Ontario's Forgotten River - Documentary | Is It Still Worth Paddling the White River?

[@chrismcelvar5654]

This, by far, has been the best video I've watched in quite some time. No faff, no promoting crap, no ''here's how I saw a log for a fire''. On top of that, despite one of you having the dodgiest moustaches I've ever seen and looking like you will be on a Netflix documentary in the future, running big balls rapids and awesome editing. Win win win. Thank you, gents!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Hi Chris, wow, thanks so much for your kind words! Really appreciate you watching and sharing your thoughts. KZbin provides a great platform for everyone to share their experiences so I'm just thrilled I could share mine with people like you. I'm really glad you enjoyed it. 😄 re moustache And who knows what's next for that stache! 😉 Cheers!

[@daveallen9921]

hahaha - "here's how I saw a log for a fire" yes. that gets old immediately!

[@MrCanoeman]

This was a great story being told. As a person who has paddled the White River from White Lake Park to Hattie Cove 14 times, and once solo, the memories flooded my soul. There were places lost and will never be found, there were majestic rapids that now run under large lakes, but in the end, the White River still prevails with its finding home at Superior. Again, thank you, great great great canoe video.

[@NothernNate]

Exciting trip my dudes. Wish I could have been there. 🌲 Paddle on!

[@LostLakes]

I was just wishing for a new canoe trip to watch today. That was fantastic and I really, really enjoyed it. Much needed vicarious canoe therapy. Loved seeing so many new parts of our regional backyard here. And your capture of and discussion on the industrial impacts. I'm always conflicted about hydro dams but it was sad to see falls as pretty as Umbata affected like that. Can't believe those dicks at Ess Rapids. Well done and well paddled--thank you!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Perfect timing! Thanks so much Jon. It was a long one, so appreciate you watching it in one go. I agree, the dams are unfortunate, especially because the river is still pretty incredible with them, but it does mar an excellent canoe route as well as an amazing river. Yeah, that incident at Ess Rapids was so unexpected. Never had that ever happen. So weird. Thanks buddy!

[@LostLakes]

@@ThePursuitofPassion I love the long format vids for a long trip... Lets me get into the flow of the trip. And it was only about 10 mins per day so it had a great pace. Perfect 👌👏

[@stevebraun4682]

Thanks so much for posting that! I’ve paddled the White R., both times from the town in the 80’s and 90’. You’ve taken me down memory lane seeing Umbata and the canyon etc. and even the last “portage campsite”. It’s a stellar river. I have mixed feelings about the development but very glad to see that the Pic and Mobert bands were involved. Really enjoyed the footage of rapid running. I was yelling “draw”....”crossbow” as you went!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

You're welcome Steve! That's great! Yeah, I bet it was down memory lane. It must have been weird not to see some of the rapids and falls, including the dams. But glad you still enjoyed it and had fun watching. Appreciate you sharing your story, that was really cool!

[@stevebraun4682]

Your approach to Umbata was correct. You start crossing the grassy area/bay on the west shore and then finding the trail up and into the woods. Hard to believe few people see the falls from the old viewing platform now. Keep filming! All the best.

[@paulouellette4100]

great video...the image..the tone..everything is perfect...really great job...

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks so much Paul! Really appreciate you taking the time to watch and share your comments. 🙏

[@ericneeds1512]

As a former resident of White River, its great to see the river from a different perspective, and the town once again (been +15 years).

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

That's wonderful! Glad you enjoyed it. Would have loved to see the town more when we passed, or the prespectives from the residents, but unfortunately it was getting late and we needed to find a campsite.

[@als1023]

Thanks for posting, I was raised in Wawa, fished so many lakes and rivers around White River when the hwy went through.

[@walterontario2420]

We have family in Wawa and have been to Negwazu Lake. This video makes me wish I was 40 years younger. We loved every second of it.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

That's great! Well, you must know the area well. Hopefully it brought back some good memories! Thanks a lot Walter!

[@jacalnan]

Very well done! Narration was awesome. Could have been a National Geographic special. Thank You for sharing!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

😆 I'm not sure about that, but thanks so much my friend! Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers

[@candygirl6323]

Just today came across this video which brought back some memories.. I did this river with a group of 12 Junior Rangers(6Canoes) on/about 1969, watching your video only confirmed my memory of its harsh river conditions.. I don't recall no Federal Park office back in those days...I was working for the old Department Lands and Forests in those days.. at 75yrs, I wouldn't dare try canoeing it today... I would have been 19yrs old in 1969. We all had Cedar Strip Canoes in those days and had to stop several times to patch the canoes from rock damage with spruce/pine gum pitch.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Such an AUTHENTIC adventure guys, you really MADE it your own - super well done! Oh my gosh, it must have been even more INSANELY beautiful in its original form.. the glimpses of the past clearly SHOUT beauty.

