Explore every episode of the podcast Super Good Camping Podcast
Dive into the complete episode list for Super Good Camping Podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
Five hours on the road from Toronto buys a special kind of silence: no sirens, no exhaust, just water, granite, and the small sounds you forget exist until you’re back in the bush. We’re Tim and Thomas, checking in with a Trip Log from day five of our September canoe trip in Algonquin Provincial Park near Barron Canyon. It’s gorgeous out here, even if we arrived on that awkward edge where fall colours haven’t fully exploded yet.
A cold snap rolls in and suddenly the forecast matters a lot more. We talk about shoulder-season camping in Ontario, what it’s like sleeping when nighttime temps flirt with freezing, and why unpredictable weather feels like the new normal. If you’re planning an Algonquin backcountry camping trip, you’ll hear the practical side of adapting on the fly: layering, sleep systems, and accepting that the best timing is often only obvious after the fact.
We also get into the fun details that make a canoe trip memorable: spotting a strange purple-ringed mushroom (and why we absolutely do not eat it), putting together satisfying backcountry meals from dehydrated ingredients, and the very real problem of cooking instructions rubbing off Ziploc bags. We finish with a paddle toward the canyon’s west end, turning back when moving water and a portage make themselves known, plus a few hopeful casts that do not pay off.
If you like honest camping talk, Algonquin canoe route vibes, and the simple motivation to get outside, hit play, subscribe, and share this with a friend who needs a reason to plan their next trip. After you listen, leave us a review and tell us what you always pack for cold September nights.
A solo canoe trip can feel like freedom right up until you picture the first portage, the first night sound outside the tent, or the moment you realize there is no one to delegate to but yourself. We sit down with Kirsten Graham May, a solo backcountry canoeist and veterinarian, to get honest about what it really takes to travel alone in the backcountry and actually enjoy it. From early family trips to hard-earned skills like loading, lifting, and carrying a canoe safely, she lays out how confidence is built one practical decision at a time.
We also talk about the parts of solo canoe tripping that get brushed aside, especially for women. Kirsten explains the extra safety calculations, the uncomfortable moments that can happen on route, and why representation matters in paddling culture. Her “Church of the Single Blade” started as a joke about single versus double blade paddles, but it has grown into a clear message: get yourself on the water, find your own pace, and don’t let gatekeeping shape your idea of who belongs outdoors.
Then things get real with a backcountry emergency in Killarney Provincial Park. Kirsten finds an injured solo hiker who has activated a SPOT device, helps with first aid and pain management, and ends up coordinating with an air ambulance helicopter that can’t easily reach the patient. That story leads into a grounded conversation about satellite communicators like the Garmin Messenger, simple check-in routines, and building gear systems that reduce risk without turning a canoe trip into a tech project. We finish with her bucket-list plans for Quetico, the French River, and favourite paddling zones across Ontario.
If you care about solo canoeing, backcountry safety, portaging, and smart canoe camping gear choices, this one will stick with you. Subscribe, share this with a paddling partner, and leave us a review, then tell us: what would make your first solo trip feel doable?
A stay day can feel strange if you’re used to measuring a canoe trip by distance, but that’s exactly why we hit record from Brigham Lake near Barren Canyon in Algonquin Provincial Park. The temperature drops, the fire starts early, and we let the quiet do what it does best: bring us back to ourselves. If you’re craving a realistic backcountry camping Ontario check-in, this Triplog is the sound of two campers choosing “nothing on the schedule” and meaning it.
We get into the practical stuff too, because camp life is made of details. Lunch is freeze-dried shepherd’s pie, supper is Tim’s dehydrated tuna casserole, and we talk honestly about the trade-offs of dehydrated meals that include dairy. We also share a couple of classic Algonquin moments: following the sound of running water near the thunderbox, slipping on a root, and ending up butt-first in a small river, then hearing an ominous rip while chopping wood and discovering torn pants that need a patch.
From there, the conversation widens into why we trip at different paces. We pass travellers, hear about student outdoor education groups, and reflect on how we used to go hard with big portages every day. Now, we’re more protective of the decompression side of canoe tripping, especially when work and the city have been loud. We also look ahead to a Teslin River to Yukon River canoe expedition where silty water can change everything, including whether filtering is even an option.
You’ll also hear a few wildlife notes, including geese hanging around camp and hawks circling overhead, plus where to find us online if you want the video version. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a stay day, and leave a review with your own best tip for slowing down outside.
You do not need a tent to have a real outdoor day. We’re talking about Ontario Parks day use, the easiest way to get beaches, trails, and that “we went on an adventure” feeling without sleeping on the ground, hauling heavy gear, or stressing about camp cooking. If you’ve ever thought camping sounds fun but the overnight part sounds like work, this is your on ramp.
We walk through what day use looks like in provincial parks in Ontario, including how day use hours and seasonal closures can affect your plans in the fall and shoulder seasons. We also share why day trips are perfect for scouting a park before you commit to a full week of camping. From checking out the layout to testing out activities with the kids, a day visit can save you from booking the wrong spot for your family. We also talk fall colours, including why Algonquin can get wild during peak foliage and how planning ahead makes the experience smoother.
Then we get practical about Ontario Parks permits: daily vehicle permits, how “per vehicle” pricing works, and the value of longer options like an annual vehicle permit, plus summer and winter permits. We cover discounts and free access for groups like seniors and Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans, and we highlight how reserving up to five days in advance can be the difference between an easy entry and a frustrating turnaround at a busy gate.
Finally, we run through the day use perks that make these trips worth repeating: hiking and mountain bike trails, swimming beaches, canoe and kayak rentals, life jacket lending programs, learn to fish programs, guided nature walks, picnic shelters, and group areas for bigger family outings. If you’re ready for more fresh air and less hassle, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave us a review so more people can find the show.
Your paddle is the one piece of canoe gear you use thousands of times a day, so when it changes, everything changes. We’ve been running a RippleFX carbon fibre bent shaft paddle in the backcountry, and the difference isn’t subtle: it feels so light you almost forget you’re holding it, and the canoe responds faster with the same effort.
We talk through what stood out on the water, including the very real caution that carbon fibre and rocks don’t always mix in low water. That led us to swap back to an old wooden paddle for the sketchier sections, and that moment became the clearest “before and after” test possible. The wooden paddle suddenly feels heavy and dead, while the bent shaft delivers more efficient power through the stroke and a noticeable boost in thrust even without an oversized blade.
