The Famous Canadian Portage You Probably Never Heard Of (Gateway to the Arctic / EP 1)

Gateway to the Arctic is a 6-part video series documenting the 2022 month-long expedition through Canada’s barren lands. The route is designed to explore the iconic landscapes of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut by attempting to travel over 800 km from the tree line of Great Slave Lake north to the Arctic Ocean.
We would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the Akaitcho Dene and Inuit peoples whose ancestral lands we traveled through as part of this trip. We recognize that our own understanding and experience is limited, and that Indigenous peoples hold the knowledge and wisdom of their unique relationship with this land.
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#Northernscavenger

[@billfarley9167]

Four of us (two canoes) paddled the Thelon River from Whitefish Lake to Baker Lake in the 60's. A wild and beautiful trip. Now 90 this year with tons of memories. I envy you guys.

[@dwaynemcallister7231]

Bill thx for sharing your memory of that, my Dad flew float planes and ski plane's in the 50's through the 90's all over the western arctic there are some unsolved mysteries up north like Johnny Bourassa and others

[@jasonmanley5287]

I’ve said it on your channel before, but it bears being said again: I have NO IDEA how your channel doesn’t have at least 1M-plus subscribers. The scope of the adventures you undertake, combined with the quality of the filmmaking/storytelling make for an extremely entertaining experience. Hey, algorithm! Throw these guys a bone!

[@fishpants3877]

Yes. Couldn't have said it better.

[@kylewilliams4490]

Holy shit I know they are still a very much hidden gem u fortunately. Let’s help spread the word with friends and on reddit!

[@itssafeinthecity]

One year ago i was very sick in hospital with Covid watching Flow to James Bay. I seriously know that you guys had a hand in my recovery and helping maintain my mental stability. Forever thanks. Been back on the water myself too since, so MANY MANY THANKS. Martin Booth. ❤️➕🥕🥕

[@NorthernScavenger]

Wow, that's great. It must be the Booth connection

[@itssafeinthecity]

@@NorthernScavenger Yes it must be, such an illustrious name.... I notice you are not using the famous waterproof trousers this trip... Keep paddling brothers! Martin Booth, London, England,

[@olejacobstalesen6558]

Here in Norway, many a young boy spent hours buried in Helge Ingstad's books from the areas around Great Slave Lake!

[@NBGUY]

Heck yeah!!! The time has arrived!! Let the EPICNESS commence!!

[@bonpecheur4565]

Yes sir you got that right !

[@alexmcneily]

in over 50 years of canoe and kayak trips I've paddled many places. But you guys know how to choose meaningful epic voyages, inject relatable history AND make me feel like I'm along there with you day by day, through bad weather and worse weather. So good! Keep up the good work. Your episodes stand out from the rest.

[@MrJayson204]

I’m all hunkered down lads. Let’s go on a classic, Canadian adventure!

[@Dystersadventures]

I’ve been patiently waiting for this. Thanks for inspiring a generation of canoe lovers and trippers lads!

[@jamesw5836]

I found this channel last year when it was linked from another popular Canadian adventure channel. Every time I watch videos on these channels the one thing that brings memories flooding back is the sound of mosquitos buzzing around the microphones....funny in a lot of ways but that one sound gets me almost teary eyed. This summer will be my 32nd and 33rd trip into the wilderness of western Ontario. These are fishing trips and while we don't canoe when we were younger we portaged 12ft aluminum boats. We now take ourselves down an old logging road and out onto an island for a week. I have seen other humans twice in all these trips. I have shared memories with my spouse, in-laws, nephews, friends and, most importantly, three very special people who made over twenty trips together. Time has reduced our numbers by two but for the past six years the two of us take a trip alone. Why? Because in quiet times we can still hear the four of us laugh, curse, and sometimes even slapping those "dam skeets". Thanks so very much for bringing back so many memories :-)

[@NorthernScavenger]

James you nailed it. The memories made on wilderness trips never fade. Cheers

[@maximbudnick]

Been waiting for this!

[@lsdev4229]

FANTASTIC....Wednesday's just got awesome again....giddy up!

[@fishpants3877]

This is how memories are made.

[@plainairbarnettsoutdoors]

Welcome to the north. I've been fortunate working for and with whom they shared their land experiences ❤ Can't wait to see the following episodes.

[@jaythomas996]

Noah, great to see you and Alex on another wilderness trip. And this time, joined by two brothers, Graham (tree planter and musician) and Kyle (lawyer). While quite a mixture of backgrounds, all share the love of the outdoors and the need to explore. Thanks for sharing these adventures.

