We Belong To It - Ray Mears in Northern Ontario

“We must remember that in the end nature does not belong to us, we belong to it.”
This film explores the visual beauty of the Boreal forest landscape, but also delves into Ray Mears’ reflections on nature and his mastered skillset in bushcraft. Follow Ray Mears as he journeys into the heart of Wabakimi Provincial Park in Northern Ontario, Canada.
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WINNER - Best Canoeing Film, Reel Paddling Film Festival 2015
WINNER - Best Canoeing Film, Waterwalker Film Festival 2015
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Director/DP: Goh Iromoto
Original Music: Michael Hyer
Sound Recordist: Kaydi Pyette
Editor/colour: Goh Iromoto
Assistant editor: Jason Kraus
Motion designer: Jason Smith @ Upstate Post
Re-recording mixer & sound editor: Joe Barrucco @ Timeline Audio
Logistical Coordinator: Steve Bruno
Location & Guide Support:
Wabakimi Canoe Outfitters
Bruce Hyer
Margaret Wanlin
Michael Hyer
Brenda Zwicker
Bert Zwicker
Becky Mason
Special Thanks:
Paul Pepe
City of Thunder Bay
Northwest Ontario
Ontario Parks
Rapid Media
Scott MacGregor
This film was produced by Northwest Ontario & Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation.

[@one-WildCard]

wow, that choked me up! I live here in Ontario and to have a man like Ray Mears come here and make this amazing video... I don't know what to say but Thank You Ray. From my heart Thank You.

[@bonitaramsingh]

Lucky dog you among the pine trees.

[@Joyjoygamesforkids]

Ray, you made my childhood and now my adulthood wonderful by opening my eyes to nature. Thank you

[@inisch]

“We must remember that in the end nature does not belong to us, we belong to it.” so right !

[@richardoldham6756]

To me, this is the most meaningful video I've ever watched. Beautifully produced, I sat mesmerized by Ray's thoughts, the Canadian Boreal forest and the guitar. Simply fantastic.

[@robhowe8317]

Ray, your life's work has affected me so deeply. Thank you for your contribution. How needed your voice, your presence and your work is. Thank you.

[@Duunti]

Yes. Ray Mears, every film and series you made is worth your while. Cheers.

[@DamienJoldersma]

Thanks, reminded me of Chief Seattle: “The earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites one family. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself. The earth is sacred and men and animals are but one part of it. Treat the earth with respect so that it lasts for centuries to come and is a place of wonder and beauty for our children.”

[@marklendonml]

Some great comments here. Ray Mears is genuinley my hero. I've seen his live shows 3 times and had the pleasure of meeting him. If I could live my life again and have a choice I'd try to live how he does. The world would be a better place if we all had his attitude, patience and care.

[@JustOneAsbesto]

SLOW MOTION+EXTREME CLOSEUP=CINEMATOGRAPHY.

[@derekhugh]

Ray Mears.... From times when you actually discovered stuff on Discovery Channel..... Best survivalist... Learned so much from this dude.

[@nathanwoodworth5345]

Nothing but respect for Ray, he is hero of conservation and nature. The production value of this video of superb!

[@michaelnowak993]

Bushcrafting, I believe is the most important skills to learn, and we should, if able teach others this AMAZING skill so it can be "PASSED DOWN and NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!!!!

[@sgwknives2184]

22 years since we first met, I have altruistikaly enjoyed the journey. time I did my own. many many thanks Ray.

[@michael_mouse]

May your tinder keep dry and your sparks fly high! Ray Mears... The eternal Boy Scout! Fab film

[@string-bag]

Ray I admire your work immensely, you are a bush craft poet.

[@johnnie160]

What a video! I grew up watching this man on TV.

[@keithhenderson9536]

I don't know how I've missed this one, another great video Ray different league :-)

[@rinaldostreit3632]

This video us pure magic! Thanks a tausond times for taking us along this journey. 🌲🌲🌲

[@WildParkin]

I've been using some lockdown time to write a book about bushcraft. I genuinely got stuck on attempting to explain what bushcraft was. It took hours to put it into words. I thought I'd articulated well until I saw this video again.

[@drewmerrall980]

My father taught me at a young age. I don't remember when. He taught me to make a camp fire, he taught me to collect wild food (which was supper). He taught me to respect nature. I watched Les Higgins in awe. I watched Ray with excitement. I try my best to pass this to my son.