[@petermurphy5938]

I was the one that mapped out, maintained and wrote the canoe route brochures for the White River back in the late seventies. I've paddled the entire White many times from Negwazu L. I was a student working for MNR, mapping and producing brochures for most of the rivers in the old White River district. If there are any yellow portage signs left on these routes then they were mine.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Wow, that's so amazing! I'm thrilled you found this video and took the time to watch it. I would love to connect with you and get your perspectives on the White, as you were intimately involved in the route's creation. I believe many of those signs were wooden, correct? I'm trying to recall if we saw any. I know many of them have rotted over time or have fallen off. (I've seen many from other canoe routes across Ontario.) Thanks so much for sharing you story!

[@als1023]

Thanks for posting !

[@LatitudesWildernessFilms]

Wow David what an epic documentary you've put together here! I couldn't get enough of the whitewater and I so appreciate the effort in filming each section and how you explained the approach to each as well. You guys worked together so effortlessly and made those difficult sections look easy. I still believe you are the most skilled paddler on KZbin 👍 I loved the narration throughout but especially at the ending, you summarized the story in a captivating and beautiful way. I believe this is the style of video that KZbin is lacking in the world of canoe tripping, so many thanks for the obvious hours upon hours of editing to be able to share this with us. Cheers my friend 🍻

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks so much Pete! Epic is high praise in the shadow of a real KZbin documentarian. 😉😊 Glad you enjoyed it, especially the whitewater aspect. It certainly is a lot of fun running whitewater, but every once in awhile, it does kick your butt. 😄 You know more than anyone how much work it takes to make a documentary, but it certainly makes it worthwhile. So it is rewarding to get positive feedback from people like you. Thanks so much my friend. Look forward to working together on projects in the near future!

[@endogenic7286]

I was glued to every minute of this. I would love to see you take on many more river adventures. Great job

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Hey David, thanks so much! You bet, there is lots more coming, and quite a bit already on my channel. But lots more to come. Hope to see you around! Cheers

[@twobehappy67]

Merci!! Thank you!!! Loved everything. Loved to hear you communicating about how to take the rapids, the you explain how you read them and the music that fits the ''crucial'' moments :-) makes me want to be, to go out there in canoe even more!!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

You're welcome Lainy! Glad you found the video informative and interesting. Appreciate you watching and feeling inspired to canoe more Happy paddling! 👍

[@spl00kshie]

Loved this. Didn't really intend to watch the whole thing, but I was drawn in. Thanks for putting in the effort to tell this story! Super-authentic.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate the comment and your time. 🙏😊 More than happy share it, especially knowing people are enjoying it. Cheers!

[@MarkA3742]

Very well done , young fellows excellent video , great narration, beautiful scenery. Thanks for taking us along for the ride .👍

[@p.buzzard3167]

Thank you so much for this! I paddled the White River with my father back in 1993, and again in 1997. It was amazing to see things that I’d only seen in memories over the past 25 years.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

You're welcome! That's awesome, so you were definitely going down memory lane. I'm glad you could relive it through this video. All the best!

[@tombeckett4340]

We did the White River 40 years ago when I lived in Schreiber. We all worked for the CPR and got dropped off on a siding with our gear and canoes to start our River trip . We often did that anywhere from Thunder Bay to Sudbury. You can’t do that anymore. It sure was handy.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

That's awesome Tom! I'm sure it was a different river then. And that's pretty handy working for the CPR. What a bonus! Love to hear what other trips you did off the train. Cool!

[@andrewkoss7971]

I've been up around White River a few times, never on it. I can't believe how amazing that river is. Thanks for a the journey. Perhaps one day I'll try some of its easy rapids. Will have to get a rock solid canoe now.