We also get into paddling technique and comfort, especially for stern paddlers relying on a J-stroke. With the bent shaft, you can keep straighter lines with fewer corrections once you dial in wrist angle and timing. And because bodies are different, we share why a custom shaft length matters if you’ve got back issues or need more reach to get outside the boat without strain. We first met Chris from RippleFX at the Hamilton Outdoor Adventure Show, and we point you to more places to see the paddle up close on our YouTube channel.
If you enjoy practical canoe tripping gear reviews and honest field notes, subscribe, share this with a paddling buddy, and leave us a review. What paddle are you using right now, and what do you love or hate about it?
Day three hits different when the noise finally drops out. We’re camped on Brigham Lake during an eight-day canoe trip through Algonquin Provincial Park, tucked into a secluded site near the Barron Canyon area, and you can hear the trip settling into our bones. The goal is simple: trade screens for water, trees, and the kind of quiet that makes you notice fish jumping and the shape of the shoreline under your boots.
We walk through the real on-the-ground details that make or break a backcountry canoe trip in Ontario: portage choices, why map distances don’t always match the park signage, and what it means to look at rapids and still choose the carry when your canoe is loaded with serious weight. We also talk shoulder-season camping strategy, from warm afternoons in the low 20s Celsius to near-freezing nights, plus how we think about sleeping bag ratings, layers, and comfort when the temperature swings hard.
Then the conversation widens to what we’re travelling through. We share the payoff sights, including massive cliff faces linked to Tom Thomson painting sites and a couple of tall, skinny waterfalls, and we grapple with the logging history that still shows up in the landscape and even in the water. To round out camp life, we get into food and gear, including why a reflector oven is a game-changer for camp pizza and how small tweaks and tougher storage can make well-used equipment last.
If you like Triplog style stories, Algonquin canoe route talk, and practical backcountry camping tips, subscribe, share this with a paddling buddy, and leave a review so more folks can find the show. What’s your favourite way to decompress outside?
Eleven days solo in a canoe sounds peaceful until the wind decides it doesn’t follow the rules. We sit down with Sean Rowley from Paddling Adventures Radio to relive his 11-day solo canoe trip around Manicouagan Reservoir in Quebec, the massive circular “Eye of Quebec” formed by an ancient meteor impact. Sean shares what big, exposed water really demands: patient decision-making, smart timing for finding campsites on rocky shorelines, and the ability to change plans fast when waves start wrapping around points.
From there, we zoom out into trip planning and paddling travel, especially when you’re heading somewhere that doesn’t work like Ontario. Sean walks us through his research process using Google, maps, photos, and the kind of rabbit holes that turn a simple idea into a full-on “dossier.” If you’ve ever worried you’re asking a dumb question while planning a remote route, this chat will make you feel seen and better prepared.
Japan becomes our main example of how different outdoor culture can be. Sean describes historic gorge rafting, the challenge of finding canoe rentals without a guide, and why “day camping” exists in places like Hokkaido where bear safety is a real factor. We also talk about guided paddling done well, building community through canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding, and experiencing Indigenous Ainu dugout canoe traditions on the Saru River.
If you love canoe tripping, paddling safety, and practical trip planning, hit play, then subscribe, share the episode, and leave a review so more campers find the show.
A sleeping pad can look great on a spec sheet and still ruin your night with cold spots, awkward valves, or that maddening squeak every time you roll over. We put the Nivora X inflatable sleeping pad through a real first-night test at camp, starting with full disclosure about receiving it for review and what that means for how we judge it.
We walk through the numbers that backpackers actually care about: the claimed R-value of 6.4, the listed weight of 432 grams (about 15 to 16 ounces), the inflated size (183 cm by 51 cm by 10 cm), and the compact pack size. Then we get practical, because comfort is not a spreadsheet. You’ll hear how the pad feels once it is down, why it seems to “stretch” a bit like a frontcountry air mattress, and how a quick top-up before bed can matter for firmness.
The valve design is a standout. We talk about how easy it is to open, how fast it is to dump air when packing up, and how well a FlexTail pump fits for quick inflation. Most importantly, we share the part you cannot learn from product photos: sleep quality. The Nivora X feels soft, supportive, and it does not squeak, which is a big deal if you move around at night or share a tent. We also flag what we cannot confirm yet: whether that 6.4 R-value holds up once colder weather arrives.
If you care about lightweight camping gear, inflatable sleeping pads, and getting better sleep outdoors, press play and hear our early verdict. Subscribe for more field-tested reviews, share this with a camping buddy, and leave a rating or review with the one feature you refuse to compromise on in a sleeping pad.
Day two in Algonquin can feel like a reset button: the rush of getting in is over, the lake starts to slow you down, and you finally notice what’s working and what isn’t. We’re recording from our September 2026 canoe trip on Lower Barren as we settle into a stay day before heading upriver toward the Barron Canyon. From glassy morning reflections to a breeze picking up with the sun, it’s one of those classic Algonquin Provincial Park moments that reminds us why we keep coming back.
We rewind to the previous night’s late arrival and the practical realities of backcountry travel, including a short paddle, a portage made slippery by rain, and the constant question of how you’re going to get a reliable fire when everything on the ground is wet. Dry wood becomes its own piece of gear, and meal planning becomes the backbone of camp morale, whether it’s steak and corn (with a little unexpected grit) or a simple dinner plan built around marinated chicken, bread, and salad, plus the small victory of actually remembering the salad dressing.
We also dig into the campsite details that quietly shape the whole trip: a tent spot that isn’t rooty, a solid view onto the lake, and even a thunderbox setup that comes with its own odd little story. Then we get nerdy about new camping and canoe gear we’re testing, including an Agua cook set, a wickedly light bent-shaft paddle and finally dialing in the J-stroke, and a new thick air mat that’s comfy without the squeak that can ruin everyone’s sleep. If you like Algonquin canoe tripping, fall camping, practical backcountry tips, and real-world gear impressions, this Trip Log is for you.
Subscribe, share the episode with a paddling buddy, and leave a review so more campers can find the show. What’s the one comfort item or piece of gear you never head into the backcountry without?
You can plan a better camping trip in five minutes with one simple habit: check the park’s events calendar before you pick your dates. We dig into the seasonal programs happening across Ontario Provincial Parks and why they can turn a basic overnight into a weekend you’ll actually remember, whether that’s Thanksgiving, Halloween events, fall colour hikes, or winter festivals and outdoor skating.