[@lesteph101]

Bravo les gars …juste incroyable…wow

[@gregsoto2679]

You have no idea how much I have been waiting for this post. The Barrenlands are beautiful. The trout were huge. I’m so happy for you guys to be out together again in such incredible terrain. Looking forward to next. ❤

[@Doreana48501]

Speaking of Barrenlands have you watched the Canadian movie on Netflix called "Lost on the Barrens" I've watched it 4 times now its that good.

[@gregsoto2679]

@@Doreana48501 Just searched - not there.

[@Doreana48501]

@Greg Soto Hey Greg. I just checked Netflix and your right it's now gone. But I checked and it's on KZbin as is the sequence . Have a gander..it's there

[@billfarley9167]

The Barrenland Grizzly is large as well.

[@A_Fellow_Man]

Welcome back boys! Keep doing what your doing, these videos inspire the masses to adventure and live life to the fullest.

[@niemiannen]

This was the best spent six hours in a long time. What an adventure. It makes my own trips in the nearby lakes here in Sweden seem small, but I guess we share the love of nature and adventure. Thank you!

[@NorthernScavenger]

Thanks for joining us on this one. You're right, we all share that love

[@steveclarke1857]

The ending song made the whole video for me, my dudes. Fuck, I miss canoeing in Canada. I'm not crying, you're crying.

[@fishmonger5341]

What is the song?

[@jasonrichards5646]

These films should have a like for every viewer! Amazing work and stories, excited to watch the series.

[@katejordan9569]

Pressed the send button mistakenly. Anyway I’m thrilled to be a part of this adventure. Great content, scenery, science, history and respect. Helps make this looooong Alaskan winter easier to get through. Safe travels. Bruce from AK

[@frontierfishingwithryanmac1981]

As someone who has worked on the East Arm of Great Slave Lake since 2008 I have heard many amazing stories from the Natives in Lutselk'e about Pike's Portage and Artillery Lake - there are some MASSIVE Lake trout in that lake!! Many famous and historical people have traversed that Portage and area - Helge Ingstad wrote an amazing account of his travels all throughout that area and his book "The Land of Feast and Famine" is a GREAT Read!! Love the video you put together!

[@als1023]

Thanks for posting !

[@MRP78]

Bravo boys, bravo! 👏👏👏How you capture the feel and emotion of the trip along with the breathtaking scenery is outstanding! Can't wait for the next episode. Oh, and the song and guitar at the end was awesome!

[@Thenomadicbrewer]

Whiskey brûlée! It’s great seeing the crew that you build every season Noah. Stoked for every episode. Cheers eh!

[@BushCog]

Awesome guys, great seeing a trip in my neck of the woods. Beauty fish!!

[@DanielRamirez61184]

🎉 been waiting a long time cheers!!

[@ride-paddle-repeat]

So many youtube videos I simply watch to enjoy seeing the content. These films produced by you guys are ones I actually feel like I'm being transported to the landscape. Much respect and gratitude for your efforts.

[@drewcrocker2185]

Always a pleasure watching y'all get up to some rad stuff.

[@rebeccadees2300]

I was wondering what I was going to be watching on KZbin today now I know … your epic journey! I’ve been living vicariously through several other channels on outdoor adventures in Canada. I’ve really enjoyed them and now I’ve found this channel. Thank you for sharing this awesome expedition with your colleagues.

[@TheTrevortyrone]

Echoing a very similar sentiment...WELCOME BACK! Looking forward to sharing in this next epic adventure. Wish all well.

[@paultaylor3856]

Have been looking forward to this and not disappointed. It’s going to be another amazing series.

[@musingwithreba9667]

Wow that fish was huge! 😳 Can't wait for the next episode!

[@Susan53940]

Wow, what a tremendous Ep 1. Noah's fish had some orca vibes when he brought it into the shallows.

[@ericcp8757]

So happy for a new season! It always feels so great when you drop these at the end of a long cold winter. You are real inspirations to so many of us!

[@bethstewart1319]

Four polite guys on an epic adventure, clean language (mostly--you can work on that!), courtesy and 'let's get it done' attitude. Very Canadian! Good job. I'm subscribed.

[@terizumbusch8408]

I just discovered this series and i'm on number two and it is amazing. You guys are way fun to travel with and I really appreciate the geologic information it is amazing. I know your journey's over but mine has just begun so excited. God bless you guys as you visit an amazing creation that not many see. Thanks for sharing

[@doncox1330]

Whoa! I follow several others but this is a hidden gem. I’m looking forward to seeing this trip progress. Amazing scenery. Love this!