[@-m4nGo-]

This is what love looks like. Just read every comment and fill yourself with energy.

[@MichaelTravis12c27]

What a fantastic film. Thank you for taking the time to make it. Your lessons always speak to me and I need to hear them repeated from time to time.

[@this.handle.is.alreadytaken]

How has this not got millions of views? Ray Mears is THE bushcraft expert. There are bushcraft youtubers out there with more views on one video than Ray does his entire library. Get a good PR team behind you Ray you need more exposer on KZbin!!

[@SuttonWildOutdoors]

Wow. A beautifully shot film that sums up the reason why we paddle.

[@elmtreeroad]

My family migrated to Canada in the early 1800’s from Italy. Hunting and fishing was a very important aspect of how my forefathers learned to thrive on this newly discovered way of life. Passed down through generations my father as a child was exposed to fishing at a young age and in his early twenties was introduced to the French river through his uncle. Fishing trips to northern Ontario for him became an annual tradition beginning in the late 60’s. my father carried out this tradition with me growing up in a very average suburban lifestyle as a single parent. My appreciation for the simplicity of Northern Ontario can not be describe with words. The journey of my soul began in finding peace in nature and forever will my idea of happiness be tied to a close bond shared with this lane. I am grateful that I was lucky enough to be inspired by the way things used to be.

[@markduncan6690]

Ray Mears is the Woodsman that we always refer back to!

[@FarahMahardika]

Full of meanings and so beautiful.. Wish i discovered it sooner. Greetings from Indonesia!

[@msfarnum1]

Ray Thank you. for 4 days I have been on a terribly stressful journey beside my lovely bride. you see her father has chosen Hospice. Non stop stress and little good sleep makes things worse. but while she showered this morning I sat in the truck ready to go and watched your latest video. I feel much more relaxed now and am ready to face the day. because You're right afterall, we do belong to nature and Dad is heading back into her warm embrace. Thanks Ray. You have touched many lives with your work in more ways than you know. From inspiring future conservationists, to comforting survivors. I wish you many blessings and continued good health, wealth, and happiness.

[@mikesrcmadness4752]

Amazing video as always from ray.. a true gent and never seen a video or read anything done by ray and not gain some excellent knowledge.. many thanks ray...

[@MyScubasteve]

Ray is on a whole new level to Bear Grylls, he can really show the modern world some wisdom on humanity/nature and the environment. He knowledge should be used on a higher level, maybe public service? Thanks Mr Mears.

[@enfelice]

As does Les Stroud

[@spacewurm]

Grylls is fake and just entertainment.

[@gwynjames2077]

Should have had honours years ago! If it were not for him bushcraft wouldn't have been this popular in the UK. A knighthood at least!

[@kaltonian]

No comparison, Ray any day for the realness

[@JEEDUHCHRI]

Whole new level?? This dude has been putting out quality content since Gryll’s mom was wiping his nose!

[@Coreybeavs]

This is one of those videos I keep coming back and watching repeatedly. Fantastic!

[@TheSkahead69]

one word... AWESOME! Thank you for your words and thank you for this beautiful pictures! Cheers from Germany

[@WiltshireMan]

Just Fantastic. I wish I had a canoe!

[@RDPproject]

Wiltshire Man Bloody brilliant, wasnt it?.... Get in touch with Pete (Mindwiseman)... maybe organise a day out with him. So you can get the taste for it.

[@randalflagg9086]

+RDPproject lol he said a canoe not a blow up doll on water 😂

[@journeyintobushcraft]

Sandy I'll share my canoe with you any day my friend!

[@jbradshaw4236]

You bought your canoe yet Sandy!! I watch this from time to time and saw your comment. . Kind regards John, W Sussex

[@glxxyz]

I just found an old canoe in the lake beside me. Hopefully have it patched up ready for next spring.

[@user-do1wv3ve1n]

Ray Mears is class, always has been!

[@storbunlimitedbushcraft6996]

Epic... nothing less than epic Ray.

[@TheCervelas]

I'd love to have woodlands like this to explore . There's not much where i am but it still makes me happy , feels like home.

[@paulhoy]

Nice documentary. Mears is insightful and inspiring. And, Goh Iromoto, as usual the ever artist.