We talk through real examples, starting with Bronte Creek and the way a quick e-bike camping plan led us down the rabbit hole of park programming, from dog-friendly events to holiday traditions like Victorian Christmas and the First Day Hike. We also share what makes Bronte Creek feel surprisingly wild for a park so close to the GTA, including open savannah-style views and two distinct park areas with different activities.
From there we zoom out to the bigger Ontario adventure calendar: chasing Algonquin fall colours (and dealing with the Highway 60 madness), winter camping at Mew Lake, Arrowhead’s torch-lit skating trail, cross-country ski and snowshoe options across the province, and even the early spring shift into maple syrup season, ice-out, and fishing. We also point you toward “Friends of” park groups that sometimes post the best local updates when the main listings look quiet.
If you want more Ontario camping ideas and practical trip planning tips, subscribe to the show, share this with a camping buddy, and leave a review so more people find the outdoors year-round.
Whitewater can look like a wall of noise and consequences, right up until someone hands you the map, the language, and the habits that make it feel possible. We’re joined by Jacob, Stefan, and Tim from Split Rock Outdoors, a Southern Ontario paddling crew with a deep love for rivers like the Madawaska and a mission to help more people get outside safely.
We talk about how the three of them met, why “Split Rock” is more than a cool name, and what it feels like to go from anxious scouting to confidently running a rapid you once avoided. They also explain why they describe what they do as facilitating rather than guiding, and how their website grew into a practical hub for trip planning tools, river resources, course recommendations, and beginner-friendly knowledge like river left versus river right.
Safety stays front and centre without killing the fun. We get into PFDs and helmets, communication on the river, learning on a budget, and why they link out to certified rescue training instead of pretending the internet can replace it. Then we widen the lens to the trips that surprise people: flatwater routes that still demand respect, big waves around Philip Edward Island, and the reminder that frontcountry camping counts if it gets you into nature. If you enjoy stories, real talk, and a few hard-earned “oops” moments, this one’s for you.
Subscribe, share this with a paddling friend, and leave a review so more campers and canoeists can find us. What river are you most curious to paddle next?
Forgetting a water filter in the backcountry sounds like a small mistake until you’re staring at a lake and realizing every sip is a gamble. We share the real story of arriving at camp, reaching for our usual gravity filter setup, and finding out it’s not coming to the rescue. From there, we walk through what actually worked, what tasted terrible but kept us healthy, and how to think clearly when clean water suddenly becomes the most important task of the day.
We get practical about boiling as the most universal camping water purification method, including how long to keep a rolling boil, why open-fire boiling can be trickier than a stove, and how fuel planning can make or break your backup plan. We also cover chlorine dioxide water purification tablets, why we like them as a lightweight emergency option, and why we do not recommend experimenting with bleach or guessing doses when the stakes are your throat and stomach.
Then we zoom out to a full backcountry water safety strategy: pre-filtering with cloth or coffee filters to remove debris, understanding the difference between filtering and disinfecting, and carrying redundancy like purification straws or spare squeeze filters. We also talk water source selection, since clear or fast-moving water can still carry pathogens, and we call out the persistent myths that do not make water safe. If you camp, canoe, or hike anywhere remote, this is your reminder to pack backups of your backups. Subscribe, share this with your paddling partner, and leave a review with your own best “what saved the trip” water tip.
A hypothermia scare on a winter mountain. A “routine” knife slip that turns into major blood loss. These are the kinds of outdoor moments that cut through ego fast, and they are exactly why we wanted bushcraft educator and author Ryan Marshall on the Super Good Camping Podcast. Ryan joins us to unpack what actually keeps you safe and confident outside, especially when conditions change and mistakes stack up.
We talk through his near-miss hypothermia story, the early warning signs many people ignore, and why survival priorities start with fire, water, and shelter rather than food. From there, Ryan shares the hand injury that pushed him toward wilderness first responder training and explains how quickly an everyday camp task can become a serious emergency. If you camp, hike, or canoe in Canada, this is a practical reminder that nature does not care how experienced you feel.
Then we get into the skills that pay off on every trip: a small set of reliable knots for tarps, bear hangs, and gear repairs; fire-starting that works in wet weather; and wildfire awareness so you do not become the problem. Ryan also drops a few MacGyver-ready tips, like using hand sanitizer as a fire starter, plus a look at natural adhesives such as pine resin glue. Along the way, we dig into why he wrote Fire, Water, Shelter, how he thinks about planning to avoid survival situations, and why he avoids rigid “always” and “never” rules in the outdoors.
If you like bushcraft, survival skills, camping safety, and real-world lessons you can use right away, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a camping buddy, and leave a review to help more people find the show.
A hornet sting that blisters in minutes is not the kind of souvenir anyone wants from a camping trip, but it makes for a brutally honest lesson from the backcountry. Tim is flying solo as Super Good Camping returns from a 7 to 8 week hiatus, shaking off the rust and catching up on what the crew has been doing outside while life keeps moving. If you love Ontario camping, canoe tripping, and real-world outdoor stories, this one is a quick hit of summer truth.
We look back on recent trips that span the Spanish River and a five-day base camp at Red Horse Lake in North Frontenac, including the practical stuff that makes or breaks a site. Tim talks island camping realities like tougher wood collection, plus what happens when a torn meniscus suddenly swells up and turns uneven ground into a challenge. It is a reminder that backcountry travel is not about perfection, it is about adapting, sharing the load, and still finding the moments that make you exhale.
The episode also tees up what is next: an eight-day Barren Canyon adventure with a relaxed pace, a hopeful eye on fall colours, and a lineup of upcoming guests from the outdoor community, including Ryan Marshall of Marshall Bushcraft, Split Rock Outdoors, and Camper Christina. There is even a side trail into camping books and the creative work behind them, because sometimes the best way to stay connected to nature is to read about it when you cannot be out there.
If you enjoy thoughtful camping stories, practical lessons, and the kind of humour that only shows up after a few hard-earned trips, subscribe to Super Good Camping, share this with a camping buddy, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What is the most painful or funniest thing the outdoors has ever “taught” you?
We wrap the season by looking back at recent family trips and laying out what we’re planning for the rest of the summer and beyond. We also preview next season’s first guest, then ask you to tell us what you’re doing outside and what you want to hear next.
• season wrap-up and a quick look ahead to September • Spanish River recap and an August North Frontenac backcountry trip plan • six-day menu planning and dehydrating shrimp, scallops, vegetables, and fruit • Barren Canyon plans after two cancelled attempts • early Yukon trip planning for a longer, epic adventure next year • next season kickoff with Ryan Marshall, bushcraft and survival guest • listener questions about softwater season plans and what inspires you • ways to message us on Buzzsprout, Facebook, Spotify, Apple, Instagram, and email • suggestions for guests, topics, and how we can improve after nearly six years
Please reach out to us. As always, our email is hi at supergoodcamping.com. If you like and subscribe and give us a five star review and all of those things, it helps us and it helps other people find us. And also you can donate to us on Buy Me Coffee.
