put your own input of what religion should be that’s when people fight over their own beliefs. If it’s not what you choose to believe they become insulted. Keep nature and everyone agrees it’s beautiful and there’s something special here. Now that’s spiritual 😎

[@duantorruellas716]

rip B.Mason , your love for the natural world and art is very inspiring. Not many people get it , the garden we've been given to play in , but you understood the beauty. btw those paintings were sick ! way better than turner.

[@hoz49]

Bill actually used outtakes from his other paddling films to make 'Waterwalker". If you watch closely you can see him change shirts in mid stream. But Oh... what a beautiful and inspiring film. After seeing this many years back I dedicated several years to paddling wild wilderness rivers in Canada, culminating in the Pukaskwa Coast of Lake Superior where much of this was filmed.

[@rufus3898]

One of my heroes as a teenager. He really inspired me to the great outdoors!

[@silverado669]

This man had a wonderful life that we should all be envious of....I know I am, even though I aspire to live the same lifestyle. Bless this man :)

[@pierrevanerve5728]

Bill is dead which means that he is alive through me, I carry his spirit of being a canoeist and a poet and a painter. In this magnificent film I see myself as I was 25 years ago and living on one of the 40.000 isles in Lake Ontario and exploring the Huron waters. I vividly recall returning to my cabin at the end of the day, carrying self caught fish, and having to step across the zillions of rattlesnakes that were blocking my path. Sun, clear blue water and pure air. Best time of my life, it was.

[@gary7vn]

TRVTH

[@rami_elzein]

Just watched this gem on Star Ray tv. Soothing and inspiring. Bill Mason is my idol. Hope to make it up there someday.

[@4aneme8R]

First watched it as a film in Lake Superior Provincial Park the better part of 30 years ago. Learned to canoe watching Path of the Pedal Quiet Water.

[@rafevelly7295]

This is by far the best Wilderness video I have ever watch thank you for sharing

[@terrywbreedlove]

Love the sounds of the introduction. beautiful

[@lipsticklodge7526]

I haven't seen this in a long time! Glad I was scrolling and ran into it! Watched the end as daylight started breaking..

[@philconrath7645]

Absolutely a fantastic documentary the canoeing the art work the place everyone could learn somthing about live getting back to nature.

[@ttamage]

very cool now I want to get a canoe and paddle around Alaska for a summer!

[@5555blanch]

very beautifullllllll excellent music to backup the extraordinary reality of nature

[@canoeist2008]

Bill Mason has certainly been amongst Angels on his journeys and with them now.

[@geraldfrank1630]

beauty is everywhere, be cause your mind has become what it always has been, naturally beautiful without the noise of complaint thinking. 🙏👌👊

[@tanyafindlay609]

Absolutely stunning!!! Reminds me of Adam Shoalts , Beyond the Trees adventures!!!

[@mokotramp]

We boaters are luckier than most to be able to view the wilderness like this, few do or ever will! Being so close to nature is such a privilege and really drives deep into the soul who we are! Still not really sure how we fit in, but I'm enjoying trying! Thanks for posting this film!

[@mrgroovestring]

A fantastic video.This man loved the Lord God each and everyday.

[@Anemrnd1]

My first time watching this movie, and I’m speechless🥹

[@BobRoberts363]

OUTSTANDING!!!! Thank you very much for this post!!!

[@susanpowell4684]

amazing....what more is there to say....thank you for the upload.

[@tinasnader3763]

🏔️🗻....he painted the way his eyes truly saw things without the tool of glasses 😌....WOW !!!

[@wolfoutdoorscanada]

love this movie

[@glennrogers8537]

Thanks 4 showing us rocks after rocks after rocks

[@GreencampRhodie]

Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit and intelligence.

[@katnip198]

Outstanding masterpiece.

[@gmtnosa00]

This is byFAR the best movie ever created! I love it so much, thanks Bill

[@ukrainer]

what an awesome film! Thank you for sharing!

[@allpineman]

Beautiful! Captured me completely.

[@whotoinfinity]

***** 5 stars! What a nice break from it all.

[@williamb4920]

enjoyed it, thanks nfb and Mr Mason

[@martinsinclair55]

My question is how did the cameraman get downstream of all these great shots? Back in the 80s, while tagging peregrine falcons, I saw Bill and a small group canoeing a river that ended up in Bathurst Inlet, in the Canadian arctic. A few days later I met him in Bathurst Inlet Lodge and while the others waited for their Twin Otter, he flew with me to Yellowknife in the helicopter. He was telling me about the last rapids they encountered. No one wanted to run it except Bill. He didn't get far before upsetting and they all thought he drowned in the white water, but instead he scaled the 300' cliffs to make it to the top of the canyon and walk out.

[@gary7vn]

Thanks for sharing.

[@blairbeaumont]

Very cool, your lucky to have gotten a conversation with the man. I bet he had plenty of stories to tell. Thanks for sharing.

[@goofyjohn6191]

We all have many lives during our time here ,what a man was isn't what he is today. Keep moving, keep learning , enjoying the time you are in right now, nothing will go unchanged . Even I do not see as I once did the places of my past.

[@daviddwyer2588]

So amazing. Incredible footage and inspirational

[@canoeist2008]

A BEAUTIFULL Video Thank you for showing on You Tube I LOVE being out on the water in my kayak on the sea so tranquil and peacefull.

[@13gears]

NFB is what true Canada was, yet no more.

[@tractoring]

Superb, extraordinary. We should all see these things.

[@thewaynediaries]

This has inspired me to take on a big canoe adventure for the upcoming summer watched this five times now