[@daveagar5594]

Thank you for all of your videos. I teach Bushcraft and Survival, but i always learn something from you. Thanks again.

[@mfavia620]

Jh

[@redvalleyoutdoors5863]

That has to be one of the most beautiful things I've seen in a long time. Ray you're a legend.

[@brad7r]

Ray, you are legendary. I aspire to be at one with nature as you are. You make me remember the irrelevancy of the modern world, and the beauty in simplicity that is nature. Thank you for everything you do.

[@kaltonian]

I love ontario with its great lakes, i used to live out there for the summer holidays, spent 2 months there for 10 years, stopped with my grandma who emigrated there, spent a lot of time with native Americans, to this day i still feel privileged to have done so as it will live with me forever. Great video, chapter 3 for me, fire is like a gift from the gods, even if you can make a fire you should still practice with new tools to further the skill as normal tools might not be available when you need most, breath with the land at it will breath with you.

[@clantonaw]

Awesome...you know we all hail from different places in the world, but all of us in this community speak the same language. Much respect Ray.

[@outofeden_bushcraft3142]

Simply the BEST!

[@ssuthick3788]

A true legend! Thank you Ray.

[@AEWildwoodsman]

Wonderful! Makes me think of how short a time we really have. Don't waste it.

[@just-dl]

I’ve heard the quote “we belong to it” attributed to several people, mostly native Americans. It is so true. When I’m in the woods, I always start off feeling like a visitor...an outsider. But, as I forget the calendar and ignore my watch and let the thinking and mechanics of my daily life dissolve ... that’s when I become a member of the community of nature. I don’t believe humans are “just another animal,” but we lose something when we forget that we are still animals. More, yes. But, not less. Nature is our inheritance. But also our origins.

[@choochoonaturescall5169]

That is a beautiful little video with some very insightful and spiritually in lightening statements. Wonderful Ray thank you!

[@PrimitiveLifeways]

Beautiful documentary

[@watermain48]

I don't believe I have words capable of putting my feelings about this out. Beautiful.

[@doubled98]

I miss Canada. Ontario was a love of mine back in the 70's and 80's. The canoe is the only way to go. Thanks for the great video. I hope to get back up there some day. God Bless!

[@fearlessfoods2456]

Beautiful, touching, and inspiring!! Thanks!

[@s1914]

What a lovely video. Can't beat Ray!

[@williamparker1169]

Love to watch your canoe trips !! I find your video's most informing, live the outdoors with you, don't stop, train the young people the ways of the woods, your's Bill.

[@Loopylulu8]

Luv ur vids, at 5.57 though I spotted a crafty edit, with the fire steel being struck in slow mo, u actually hear a match being struck for the sound effect! Keep on keeping on Ray I luv everything u do, I luv ur voice , u really r my therapy, ur videos r so soothing aswell as informative, also very spiritual, I wish everyone thought like u & with first nations being so connected rhythmically to our planet & the lands where we live we should all b this way, I don't understand these sheeple who just work , it's all concrete & money & cars to them , mankind needs to connect with each other, & our planet to evolve into more intouch spiritual beings! Cos right now everything is so digital & sterile & reliant on A.I, computers... I am an Aquarius, like urself Mr Mears, & I believe the age of Aquarius is now upon us, so I expect huge shifts for human beings in our not to distant future...

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Awesome film. I'm forty years old and just realized last winter watching videos that what I've been doing my whole life was a hobby (bushcraft) and passion for others. I grew up in the mountains of New Mexico and it was just ritual or way of life. Good job

[@nickpluim2568]

Absolutely wonderful!

[@gryswolf]

Mr Mears, From the southern tip of Africa, I wish to thank you and publicly acknowledge your immensely intense, thorough and unmatched contribution to this subject matter. What strikes me most, after following you and your exploits for years, is the ever increasing humility, as one cannot but realize that we are, in the greater scheme of things: irrelevant (although we hold all the potential to be either supportive or destructive). Thank you for your endless dedication and commitment to not only preserve the knowledge but also for awakening a generation to a much greater awareness through participation. It is a fact that many great men, adventurers and explorers have gone before you. But no-one can claim to have done what you have done in the revival (and therefore survival) of much of the revered practice of bushcraft. Bringing to life that which had been nothing more than dusty historical relics in publications of ages past. Please do not stop doing what you are doing. Looking forward to your coming contributions with great anticipation. Best of Luck & Godspeed. G

[@mrelkoholics]

Thanks ray, my home where i grew up,miss it.