A “bear barrel” that is not bear proof sounds like a problem until you understand what it is really for. We sit down with Andy Baxter, owner of Recreational Barrel Works, and talk through the real-world reasons paddlers rely on barrels for backcountry canoe camping: keeping food dry, keeping smells contained, and cutting down on the critter chaos that can wreck a campsite. Along the way, Andy shares the kind of tripping stories you only earn through distance, weather, and the occasional route that turns into a bushwhack.
We trade memories from Algonquin Park style portaging to a smoother payback paddle down the Key River and out along Georgian Bay. Andy also breaks down what happens on remote fly-in routes north of Red Lake when the “portage” is basically a rumour. The physical effort is one thing, but the bigger challenge is the mental math when your planned kilometres stop being realistic and you have to slow down, stay safe, and adjust without letting frustration take over.
Then we nerd out on paddling gear design in Canada: why Recreational Barrel Works started in 2001, how canoe packs and lightweight waterproof liners solve everyday packing problems, and why a truly waterproof map case needs the right zipper and real testing. If you care about canoe tripping gear, food storage, bear safety habits, and smart solutions built by paddlers who actually use them, you’ll get plenty to take back to your next trip. Subscribe, share the episode with a canoe buddy, and leave a review with your go-to food storage setup.
A paddleboard in the backcountry sounds like a stunt until you hear the method behind it. We sit down with Marybeth from Paddle Adventurer, an adventure guide and outdoor content creator who’s been running backcountry stand-up paddleboard trips for years and showing Canadians what’s possible with an inflatable SUP and the right skills.
We get practical about what makes backcountry paddleboarding work: choosing a durable inflatable board, understanding volume and weight limits, packing so your camping gear stays secure on the deck, and using bungees, D-rings, and smart weight placement to help your board track straight. Marybeth also explains why you don’t always need to stand, how kneeling or adding a seat changes stability, and why practising falling off and self rescue is part of responsible paddling, not an afterthought.
Safety comes up again and again, from Transport Canada requirements like PFDs and whistles to leash choices, including quick release systems for moving water. Marybeth also shares what winter paddling looks like on Lake Ontario and the Great Lakes, why shoreline ice can be deceptively dangerous, and how to decide when turning back is the best call. Along the way, we talk about learning in public, embracing failure, and trying new things even when you feel like Bambi on day one.
If you like canoe camping, SUP touring, outdoor safety, Ontario paddling routes, or you just want a new way to get outside, you’ll get both inspiration and real-world tactics here. Subscribe, share this with a paddling friend, and leave a review with your biggest question about backcountry paddleboarding.
The Spanish River has a way of teaching fast. On days three and four of our canoe trip, we went from “pretty comfortable on lakes” to getting humbled by rockered whitewater boats that love to wander. With about 25 kilometres on day three, we felt every little twitch in the hull, zigzagged more than we’d like to admit, and learned how much energy it takes to find a clean rhythm when the boat is built to turn. The good news: moving water gives back. Once we started trusting the current and making smarter choices, the kilometres stopped feeling impossible.
A big part of the growth came from structured practice. Beth coached us through ferry angles, eddy entries, and the kind of boat control that turns swifts from stressful to satisfying. We also talk candidly about mistakes, including dumping three times over four days and the fully loaded swim that came down to miscommunication, a bad angle, and one classic error: grabbing the gunnels. If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens to your gear in a flip, we get into what stayed put, what popped out, and why packing discipline matters on river trips.
We wrap with the practical stuff that doesn’t make highlight reels but absolutely matters: low water scraping, getting hung up, spacing your group so nobody is out of reach, and the value of a guided trip where the guide can also cook. (Bill’s camp meals deserve their own segment.) If you’re planning a Spanish River canoe trip, levelling up your moving-water skills, or just want an honest triplog with real lessons, hit play, then subscribe, share the episode with a paddling buddy, and leave a review so more Canadian campers can find us.
Smoke-choked skies, waves breaking over the canoe, and a plan that has to work even when there’s no cell signal. That’s the reality of the kind of wilderness canoe tripping Eric and Hillary from Tailwinds North love most, and they join us to share what it actually takes to travel farther off the beaten path without turning every day into a crisis.
We start with how their story grows from paddling around Bancroft and Algonquin into bigger routes like the Yukon River, the Snake River, and a fly-in canoe trip to the East Arm of Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories. They walk us through the trip planning process they use each winter: researching maps and trip reports, checking satellite imagery, sorting logistics like boats and access, and then getting into the gritty details of backcountry food prep and dehydrated meals. If you’ve ever wondered how people make 11 to 15 day trips feel manageable, you’ll hear the systems and habits that make the difference.
Then the conversation turns to the moments that test your judgement. Eric and Hillary describe paddling through heavy wildfire smoke in the Yukon and how they used an inReach device, firefighter guidance, and constant observation to stay safe. We also unpack a humbling Great Slave Lake launch that goes sideways fast, plus what they learned about wind, cold water, spray decks, and when to call it and head for shore. Along the way we talk flatwater versus whitewater, fishing plans that assume you’ll catch nothing, and why time is the hardest resource to budget.
If you’re into canoe camping, remote paddling routes, Ontario Crown land, or Yukon and Northwest Territories adventures, you’ll leave with practical planning tips and a clearer sense of what “prepared” really means. Subscribe for more, share this with a paddling friend, and leave a review, what’s the biggest trip you’re planning next?
A train drops us at Cartier, we heave canoes and packs onto the gravel, and suddenly we’re committed. No road noise, no easy exits, just a rail stop, a portage, and the start of our Spanish River canoe trip. We’re Tim and Thomas, and we’re recording from camp on a cool, overcast June day in Northern Ontario with rapids behind us and a whole lot of bug pressure in the air.
We break down the travel day in plain language: the train timing, meeting other riders, unloading fast, and paddling roughly four to five kilometres into a beautiful campsite with space for tents and the all-important no-bug zones. If you’re planning a backcountry canoe trip, you’ll hear what actually mattered for comfort and safety, from bug shirts and spray to the raincoats we ended up wearing despite the forecast.