[@katanyajason3316]

Great video! I still can't get over those 2 fishermen though. The river belongs to everyone!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Yeah, it really caught us off guard. Never experienced that before, and agree, it belongs to us all. Thanks so much Katanya! 😊

[@tomdodds535]

Excellent video. Very balanced, excellent. Production and editing. The commraderie of two experienced canoeing partners is evident. Well done

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks a lot Todd, appreciate you watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@gardnerellis2957]

I have to admit, I was somewhat saddened to learn about the two new dams constructed below the original White Lake dam....especially the one above Umbata falls. August of 1989 before those dams were constructed, Fred Freeman and myself, our two solo canoes, and equipment for three weeks, traveled by train from Thunder Bay to Mobert (the last year that Via rail ran that route). Five glorious days on the White, camping, running rapids and portaging (do remember the long and sweaty portage around Unbata) in a virtually untouched wilderness, spilling out onto Lake Superior......ten days paddling the Lake to the Michipicoten River to Wawa and beyond....four days up the Michipicoten and finally to the town of Missanabie to catch our train back to Thunder Bay. Your video brought back those wonderful memories. Take care, Gardner.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Wow, that sounds like a great trip Gardner! Thanks so much for sharing that. What a difference it was, even then. It's great to hear other paddler's perspective of this river, and their experience as well. I'm thrilled you were able to relive some of your memories. Really appreciate you watching this doc and sharing your thoughts. All the best!

[@als1023]

A great tip of the hat to you sir! You took an epic canoe trip. and trained it was well ! I was born and raised in Wawa, had no idea the ' White ' was an epic journey. Working your way back up an historic canoe route to the height of land is wonderful. I spent years in the area in my dad's old Land Rover, a childhood of incredible memories on a very historic landscape. Growing up with every summer on Lake Superior is a childhood filled with gratitude and experiences so emdedded I brought my own family back every summer for 15 years from the west coast. Thanks for posting !

[@trappingworld6463]

At 12:40 they were at the small rifle that was the end of my trapline back in the 90s. Loved that area

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

That's pretty cool! River definitely has history and I'm sure you have some pretty awesome stories from your time there!

[@trappingworld6463]

@@ThePursuitofPassion Ya I was on that suspension bridge back in the 90s right after it was put up. I walked in from Hatties cove with a couple of buddies of mine. Acyually come to think of it it might have been way earlier than that. It was the year after Pukaskwa Park recreation area at Hatties Cove was built. The center was not even open at the time yet. You know when you went by Pokie Lake there is a trappers cabin just around the corner that was mine.

[@trappingworld6463]

@@ThePursuitofPassion And yes the pursuit of civilization in that area is horrible but I guess nessessary. I google earth all my old traplines and the logging roads that criss cross the areas saddens me. I used to spend up to 11 weeks alone in the wilderness trapping without seeing another person in some of the wildest country in Ontario and it is all gone now.

[@trappingworld6463]

@@ThePursuitofPassion Yes it was a great area to explore. When you went by Pokie lake if you had of turned into the lake and went to the other end there is a river coming in. It is called Pokie Creek and drains out of Soulier Lake. About 5 miles from Pokie Lake at the top of the last portage before Soulier there ia a rock that is about 15 feet tall and maybe 5-6 feet across and it is egg shaped sort of. But anyway it is on a flat rock shelf but the neat thing is that this huge roge is sitting perfectly balanced on three small rocks about a foot across each. No part of the big rock is touching the main rock shelf. Must have been set there by the receeding glaciers. Pretty cool but along way out of any regular travel routes.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks for sharing this. Very interesting to hear historical stuff, including from those that know the area well. That would have been a cool erratic to see. If I had known! I assume you left the area?

[@sdavis8608]

Absolutely the best. Riveting. I agree with EVERY comment so far. Amazing narration, positive spirit. Great chronicle of an outstanding trip. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Wow, thanks so much! 🙏 I appreciate your comment and your time watching this documentary. Hope to see you around again. Cheers!

[@gpslost2068]

Gentlemen, what a great video. Awesome skills maneuvering that canoe. Thanks for sharing one of the best canoeing adventure videos I've seen.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate you watching and sharing your thoughts. 😊🙏

[@tauchersmiddy]

Thank you for this heard adventure. It completely carried me away. I was in the middle of it. An adventurous journey with a lot of respect for the river and the landscape. And filmed, narrated and edited very well. Thanks. 👍 Greenings from Germany.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for taking the time to watch it and your kind comment. Cheers from 🇨🇦

[@LS-ot4ho]

Yeah, no 3 min clips of "here's how I made dinner" !

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Lol. I hear ya Lisa. Although I am catering to both groups. My series of the same trip goes into more details where there are some aspects of cooking, as well as things like how we came upon that dead moose. So stick to the documentary for a more concise summation of my trip and refer to the the series if you want more details of it. Cheers

[@kaohtix420]

glad i found this in my feed today, what a great video i will def be watching all your videos

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks so much Chris, appreciate the support and hope you enjoy the other videos. Cheers!