[@drivenbythewill]

A masterclass in film making.

Beautiful!!!

[@TrailTrek]

Inspiring, reminds me of all the good times i've had since a child in the wood.

[@leeburgess9416]

Absolutely beautiful Ray.

[@scottyhughes9179]

most inspiring. my favourite part of Ontario.

[@bogtrotter5110]

Beautiful, thank you.

[@csbauch]

This simply takes you there. Absolutely mesmerizing. So well done.

[@drownthedays]

This is absolutely remarkable.

[@leebateman8705]

A very relaxed look at the simpler life... Thanks Ray... and team

[@AB-kg6rk]

Love the cinematography.

[@maolsonpf]

More fantastic words and wisdom from a wonderful human being. peace.

[@marycmcnaught]

Beautifully shot. Truley magical and pieceful, as one with nature.

[@robertk3850]

Great video......I always love Ray Mears videos....this is one of the BEST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Digger

[@tentage26]

fantastic video could watch for hours

[@larryeddings3185]

Time spent listening to and watching Ray Mears is very well spent.

[@EDCAdventures]

Truly inspiring. The reason I became a bushcrafter instead of remaining a hiker with all the modern tools is because of you.

[@stratocat]

I've gone on a few fly-in fishing trips in Wabakimi a few times, the most humbling experience I've ever had next to the birth of my children.

[@bilbobagshot8891]

What a beautiful film, and with a great sentiment

[@andylewisbushcraft38]

Breathtaking. Beautiful film, scenery, location and truly heartfelt words. Wonderful.

[@smeg0911]

What a fantastic piece of work thank you

[@GabrielIonescuisro]

Beautifully made film, art at his best, as for Ray Mears, I've watched all his clips because I am a big fan of bushcrafting... Cheers! ;-)

[@SIXGUNSAM]

Wonderful Production my friends👍 My mixed Blood G Grandmother came off the Six Nations Reserve. Never ventured up into the Canadian wilds-such tranquil land of many Waters. I’ve Spent my 60+ decades in the Pacific N west/Sierras/Rockies and High Desert wilderness

[@tombeckett4340]

Thanks Ray good job! 👍🇨🇦

[@df19802010]

really beautiful, thanks Ray

[@Jamesah1975]

Beautiful film. The close ups and slow motion were exquisite. More please.

[@hannahgraham-devries8805]

truly inspiring! Can't wait to start my first bushcraft adventure in Norway this spring

[@billa.785]

Amazing photography. Ray is a natural story teller well worth listening to. Awesome experience.

[@forestroamer8018]

Simply stated-- this was the most grandeur film on Bushcraft I have ever seen. The principles discussed are fundamental to Bushcraft; they are also fundamental to life, thank you for creating this!

[@victorcouwenbergh8892]

What a beautiful, inspirational film this is.

[@MichaelSeeberger13]

Simply beautifully done!

[@mjuhanil]

Hey Ray, I used to see your show before but haven't in years. Good to see you in my amazing part of the world. I'm not sure if people here realize how lucky we are to be able to drive 20 minutes and be in total wilderness. I went yesterday to a beautiful little Lake and caught trout and saw a lynx and a moose running down the road in front of us.

[@gilligansisle6914]

That was great Mr. Mears! Thanks once again

[@MrJohnperez]

Beautiful,thank you!

[@mikaelkagero6367]

Creation of Gud,i'snt? Realy beutiful! Thanks för this video! Mikael from Sweden

[@Iancarriedaway]

One of the best productions bringing the world back to Bushcraft

[@itsalectime]

Absolutely amazing

[@randalflagg9086]

You the man Ray no doubt.

[@tekknorat]

Fantastic film.

[@nicolaimartin3803]

Your words resonate with me so deeply, thank you.

[@neanderthaloutdoors9202]

Loved every second, brilliant video, I need a canoe, thanks for showing us, Paul.

[@miller3138]

Certainly puts things into perspective. While people are consumed with making money and status, Ray shows what true living entails. I've been enjoying the wilderness for over 15 years but one can always learn something dynamic from Ray. Thank you Mr. Mears

[@BushcraftQuebec]

it reflecs what it feels like to be a bushcrafter