[@alanbierhoff6831]

I’m only 9 minutes in and already totally stoked for this series. You guys never disappoint 😊

[@icare6076]

Oh. my. God. This is fantastic. ❤ I am so grateful to be on another vicarious adventure with Northern Scavenger. Excellent filming, warm connections among kindred spirits, and those fish!!!

[@NorthernScavenger]

💚

[@YYChinook]

Your adventures are so amazing...Thanks for taking us along

[@elisabethe8055]

You guys are a true inspiration. Love the Arctic, and i hits me how similar this region is to my home turf here in Scandinavia. I live in the northern parts and it feels like walking in my own area. Things that differ is the cliffs and that this area you are in has more water. But other than that, mosquitoes is just as bad.. ;) We even share this mythical creature Musk ox.. Also, i love that you pay tribute and respect to the Indigenous people that roam this land. You guys are awesome, thank you for sharing! As always!

[@PhilipSweezey]

Been waiting for this all winter. So pumped it is finally here. Can't wait for the epic fishing moments.

[@travelfreaksaroundtheworld6091]

Yes!!!! Love the evolution of yr adventures with portage, canoeing, mosquitoes and sceneries from 1st episode to last! Amazing first episode! Can't wait for next one!!

[@SeanGettingsActorComedian]

Great to see the “boys back on the portage trails “. We appreciate the learning your trips present to the viewers. Great stuff. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@aSlice0fSam]

Some great film making so cinematic at the start of each day

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Amazing adventure guys!

[@prof.heinous191]

Looking forward...

[@bluwtrgypsy]

This is just the kind of adventure that is exciting, inspiring, interesting and just awesome. So happy I found this channel. Thank you for the informational tidbits along the way. Blessings

[@katy2too217]

What a beautiful land acknowledgement. So typical of your continual respect of the land you travel on. Love seeing that. It’s such a special opportunity to travel so far north and let the rest of us experience it. Great opening episode. 🇨🇦❤️

[@mason6883]

So cringe

[@trishaharrison6183]

Spectacular lads as always. Scenery is absolutely stunning. Can’t wait to see more.😘

[@feuby51]

I'm so stoked to watch this !

[@jb1934]

I haven't read or thought about artillery lake since i read about john hornby, just once many years ago. and suddenly there it is, looming in the offing. and then the shout out to hornby for good measure! i realize that the inuit traditions are much longer and deeper, and they have been acknowledged here, but for myself all i know is the more recent european history and it's nice to see those dots being connected.

[@kevinthewild]

Fantastic start to an epic adventure!! Very much looking forward to the rest of the series! Cheers boys 🍻

[@michaellebaron594]

Once again you boys have created a video which is amazing both in content and your production skills. Best channel on KZbin!!

[@mrdean7206]

Great, great, great, very looking forward to the rest of the series.

[@EzeAdventurer]

EPIC EPIC EPIC - NO other way to describe this. True riches boys, these experiences will be yours FOREVER.

[@bosse641]

Would have loved to trek Canada and Alaska across right at the tree line. Would have been such an interesting and amazing experience.

[@frankdunn1003]

I will be humming your tune all season as I slog through the forest with canoe overhead. Those lines spoke to my soul... "I portaged a lot. I don't want to do that any more. But that's a lie, because I'll keep doing it. Because that's how memories are made." - Great start to the series!

[@johnclark9691]

once again a totally awesome show fantastic scenery you guys rock the tundra Keep the shows coming.

[@michaelbroyer3918]

Outstanding Ep.1 !! Love your expedition videos and my god, that 35 pound lake trout!!! Bravo!

[@canoeingnav7618]

Worth waiting for. Looking forward to the next installment.

[@GinaScott0315]

Wow!!! Thanks Xander for the great suggestion to the this channel… Big new huge fan here!!! I absolutely love content like yours!!!! 😊

[@jeffkatzer]

Noah you are a walking encyclopedia. Well done buddy.

[@johnp1]

Thanks for taking us along. I would never be able to explore that part of Canada.

[@allanchrysler3797]

Welcome back! Hope everyone is doing well. This is going to be an incredible documentary. I'm already stoked about the fishing. Thank you for sharing,!

[@andyrunkel8296]

What a treat. I actually have heard of Pike's Portage and have read the journal of Warburton Pike. I also understand and respect your decision to complete the portage. Imagine all the moccasin shod feet that have travelled that same path. It's an amazing piece of North American history and thank you for bringing this to us. I also want to thank you for the instruction about the 5 factors regarding the "tree line." The John Hornby notes are also a cool touch.

[@richard_west]

"Pike Place' coffee on Pike's Portage....nice touch!

[@ElevationATV]

Good brew!