Then we get to the good stuff: camp food that keeps morale high. Think ribs, sausages, cornbread, and a next-morning breakfast wrap that makes getting on the water feel easy. From there, we shift into whitewater canoeing practice, using simple shore-side explanations to talk eddies, crossings, and the fundamentals we’re trying to nail down, including momentum, initiation, tilt, and hold. Yes, there’s intentional swimming, and yes, there’s also the other kind.
If you like real-world trip reports, practical canoe camping gear talk, and honest paddling lessons, hit play. Subscribe, share the episode with a paddling buddy, and leave a review so more Canadians can find the show.
The internet makes backcountry adventure look effortless, but the real story is usually messier, colder, and a lot more human. We sit down with Marty Morissette to talk about what happens when the season of life that built your outdoor identity shifts under your feet and how you choose what to carry forward.
We dig into the Hamilton Adventure Expo, the outdoor community that keeps people coming back, and why Marty builds his talks around storytelling instead of “perfect” trip reports. He shares how a mentor’s stories lit the spark when he was 12, and why sharing your own camping stories, canoe tripping lessons, and first-time nerves can quietly change someone else’s path. Along the way we talk family camping, teaching kids outdoors skills, and the leadership, resilience, and resourcefulness that show up when the weather turns or the day gets long.
Then we go behind the scenes of outdoor content creation: planning trips for the shot, repeating paddling sections, chasing clean audio, and the constant trade-off of capturing the moment versus living it. Marty opens up about burnout after years of heavy work hours, how teenagers and privacy reshaped what filming felt like, and why stepping back from the camera helped him rediscover simple joy on the river, including whitewater playboating on the Ottawa River.
If you care about Canadian camping, work-life balance, and building an outdoor lifestyle that lasts, you’ll find plenty to take home. Subscribe, share this with a camping friend, and leave a review. What season are you in right now, and what are you choosing to keep?
A canoe shop owner admitting he’s not in the “canoe business” so much as the “canoe logistics business” is the kind of honesty we love, and it’s exactly where this chat goes. We’re recording live from the Hamilton Adventure Expo with Greg Robertson from Organic Boat Shop, with a classic Ontario snow dump on the way, and somehow that makes everything feel even more Canadian: planning paddling season while bracing for winter.
We get into how outdoor shows kick-start trip planning, gear research, and that first spark of motivation to book time off and map routes. Greg breaks down the real rhythm of canoe sales in Canada, why winter buyers move slower, and how a mid-season pause can hit your numbers hard when fall arrives and you’re suddenly “out of sight, out of mind”. If you’ve ever wondered why lead times, delivery schedules, and testing boats can be tricky, this pulls back the curtain in a practical way.
From there we shift into the family side of building an outdoor brand. Greg talks about his wife Jody coming into the business full-time, how that changes operations, and why their French River rental and cabin-based day-trip model helps more people say yes to canoe camping even if they don’t want to sleep on the ground anymore. We also touch ORCKA courses, guided trips, and the gear details that never make it into glossy photos: composite boat storage, outfitting work, skid plates, and even a 21-foot freighter canoe that might end up on a trailer with a motor.
If you like real talk about paddling, small business, and planning better canoe trips, subscribe, share this with a camping buddy, and leave a review with your favourite takeaway.
Ontario just opened the door to drinking throughout provincial parks, not only at your own campsite, and we can’t stop thinking about what that changes on the ground. We’re Pamela and Tim from Supergoodcamping.com, and while we understand the appeal of relaxing outdoors, we’re worried the new Ontario Parks alcohol rules will bring more than “summer vibes.” When alcohol shows up on trails, at busy beaches, and around launch points, it can shift a park from peaceful to unpredictable, especially for families who come for quiet, nature, and a sense of shared respect.
We dig into the government’s stated reasons like boosting tourism and supporting the economy, then pressure-test that logic against a reality most campers know well: Ontario Parks reservations are already hard to get and many parks are sold out months ahead. We also talk about what the old campsite restriction meant in practice, what “responsible consumption” looks like in a provincial park setting, and why permission structures matter even if many people already bend the rules.
From broken glass and litter to swimming and paddling while impaired, we lay out the safety risks that can show up fast in day-use areas. Then we get into the part that really worries us: enforcement and emergency response. Park rangers are already stretched, some park offices are closing, and rural EMS and hospitals can be far away. If drinking expands but resources don’t, who keeps people safe and who cleans up the mess?
Listen through, then tell us where you land on this change. Subscribe, share the episode with a camping friend, and leave a review so more Canadians who love provincial parks can join the conversation.
Old growth forest, forgotten portages, and the kind of canoe routes that only exist as long as people keep travelling them. We’re live at the Hamilton Adventure Expo talking with Mike from Friends Of Temagami, a 100% volunteer-driven nonprofit founded in 1995 that works to protect Temagami’s remaining old growth and keep backcountry access from quietly disappearing.
Mike breaks down what stewardship looks like in practice: choosing where trail maintenance matters most, clearing tough routes in places like Solace Wildlands, improving campsites, and installing thunder boxes they build themselves. We also get into the nuts-and-bolts details that make volunteer time count, including winter snowmobile runs to stage heavy gear so it doesn’t have to be portaged later, plus summer maintenance trips to fix hazards like rotted boardwalk and old spikes.
The conversation widens into community and culture too. Mike shares how Friends Of Temagami supports a September changing-of-the-season ceremony connected to Temagami First Nation, and why protecting “ancient trails” is about memory, respect, and keeping routes from being lost to overgrowth. If you love Ontario canoe camping, Temagami travel, portage routes, and real conservation work, you’ll leave with a clearer picture of how the park stays wild and welcoming.
Subscribe, share this with a paddling friend, and leave a review if you want more stories from the people doing the work that keeps Temagami open.
Your phone shows sunshine, the clouds look wrong, and you’re two days deep into the backcountry with no signal. Now imagine the one tool that could confirm what’s coming next goes silent. That’s the gut-level concern we dig into as we talk about Environment and Climate Change Canada winding down the weather radio network and pushing Canadians toward online updates like the WeatherCAN app and the ECCC website.
We get specific about why weather radio has mattered for camping safety in Canada, not just as a nice-to-have, but as a battery-powered, over-the-air backup when cell towers fail, the internet drops, or the power goes out. We also unpack the bigger impact beyond recreation: rural, remote, and Indigenous communities can be left more vulnerable when essential alerts assume reliable connectivity. Even in urban areas near major water like Lake Ontario, we’ve leaned on weather radio during messy conditions and outages.