[@tombeckett4340]

This was definitely the best and most exciting River we ever did 40 years ago. And you guys nailed it thanks a million. 👍🇨🇦 cheers.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Awesome! Anytime Tom! 🙏👊

[@anthonypayne2526]

LOOOOOVE the addition of the latitude and longitude markers. It lets us follow your trip right down to your campsite! So cool.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks Anthony! This is the first time I did this, so happy it was useful to some viewers. Appreciate you watching and the comment!

[@tombeckett4340]

I think one canoe upset twice. But we didn’t loose any gear. This sure brings back memories. The bugs were real bad. It that time there was a few people that lost their lives . It can be challenging it’s no place for novice paddlers. I’m really enjoying this video. Thanks.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Good to hear. There are definitely some challenging rapids and yes, not a trip for novices. Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks Tom.

[@jimkennedy8458]

What a journey you just took ME on!! Well done to you both!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks for watching Jim! 😊

[@carltompkins6815]

You two are a great paddling team! Thanks for sharing this wonderful trip down the White River.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks a lot Carl! Appreciate the comment and watch. 🙏😊

[@gymcoachdon]

Thanks for your efforts in producing this. I have been unable to paddle Ontario the last 2 summers, so I lived it vicariously through this. Thanks again.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks! I appreciate you watching it. I assume the whole pandemic issue is the cause, but hopefully soon the restrictions will end and you'll be back. All the best!

[@sstorm66]

What a seriously awesome trip. You guys looked like you had a blast.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks a lot Danny! It was odd trip in many ways, but we definitely enjoyed many aspects of it.

[@blakearrowsmith7446]

What an amazing and inspiring trip! Thank you for taking us along!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Anytime Blake, thanks so much for checking it out. Appreciate the kind words.

[@JethroSittingbull]

Thank you for taking along on the ride.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

You're welcome! Hopefully you'll join us!

[@buckmusky2201]

I don't know how I haven't ran across this channel before, but I'm 38 seconds in and I'm subbing, I can already tell that I'm gonna love this, it's exactly the content I come on KZbin for. My goodness, I'm excited about all the content I get to watch when I'm done this!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Hey Buck, thanks so much, really appreciate the support! Hope you enjoy it. There is definitely lots more videos to check out if you're interested. Cheers! 🤘

[@FreakofNature1]

ahhhh there is that soothing narrating voice once again! Definitely a memorable trip David, lots of ups and a couple hiccups. It is Unfortunate you had to run into selfish and negative behaviour in such a beautiful place , definitely not the norm when it comes to outdoorsman etiquette. Awesome white water and spectacular scenery. Well done and thank you for sharing!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Soothing??! 🤔 Hmmm, I may have to debate you on that! 😄 Appreciate the kind words bro. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the continued support!

[@fishon279]

Great video, new viewer! Thanks for sharing, I just want to say that the gentleman telling you guys to leave the fishing spot is shocking. I was happy to hear that you just stayed, and you smacked some walleye in front of them!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Hey Jack, thanks so much! Yeah, that was so unexpected as we were having a nice conversation and then to hear that. We actually did leave the area they were fishing at (at the end of Ess Rapids) and we moved on, but apparently it wasn't good enough. That's where we made our stand and yes, it worked out great with the fishing. Thanks a lot my friend!

[@fishon279]

@@ThePursuitofPassion I was happy to see that! Anyways, enjoyed the video and will be watching the next river trip! Cheers

[@Kwallen870]

What an adventure! Thanks for bringing us along.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks a lot Keith! Appreciate you joining us on the adventure.

[@scottwhite7320]

Absolutely amazing David!! I appreciate all your video's sir, top 10 content creator on KZbin in my honest opinion, please keep the video's coming :)

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Wow, thanks a lot Scott! Really appreciate your comment, support and kind words. Lots more to come for sure. 😊

[@rmazurek777]

Super video - excellent narration and filming - I was riveted!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks so much! Appreciate the feedback and happy you enjoyed it. Hope to see you again.

[@kathiepilotte6743]

WOW, WOW, WOW!!!! Amazing guys, this is by far the best I've seen on KZbin. You are one of a kind! This is what I'm talking about, this is an adventure. I sat here an watched the whole thing, i couldn't do anything but watching did not want to miss one bit. You sure show adventure, not just a camping canoe trip which is nothing wrong with that, but this is AMAZING!! Love the narative, it helps as you go along and you take the time to enjoy the beauty of the river. I don't like when people rush and race to the end. I'm so glad to have found your channel. Great work and keep doing it!! ❤❤❤❤

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Hi Kathie, thanks so much. I don't know what to say. You've left me speechless. I'm thrilled you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for your feedback and your kind words. Hope to see you around again. All the best! Thank you! 😊🙏🙏🙏