[@davidpeckham2405]

Finally! Your like brothers that I havn't heard from in a long time. Much younger brothers. Love this.

[@mikefawcett332]

Thanks guys, awesome camera work and cinematography, historical context from both a western and indigenous culture perspective, cool tunes and wicked scenery. Thanks for taking us along. High Five to the editing team. Looking forward to the next episodes.

[@NorthernScavenger]

Thanks, Mike

[@rogerdudra178]

We had the same issue with fishing lures rising too high when we were paddling. Take 2 blades of a daredevil put them together and put the ring, hook stuff back on the blades. We used 5" daredevils.

[@joegorocket]

Great video I like it say best video ever I watch KZbin videos for 10 years every day your video and Steve Perry videos are the best Steve talks about photography.

[@robertfallows1054]

Terrific. Waiting to see the next one. You guys are kinda nuts though. 😄 I saw the Labrador/Quebec trip and I think you are going to out do that. !!

[@jackpinepaddle-st8hl]

This is a great start to the series! Felt my heart racing when you guys hooked into those nice lake trout. Can’t wait for the next episode!

[@jonathanspindloe8854]

I have waited since the summer for this 6 part series. Keep it up!! Love your videos!!

[@PatrickCallahann]

I grew up in the NWT and love seeing when people make the trip up to visit. truly some of the most untouched wilderness in the world. awesome vid cant wait to see more

[@aarondlorenz]

I'm always excited to see new material from you lads.

[@kearnsey64]

I can't believe you're at 40K plus subscribers.?? I started watching at about 8K. This was an awesome trip. Still wading through your last 5 hour epic trip! God speed!

[@NorthernScavenger]

Thanks a lot for your support over the years, Charles

[@theroadnottakentravel]

ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN👌👌👌

[@Glensonthego]

Beautiful shots! Love it

[@halinawiecek2297]

You guys awesome such a beautiful adventure, and awesome fishing I can watch you guys more all the best and take care guys.

[@renke2017]

A muskox on day 2…how unbelievable is that! Can’t wait to see more of that awesome trip!

[@jjcudmore1]

That was great thanks guys. Can't wait to see the rest of them.

[@tomtommy2227]

Woo hoo, great to see another series coming :-) I'm nearly prepped for an 1800km NWT trip this summer, just me and my senior dog. However I won't be starting with a portage haha, madmen!

[@NorthernScavenger]

Wow! Enjoy Tom, that will be an adventure

[@johnmccormick175]

Great video and excited to watch the first episode,amazing country and wow the fishing!..Thanks for sharing and stay safe guys!

[@cliffordwright342]

Been looking so forward to this Noah.

[@jasonlynch2919]

So far so boys. Will watch again in the next day or so.

[@williamleopold507]

Looking forward to seeing all of your videos . Travel safely !

[@mattyinthesky9424]

All I have been waiting for guys guys. This is amazing .

[@DBogey]

Great job Boys! Those lakers are crazy big. Cannot wait for the next installment.

[@user-wc8il4ri3t]

Thank you for the very beautiful picture thanks you ❣️❣️🇹🇭

[@paulhayes9765]

What an awesome start to a great video series. Nice lake trout for sure Noah. Thanks again for taking us along on your magnificent adventure. Cheers

[@whodatcanuck3519]

I'm super stoked to see the journey, boys! 🙌 Thanks for the inspiration!

[@jasonintheforest7936]

What a great video. Incredible fish. Looking forward to the rest of the trip. Cheers

[@rhodavanleer3393]

So waiting for this !! Thank you for the adventure…

[@mackhughson3722]

Gonna be a banger! Was waiting for this one

[@CanadianSledDog]

I think it's safe to say that you guys have raised the bar again, with this trip, and with the video. Not to mention one of the most unbelievable fish I've ever seen. Cheers and thanks for the inspiration.

[@rogerdudra178]

Back in 1970 we floated the South Fork of the Flathead River from it's source (Youngs Creek) to Hungry Horse Reservoir in Grumman aluminum 17 foot canoes. We started the trip with a 3 day hike over the continental divide. The Bob Marshall Wilderness is a neat place with very large fish.

[@karlaarmstrong1843]

Been patiently waiting for these episodes to drop! Well done! Love the monster fish and the uke playing at the end of the video is absolutely perfect!

[@SoloSchmitty]

Loved it. I have always been fascinated by great bear and great slave lake. Giant bodies of water in the middle of nowhere. Than watching the alone season at great slave lake really made me want to visit. Thanks for sharing this trip and all the great content you share!

[@dhbousquet]

Yahoo! The Scavengers are back!!!