Then we shift from rant to readiness. We share practical workarounds you can actually use: pre-trip planning with SpotWX using precise coordinates, building redundancy with satellite communicators like Garmin, caching offline radar and wind layers with the Windy app, and saving forecasts via screenshots or printouts before you lose service. We’re honest about forecast limits after a few days and why learning basic “read the sky” skills is still part of being competent outdoors.
If you care about backcountry preparedness, emergency weather alerts, and how public safety changes ripple into real trips, you’ll want this one. Subscribe, share it with a camping buddy, and leave a review with your go-to weather backup plan.
A stranger walks up holding an old canoe book and says, “You signed this to my dad 35 years ago.” Minutes later, Kevin Callan signs it again for the next generation and the whole Hamilton Adventure Expo suddenly feels like a small world. That’s where our livestream chat begins, and it sets the tone for a conversation about how canoe camping stories stick, how outdoor skills get passed along, and why community is the real reason these shows matter.
We dig into Kevin’s idea of “ultimate canoe routes” and why he opens his talk by saying the best trip is the next one. Then we get specific: Algonquin’s Brent Run, a loop around Killarney, Lake Superior’s Bustard Islands, Kejimkujik in Nova Scotia, and even Scotland’s River Spey. If you’re looking for canoe route inspiration, paddling trip planning ideas, or just a reminder that repeat trips can still feel brand new, this one delivers.
We also go behind the scenes on outdoor writing and Canadian publishing. Kevin shares what it’s like to hit 20 books, how rewarding it is when kids show up already excited about what they learned, and how printing and shipping across the Canada US border can turn sales into losses overnight. We talk honest numbers on royalties, why self-publishing can make sense, and the simple advice that matters most: write the book first.
If you enjoy real talk about paddling, camping, and making a life around the outdoors, subscribe, share this with a friend who loves canoe trips, and leave a review so more Canadian campers can find the show.
A carbon fibre canoe paddle can sound like something meant for elite racers, but Chris from Ripple FX Paddles makes a convincing case that the right design is actually about making paddling simpler, smoother, and less punishing on your body. We’re live at the Hamilton Adventure Expo as he shares what it’s like to bring a new gear business into the real world, talk face-to-face with trippers, and watch people’s reactions when they pick up an eight-ounce paddle for the first time.
We get into the story behind Ripple FX, starting with an intense Muskoka River race that turned discomfort into obsession, friendships, and a desire to go faster and farther. When Chris’s first carbon paddle arrived broken, he used it as a blueprint and taught himself composite building through trial, error, and relentless iteration. Along the way, he learned how bent shaft ergonomics can keep your top hand lower, reduce shoulder strain, and support sit-and-switch efficiency for long-distance canoe tripping and marathon-style paddling.
Durability also gets a deep dive, especially for shallow-water routes where bottom strikes can chip blades and lead to delamination. Chris explains a replaceable fiberglass wear sleeve that can be epoxied on, worn down, and swapped out later, plus the kinds of strength tests he runs in the shop and the few things you simply shouldn’t do with a lightweight composite paddle. If you care about canoe camping gear, backcountry performance, and smart design that’s easy to live with, you’ll get a lot from this conversation. Subscribe, share the episode with a paddling buddy, and leave a review. What’s the one piece of canoe gear you’d never head out without?
Your meals can make or break a camping trip and most problems start before you even leave the driveway. We walk through the no-drama way we plan and prep food so we can spend more time hiking, paddling, swimming, and hanging out with the kids, and less time digging through a soggy cooler. Tim shares his old-school grid method for mapping breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks by day, plus how that single sheet of paper prevents overpacking, forgotten ingredients, and last-minute “what’s for dinner” stress.
We get practical about the difference between car camping and backcountry camping meals, including how long fresh food can realistically last and how to stretch it with smarter ingredients like smoked meats, smoked cheese, tortillas, and hardy produce. We also dig into cooler strategy: layering food by day, choosing a quality cooler, using a dedicated drinks cooler, and why block ice outlasts cubes. If you want a lightweight hack for backcountry trips, we explain how freezing water bags can keep food cold early on and then get dumped as they melt to reduce pack weight.
From foil-packet dinners and make-ahead chili to pancake mix shortcuts, trail snacks, and classic campfire desserts, we keep the focus on simple camping recipes that match your cooking gear and your weather. If you like practical camping tips, meal prep tricks, and real-world advice for family camping, subscribe, share this with a camping buddy, and leave a review so more people can find the show.
A long haul trip can hand you the best view of your life, then toss you onto an overnight bus that makes you question every choice you’ve ever made. We sit down with Toronto author and Fly Travel Radio host Melissa Rodway to talk about the kind of travel stories that don’t fit on a postcard: chaos in Southeast Asia, the strange kindness of strangers, and the moments that turn into the memories you keep for decades.
We also get practical. Melissa shares how she builds meaningful adventure into a regular working life, including taking time off without pretending you need to “quit everything” to travel. We dig into budget travel strategies like self guided planning, finding local operators, house sitting, and volunteering, plus how the internet makes research easier while still requiring smart screening. If you’ve ever searched for affordable travel tips, solo travel confidence, or how to plan a trip without feeling like an imposter, you’ll feel seen here.
Closer to home, we celebrate Canada as a top tier outdoor travel destination, from Ontario canoe country to the culture and winter energy of Québec City and the pull of PEI. Along the way, Melissa challenges influencer perfection and the myth that experienced travellers always have it together. We love this conversation because it’s human, funny, and grounded, and it’ll leave you with a clearer sense of what adventure can look like at any age.
Subscribe for more camping and travel conversations, share this with a friend who needs a nudge to get outside, and leave a review to help more Canadians find the show.
Ontario camping can be magical right up until the black flies find you. We get honest about what really happens from May to mid-July and beyond, then lay out a simple, workable bug plan you can actually use on your next canoe trip, backcountry route, or family car-camping weekend.
We start with a few shout outs from the broader camping community, including a lightweight carbon fibre paddle we’re excited to test on an upcoming Spanish River trip, and an epic Canada By Canoe challenge aiming to break the world record for the longest single-season canoe trip while raising money for True North Aid. We also recap a presentation-heavy backcountry canoe symposium at the Canadian Canoe Museum and a Camp Kitchen gathering where food, gear, and good people all collide in the best way.
Then we dig into Ontario bug season survival: when black flies, mosquitoes, deer flies, horseflies, ticks, and midges tend to peak, what attracts them, and what helps most. We talk DEET vs icaridin (picaridin), why physical barriers like bug shirts, head nets, and screened shelters often beat gimmicks, and why dense fabric, tight cuffs, and even pants tucked into socks can save your sanity. We also share campsite selection lessons, from avoiding calm water and deep shade to understanding why that “perfect” empty site might be empty for a reason. We even explore a curious idea about why some people seem to attract more bites than others.