[@erickincaid9779]

Great video. Thanks so much for doing it as I know it took a lot of added effort to your journey.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks Eric! You're welcome. It was still enjoyable despite the challenges. 😊

[@nguyentindo]

I'm not sure how I came across the video, but I stopped and watch the whole thing. Thank you for sharing this amazing and beautiful trip! Cheers!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

😄 I guess that's the KZbin algorithm doing it's magic! Well thank you for watching and I appreciate you sharing your thoughts! Cheers

[@JimmyDCarter]

Great video. I loved watching it. Thanks David.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks Jimmy! It was a long one. Appreciate you watching it!

[@ronthomas7892]

What a great trip. Thank you for the video. Subscribed and look forward to watching more of your stuff!!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

You're welcome! Appreciate the follow Ron. Took a pause for some family matters, but will be back soon.

[@NotSoEpicAdventurer]

Wow what an incredible trip / video! Just subscribed looking forward to watching more! Cheers

[@anderslangoks3813]

Thanks for your videos. Always fun to watch.

[@supergoodcamping]

Thank you David, for this wonderful documentary. I can't imagine how much time you spent combing footage & editing, but your labour of love is evident in the end product. It was so much fun to watch you two shoot all those rapids & the killer shots of the falls you didn't shoot! Love the pinned post about dodgy moustaches & showing up on a Netflix documentary. :) Shout out to Pete Parkes for suggesting I watch your longer format video. Good call! Cheers Tim

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks a lot Tim! The many hours spent editing can certainly be daunting at times. Appreciate you taking the time to watch it and share your thoughts. Glad you enjoyed it too. Pete's a good guy. I'm sure you checked out his videos too. Cheers!

[@augustoutside5130]

Ontario camping and paddling season is about to begin!! Great video.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

You bet! As long as the lockdowns don't continue. Let's hope! Thanks a lot.

[@mattbraysails]

Seriously?? Wobbling means stop!!! That tire WAS fixable boys . Loved the video.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Trust us, we questioned the shuttle driver as it made us nervous. Apparently it was doing this during his drive up. He said he did a quick check but didn't find anything. Not sure how we could have fixed it as the bolts were sheared off. Nonetheless it was a learnable moment. Thanks!

[@lindascallon8960]

So good! Great story, narration, and filming. Exciting footage!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks so much Linda! Really appreciate the feedback and kind words.

[@whodatcanuck3519]

What an Epic journey. Truly inspiring. Great narration, great camera work and the all around perseverance. I look forward to checking out more of your videos. Safe travels! Cheers from London, Ontario.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it. There is lots of other videos of canoeing adventures on my channel, so feel free to check them out. Cool, my family has connections to London as well. Cheers!

[@CanoeTheNorth]

Another excellent video. Nice paddling the both of you. Amazing scenery as always and great filming and editing David! So close to that 1000 mark. Couple more days!!!! Awesome work as always!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks a lot Keenan! Appreciate your support. We were in the same area last summer, too bad we didn't cross paths! Hopefully in the future.

[@cultcoordinator]

cant believe you guys dont have more subscribers! such a great video, cant wait to watch the one you just posted

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks Madison! Appreciate the support. It is what it is with the KZbin algorithm. Hopefully in time. Enjoy!

[@dregger098]

Great video. I watched it in pieces the last few days and totally enjoyed it. Thanks for all the hard work. I grew up in White River and have always wanted to canoe it, maybe one day yet.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks a lot Dwaine. Wow, you have history there! That is so cool. Well, now you know, waiting for you to discover it!

[@tompodsiadlo8268]

Can’t wait to watch this !! Thanks for sharing !

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Anytime, thanks for checking it out Tom!

[@AdventuresWithUnkadee]

Very well done! Brings back memories of canoeing with my father, including a multi-day trip in Algonquin Provincial Park. Thank you!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks a lot David! That's great. It's amazing how many people have fond memories of canoe trips in the past with friends and family. A big reason why I continue to pursue canoe trips so passionately. Cheers

[@mikeodonovan7325]

beautiful journey loved it from start to finish it was class very enjoyable great insight about about flows,eddys,currents white water weirs,fast channels, pools thanks for putting this up time well spent watching this brill mike.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Hey Mike, really appreciate you watching and sharing your thoughts. We enjoyed the trip a lot and equally enjoy sharing it with others. Thanks my friend!

[@coffeejohn71]

adversity with experience makes knowledge,you guys are great,you just dumped it and are prepairing for next run,i love it.