If you’ve ever planned a trip around bugs or had them wreck a campsite, you’ll feel seen and you’ll leave with a clearer strategy. Subscribe, share this with your favourite camping partner, leave a review, and tell us what bug is your personal nemesis.
A good wilderness trip can change your mood in a single day, but planning one can feel like a puzzle: where do you go, what’s realistic with kids, and how remote is too remote? From the floor of the Hamilton Adventure Expo, I’m flying solo while Pamela rides out a storm at home, and I sit down with Robin Sutherland of Northern Skies Resort to talk through a northern Ontario getaway that blends real backcountry energy with practical comfort.
Robin walks me through Northern Skies Resort in Algoma Country, set on spring-fed Chub Lake and surrounded by crown land, rivers, and the kind of quiet that makes you breathe slower. We get into what guests actually do when they arrive: cabin life, lake days, paddling, fishing, and that easy “step outside and you’re in it” feeling that’s hard to find in busier cottage country.
Then we head deeper into the story: their hike-and-paddle backcountry cabin in an unserviced provincial park, accessed by a 7.5 km route with two lake crossings and staged canoes so you don’t have to portage. Robin explains how a wood stove, propane cooktop, and sauna create a rare mix of rugged and cozy, and why that matters for families, first-timers, and anyone who wants the backcountry without the full ordeal. We also talk about taking over a family-run resort during COVID, how Ontario tourism shifted, and what it means to be the fourth generation caring for a place built in the 1940s.
If you’re searching for a cottage resort in Northern Ontario, a backcountry cabin near Algoma, or fresh camping inspiration, this chat is for you. Subscribe, share the episode with a camping buddy, and leave a review telling us your ideal level of “comfort in the wild.”
Your phone shows a dot on a screen until it doesn’t and that’s usually the exact moment the trail splits or the shoreline stops making sense. We’re Pamela and Tim from SuperGoodCamping.com, and we’re on a mission to help families get outside with more confidence. Map skills aren’t old-school trivia; they’re the difference between a stressful guess and a calm, clear choice when you’re hiking, camping, or paddling with no service.
We dig into why paper maps still matter, especially in places where coverage is dodgy or disappears fast. We compare the map types you’ll actually see on real trips: simple Ontario Parks park maps for car camping, trail maps for day hikes, and topographic maps for backcountry travel and canoe routes where contour lines and portages matter. We also talk digital navigation tools like AllTrails, Gaia GPS, maps.me, and Avenza, plus how downloading maps ahead of time and carrying a battery pack turns your phone into a helpful backup instead of your only plan. Satellite imagery can add context too, as long as it supports rather than replaces a proper map.
Then we make map reading feel doable: orienting your map with a compass or the sun, matching landmarks to what you see around you, understanding scale so “not far” doesn’t become a two-hour slog, and using contour lines to avoid surprise climbs. We share practical habits, common mistakes, and a quick pre-trip checklist, plus why good navigation supports Leave No Trace by keeping you from wandering off trail. If you want to feel grounded in the outdoors and teach your kids a skill that makes camping more fun, this one’s for you.
Subscribe for more simple camping skills, share this with a friend who relies on their phone, and leave a review with your best navigation tip or your funniest “wrong turn” story.
As promised - the app suggested by Jeff of Maps by Jeff: ArcGIS Earth
A canoe trip can be a quick highlight reel, or it can be a true short film that feels like you’re sitting in the boat, hearing the water, and watching the light change minute by minute. We sit down with Pete Park from Latitude Wilderness Films to get the inside story behind The Canoeist, his new cinematic wilderness film built around a solo paddler’s journey for peace, solitude, and meaning far from cell service and noise.
Pete shares why he wanted to go beyond the usual first-person canoe tripping format and instead craft a poetic story told through voiceover, ambience, and carefully planned shots. We get specific on outdoor filmmaking and canoe film production: the Lumix G85 and GoPro setup for rapids, how he captures slow motion with the right frame rates, and why clean audio matters as much as stunning visuals. He also explains the realities of shooting in Ontario’s French River and Georgian Bay delta channels, including continuity problems, multiple takes on the same rapid, and the rare gift of perfect late-September conditions.
The heart of the conversation is the “why” behind the camera. Pete talks about writing narration after filming so the script grows out of real moments, including an unexpected misty morning sequence that became a centrepiece. He also reflects on weaving in David’s personal story, the film’s dedication, and how long-term editing can shape a more honest outdoor story.
Watch The Canoeist when it premieres on YouTube (Latitude Wilderness Films) and tell us what scene hits you the hardest. Subscribe, share the episode with a paddling buddy, and leave a review so more campers and canoeists can find the show.
The difference between a good camping trip and a great one is usually a few minutes of research. We’ve both shown up thinking we made a smart choice, only to learn the hard way that “quiet” depends on where your site sits, what the washrooms are like, and whether you accidentally booked beside the generator crowd.
We walk through how we research a camping destination step by step, from choosing the right park based on driving time, crowd levels, dog friendliness, and the best season to go. We share where we actually look for reliable info: Ontario Parks and Parks Canada websites, campground maps, Google Maps satellite view, travel blogs, YouTube campground walkthroughs, and campsite photo communities that show you what a booking page never will.
Then we get practical about what to check before you click Reserve: privacy ratings, sun versus shade, distance to water, proximity to playgrounds and boat launches, and the little things that can make a site noisy or smelly. We also dig into amenities and facilities like toilet types, comfort stations, drinking water access, firewood quality, camp stores, laundry, boat launches, and RV dump stations. If you’re thinking about backcountry camping, we cover the essentials too: permits, route difficulty, portages, water sources and filtration, bear activity, navigation, offline maps, and tools like AllTrails and Gaia GPS, plus weather, bugs, water levels, and fire bans.
If you want more hidden gems and fewer surprises, come camp with us. Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s planning a trip, and leave a review so more campers can find the show.
What if camp food didn’t taste like compromise? We sit down with Camp Kitchen’s trio—chef-driven recipes, camera in hand, design chops at the ready—and trace how a home-based certified kitchen turned into a thousand-meal launch at the Hamilton Adventure Expo. This is a ground-up build: dense proteins cut to rehydrate on time, short noodles that won’t pulverize in a pack, and breakfasts that greet you with a wave of berry aroma the instant hot water hits the bag.