[@chrisholland350]

Awesome documentary of your trip. Very Zen, good choices and some very nice lines and moves!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks so much Chris! Appreciate you swinging by and taking the time to watch. Hope to see you around again!

[@pauldevlin6404]

I've done shabotik into white lake and down white into fearless ( post fire ). You lads did a great job capturing the beauty of the area. Thanks for sharing.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Cool Paul, that's great. How did you get out from Fearless? Logging road? You're welcome, and thanks so much for checking out the video and commenting. ✌

[@pauldevlin6404]

The Pursuit of Passion there is a rough portage into it, great laker fishing.

[@kiYAKER741]

A lack of communication by bow paddler during the difficult portion of the rapid (i.e. shouting 'right' or 'left' before strokes so as to side slip parallel to current). Pries are faster and more powerful than cross draws. 22:50: He grabbed the gunnels and leaned away rather than continue leaning into the submerged rock while low bracing - then he should paddle hard to help the stern pivot and pass the rock (s?). An unnecessary dump. Same thing happened to me on the Coppermine. Great video!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Hey Kevin, thank for watching and commenting! I think there could have definitely been a better outcome, whether totally successful or not. Yes, Ben did grab the gunwale which he normally doesn't do, and it didn't help the situation, but I'm sure I didn't help by not correcting the angle of the approach to the drop as much as I could. Everything happened in a split second and with highly aerated water not providing much resistence to the paddles, and of course the split current at the approach, we knew it would be difficult. So yes, it could have definitely been better, but hard to say without doing the run again. (I did contemplate asking Ben if he wanted to try it again, but didn't want to push my luck.) But thanks for your assessment. I watched this scene many times as well to analyze how we could have done it better. It is great we have this ability with video to help us learn and improve. Your Coppermine trip must have been awesome! One of many rivers I would love to paddle. Cheers!

[@sethmiles5116]

Great video very informative thank you so much for documenting such an adventure.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

You're welcome! Appreciate the watch and glad you enjoyed it.

[@Julie-l7r]

Throughly enjoyed watching this documentary 👌 very impressed with your whitewater skills which made it so fun to watch! Not sure if your still posting new videos on this channel, but I subscribed & look forward to watching what is here. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences ❤

[@Lotro123]

Beautiful video and well-told story. Thanks for your efforts. I live in the Sault and this makes me want to get out to the White River! Be safe. Thanks so much.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks a lot Chris! Glad you enjoyed it. Always pass through the Sault so you probably recognized some of the scenes from there. Go for it, the White River is worth it!

[@bernadettetuinman5681]

Amazing video!!!! Excellent job gentlemen. I loved watching this!!!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks so much Bernadette! Glad you enjoyed it. Appreciate the comment.

[@brianking4628]

Great Work! Have driven in that area several times over the years. This video shows another dimension to this area!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Ironically when I drive by or over a river, I always wonder what the waterway is like. So it is rewarding to not only paddle it, but share my experience so others may know. Appreciate the comment Brian, thank you!

[@richardthompson6265]

Top draw lads superb narrative and filming loved it.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks so much Richard! Appreciate the feedback, cheers. 🙏

[@kelchy]

What a top notch high quality video. You guys are amazing. I have distant family in that area and it's been a long time...this makes me want to go up there again soon!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks a lot! Appreciate you watching. Yup, beautiful country up there and always worth visiting.

[@bce010]

Incredible footage, loved the underwater scene from you guys capsizing in Tarpon raps and being so calm and collected afterwards. You have such a wonderful straightforward and captivating narration. Thoroughly enjoyed the adventure from start to finish and appreciate your’s and Ben’s mastery and white-water confidence. Kudos to the both of you. Mad skills Thank you for taking me along for the ride. 🛶🏕

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks so much Brad, really appreciate the kind words and the time you took to watch the documentary. I'm more than thrilled you enjoyed it. Anytime, there will be lots more to come! Cheers!

[@ZhouLinzi]

High quality content as usual. You should get 100 times more views!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks so much Zhou! Appreciate the support.

[@sarahhvezda4790]

Thank you so, so much for this wonderful video. Accolades, excellent. I did that trip with my mum and dad, sister and brother when I was 11, and I'm now 74. I still remember the portage at Umbata Falls. I had to carry the tent and the iron frying pan which was strapped to the outside of the pack, which kept swinging around. That was the hardest portage of the trip. And then there was Lake Superior. It was foggy, raining and really cold and wet. The waves were really pretty big. We were sitting in the bottom of the canoe (of course!). We did make it to Heron Bay and warmed up in a hut of some sort. There was no park then. I have a camp in White River and each summer we do day trips. One day of work one day of fishing. Negawsi Lake used to be called Amyot Lake, accessible only by train. A section below we know as the Birch River. The Hawke (my cousin) rapids and Tarpon Rapids we call them the Dennison Rapids. Bridge to Bridge a yearly trip. The Sandy Rapids portage used to side track through the bush to the transcanada highway. The fishing lines always get caught up in the bushes. Good rapids to shoot if you are careful and fab trout fishing. There was, of course, no transcanada highway, but an old logging road eventually made it to White Lake. My brother and my Dad paddled the Pukaswa River and my brother has also paddled University River. I understand how much you love paddling and for this video you captured the very sense of what paddling rivers are all about. So again I thank you for sharing this with all of us. And if you pass this way again come and see me at the camp. I love my White River.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Wow Sarah, thank you so much!! I love your story and the history that you shared with me and my viewers. It goes to show how much history this amazing river has and all the people it has touched and affected. If that opportunity presents itself, I would love to meet you and chat. Thank you so much for the invite, as well as sharing your wonderful story. My email address is [e-mail] if you like to connect. All the best Sarah! 🙏😊

[@als1023]

Thank you for posting, I remember the name Amyot Lake, after the family of the same name, they lived in Wawa.

[@madenny326]

A thoroughly enjoyable video log of the trip. brings back some memories of Northern Ontario rivers. Thanks!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks so much! There are lots of amazing rivers and waterways in northern Ontario. Glad you have fond memories of them. Looking forward to exploring more of them!

[@paultaylor3856]

I was looking forward to this and I was not disappointed. Great video, really interesting narrative, and a truely epic trip. Those extra camera shots running the rapids must have taken some work to set up and so worth it. Thanks heaps for this, I’ll be watching it again.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Phew! 😄 You always wonder how it is going to be received when you release a video, but thanks to the many comments including yours, it looks like I was able to pull it off. Thanks so much! Definitely, it took extra time and effort to set up and shoot, but worth it. Something I'm hoping to improve and continually work on with future videos and projects. Thanks a lot for your support Paul!

[@manderssteve]

I began white water paddling in 1967, and I am still at it. I joined the Ontario Voyageurs Kayak Club, centered mainly out of Toronto. The group was up and running with about 1/3 of the members being German immigrants that introduced fiberglass white water kayaks to Canada. Herman Kerchoff was one of them, he set up the Madawaska Kayak Camp and took a shot in the first white water Olympics. I joined the group on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho in 1969 , the Galatain, Selway, and Stillwater rivers there. We all paddled home made fiberglass boats that took a weekend to build for about $75. Most were 12 feet long, mine was 14 feet long, running some pretty wild white water. I still have the boat, and 4 more of them. I still use my newer 12 ft fiberglass kayak, now 43 years old. The patches have patches, but it only sinks slowly and I have a lot of fun in it, and it brings back over a half century of memories.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Hey Steven, what a wonderful and storied past you had. Thanks so much for sharing that. I love when people share they stories from the past. I can truly feel the same passion in all of you. Really appreciate you watching the doc and sharing your love of whitewater. Cheers!

[@genezehring6057]

1:24:28 where are the overhead Orange dangling balls warnings? If you got stunk in that current before you could bail out??? Glad you could hear the big waterfall

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

They are well before the Umbata Falls portage. There are many warnings and signs prior to seeing the orange balls so you will know long before you get to the take out. The current wasn't an issue when we were there, but it could be more challenging at higher water levels.

[@dumpster555]

This was awesome. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching and sharing you thoughts. 😊

[@DansPaddling]

In 2003 I ran the White River on a solo trip. One solo run on the Spanish was all the solo experience I had. Back then information was harder to come by. I really didn’t know what to expect. It was a wonderful trip! Within a year or two after, I returned with a friend. Your video definitely brought a flood memories. I was shocked by the situation with the river and definitely saddened. The White as I knew it is gone! Love your style of video. Thanks.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

That's awesome Dan. The Spanish is a great whitewater river as well. I've run both the West and East branches and it certainly would help to prep you for other river trips. Yeah, it is sad what happened to the river. Can't say we were thrilled by it either. Appreciate you checking it out and sharing your experience!

[@mrgrivers1]

What an adventure guys. Thanks for the rid. P.S. Loved those narrating skills.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

You're welcome Glenn! Glad you enjoyed it. Appreciate the comment too!

[@LNMF1]

A truly remarkable video and wonderful adventure. I learned a lot - thank you for sharing

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting Michelle! Really appreciate it. 🙏

[@HermitsOutdoorAdventures]

Love the narration style of your videos and appreciate the step by step explanations for running the whitewater segments. Beautiful and educational.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it and that you found it informative. Really appreciate that you took the time to watch it, as it was a long one! 😬🙏

[@madformaple]

Wow this was a great one! Loved how you brought all aspects of the trip together. Thanks for sharing

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks guys! Glad you enjoyed it. Ready for another season? 🤘

[@madformaple]

@@ThePursuitofPassion Big time!

[@coffeejohn71]

thank you for not including music in this beautiful video of your adventure,i always get so confused when music suddenly appears out of nowhere when i camp,great camera work dude.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

You're welcome. I certainly do utilize music in parts, but try as much to capture and relay the natural sounds as much as possible. Thanks a lot!

[@nedbenfield7304]

Wonderful video, the best I've ever watched on canoeing in beautiful Ontario! What a trip! You also had walleye dinners to go along with it all! Hope to watch more of your adventures! Hoping the border between Mich. and Ontario open up I miss it up there!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Wow, thanks so much Ned! Love to have you join along. There are lots of other canoeing adventures on my channel and many more to come. Likewise, I miss New York for the Adirondacks and can't wait for the border to open as well. All the best!

[@nedbenfield7304]

Starting to watch Some of your other trips. The one where you carried the canoe through the train station was great! I have never canoed in Ontario. You guys are a bit more adventurous than me! I Fished the Gowganda area for years, started back in 68

[@lallspec]

loved it! awesome adventure and great filming/narration.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Hi Lalit, appreciate you watching and your kind comments. Thank you!

[@drbsmokelake5564]

Beautiful river and country..... appreciate you documenting this river and the hydro-dams. No Energy Resources are truly Green or Sustainable. Continued safe travels !

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

You bet! You're welcome. Agreed, every energy source comes with a price. Thanks for checking it out. 🙏

[@The_ZeroLine]

Cool leaf spring @3:15. lol In Canada, there’s always a Good Samaritan to help. ❤️ 🇨🇦 Best Wishes From, 🇯🇵 🇺🇸

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

😝 Too funny. Yes, glad it turned out well, considering. Thanks Nick!

[@yourwaifuistrash3264]

Excellent content guys! True Canadian adventurers! Keep up the good work and wow, what a start

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks a lot! We'll do our best. Thanks for checking it out. 😊

[@conniewaite1996]

Another great paddling partner. Awesome trip, I am tired just watching you guys.but I was pulling with you2the whole way

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Ben is a great tripping partner and friend. We've been paddling together for years. Thanks a lot Connie! 🙌

[@pauldevlin9835]

Had to revisit this again. Just home from doing the Shabotik and the Atigimag back into Shabotik then on into white lake again.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Hey Paul, that's great! Had to look it up. Name sounded familiar but couldn't place it until I saw the map again. How was it? Where did you start?

[@vvgmhod4]

Outstanding chronicle!

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks so much Mark! Thanks so much for watching and commenting. Cheers

[@martincuda7947]

Great journey and excellent commentary

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks so much Martin, appreciate you following along. 😊

[@tombeckett4340]

We did the White in 1982 . It sure has changed. But we did so many different rivers back then. We lost our maps shortly after that first turn over. So we just went for it and took some real chances and were lucky. Because there were some large falls we encountered and that’s were some guys got killed and they never found their bodies.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Wow, other than the new dams and the flooded sections, it must be like going down memory lane! Wow, I'm sure you had some great stories on your trip as well. Yeah, we did hear about some tragedies. It isn't a river to trifle with due to the many falls and big rapids. Thanks for sharing this Tom!

[@PinetreeLine]

Awesome trip boys! No shortage of challenges along the way but you guys hit them head on and with grace. Thanks for taking us along! 🇨🇦

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks a lot! Certainly keeps the trip interesting. Appreciate you checking it out. 🙏

[@Woodswalker1965]

A great TPP video. Gnarly whitewater, wicked portages and was that a spooky moose head in the water!?

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Thanks Wade! 👊 Yup! Moosehead it is. 😬

[@jamesmcintosh9252]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I love your content, and have actually been looking for information on this river to hopefully paddle this summer! What time of summer was this?

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

You're welcome James. Appreciate that, thank you! We went the last week of July to the first week of Aug.

[@AG416]

A&W is the classic fast food stopping point on all outdoor adventures.

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Haha When it is there, you bet!

[@LS-ot4ho]

White River A&W is legendary