Tyler walks us through the freeze-drying science that keeps flavour intact and safety tight, from pre- and post-cycle tray weights to vacuum sensors that call the end of a run. We dig into the R&D wins and misses that shaped the menu—why meatballs became bolognese, why broccoli behaves, and how a chef’s obsession with texture pays off at a soggy portage or windswept campsite. Tosh shares the personal story behind their jambalaya, born from cold army rations and reborn by a campfire with real shrimp, chicken, and sausage that actually come back to life in the bowl. Cassy opens the curtain on the brand’s look: in-house photography, Illustrator nights, and packaging that had to be ready days before launch.
We also explore the local heartbeat of the food. Red fife flour—nutty, earthy, proudly Peterborough—anchors a shoreline fish flour and a bannock mix that turn a pan into a celebration. Their “campfire essentials” and oatmeals can ship Canada-wide, while meat-based meals focus on Ontario as the team scales production toward CFIA approval and wholesale. Between defrost cycles and order pickups, we compare trip notes: ice fishing dates, low-water river routes, family paddles before a new baby, and the Ontario backcountry access we often take for granted.
If you care about real ingredients, reliable rehydration, and supporting Ontario-made outdoor food, you’ll find practical insights and trail-ready ideas here. Subscribe for more builder stories, share with a friend who’s planning their first big paddle, and leave a review to help fellow campers discover the show.
Frost on the tent, mist on the lake, and a quiet trail all to yourself—edge-season camping can be magic if you prepare for it. We break down how to stay warm, dry, and confident through early spring, late fall, or a surprise cold snap, drawing on decades of trips and a few hard-won lessons.
We start by defining what shoulder season really looks like: freeze–thaw cycles, mud and slush, shortened daylight, and the way wet gear can turn a good plan sideways. From there, we dive into practical systems. You’ll hear how to pick a sleeping bag rated well below the forecast, why doubling up sleeping pads boosts R-value, and how a boiled water bottle becomes a foot warmer that preheats your bag and chases damp. We compare down versus synthetic in real-world moisture, and explain why ventilation inside the tent matters as much as warmth.
Clothing strategy takes centre stage with the no-sweat rule: start cool, manage heat with zippers and vents, and keep dry sleep layers sacred. We talk waterproof boots, tall gaiters, sock rotation, and the underrated move of sleeping with boot liners to dodge a frozen morning. On the kitchen front, we unpack stove performance in the cold, when to favour liquid fuel over canisters, and smart hydration habits when cold dulls your thirst. Safety gets a full segment—thin ice, collapsing snow bridges, fast water—and we share a family hypothermia scare to highlight early signs and quick interventions.
Finally, we offer a roadmap for who should try shoulder-season trips and how to start: begin with car camping, check the forecast right before departure, keep an exit plan simple, and rent specialized gear to test before buying. The payoff is real—sharper skills, steadier mindset, wilder wildlife encounters, and campgrounds that feel like your own private retreat. If you found this helpful, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves quiet trails, and leave a review to tell us your best cold-weather tip.
The show floor is buzzing, but we carve out a quiet corner to trade notes with Will from Bowman Gear—a maker who turns fabric and stubborn ideas into gear that actually solves trail problems. From the first cut to the final stitch, Will walks us through two and a half months of prep for the Hamilton Adventure Expo, including a two-week, all-in push and a smart shop setup that brought his family into the flow. This isn’t factory talk; it’s real-world craft where every seam has a reason and every pocket earns its place.
We dig into the Rio—a compact, water-resistant bag that shifts roles from waist pack to battle bag—and the Sentry, a field wallet that keeps first aid or wire kits tidy. Then we go practical: how a Tortuga pack becomes better with a stretch pocket for fast bottle grabs; how a clean sheath can tame an axe and saw; why a soot-proof stove bag still needs to glide instead of snag. The theme is modular design and user-centred thinking: reduce friction, speed access, and keep weight honest. Will shares how custom one-offs often become patterns ready for others, turning single problems into shared solutions.
The origin story lands close to home. A handed-down sewing machine led to repairs, then to the thrill of shaping fabric into durable tools. Friends pushed him to sell, the trail pushed him to refine, and now backpacks are the goalpost—complex, rewarding, and central to how a trip feels on your shoulders. We round out with trip plans that chase ice-out windows and slip in before bug season, swapping notes on routes, crowd timing, and why early spring rewards those who plan. If you care about small-batch manufacturing, smart pack design, and building gear that makes travel cleaner and calmer, you’ll feel right at home here.
If you enjoyed this conversation, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves handmade gear, and leave a quick review so more campers can find us.
The forest is never silent; it’s full of signals that make camping safer and more meaningful once you know how to listen. We unpack a clear, field-ready approach to wildlife tracking that swaps fear for understanding—reading prints, scat, and soundscapes to predict movement and avoid conflict. From deer edges and coyote straight-line trails to the unmistakable hand-like raccoon prints that circle docks and campsites, we show how to piece together clues and build a picture of what passed by, when, and why.
We also get into the messy but useful truth about scat: what berries, fur, seeds, and insects reveal about diet, season, and travel routes, plus why the exact placement—on trails, near water, or by your camp—signals communication or learned behaviour. Sound matters too. Alarm calls ripple across species; mating calls pulse with rhythm and seasonality; territorial songs draw boundaries without picking fights. Birds often tip you off first, and sometimes the most important sign is a sudden hush when the woods evaluate risk.
Seasonal shifts tie it all together. Spring brings nesting defence, summer spreads food and movement, fall ramps up feeding frenzies, and winter conserves every step—tracks in snow become crisp stories of energy budgets. We talk about how our habits train wildlife: repeated cooking spots, dishwater dumps, crumbs, and loose garbage create reliable rewards. The fix is simple—better storage, cleaner camps, and more distance. Use a long lens instead of stepping closer, especially near dens or young, and teach kids to observe without disturbing through whisper games and storytelling. The big takeaway: animals aren’t acting on emotion; they optimise for food, safety, and energy. When we read patterns instead of reacting to panic, we camp smarter and coexist with respect.
If this guide helped you see the trail with new eyes, subscribe, share with a friend who loves the backcountry, and leave a quick review—tell us the wildest sign you’ve ever spotted and what you think it meant.
Ever dreamed of pulling a bubbling lasagna or a crispy pizza from a campfire on day five? We sit down with Denis from Kid Product to unpack the gear that makes real backcountry cooking possible: a reflector oven that turns radiant heat into even baking, a twig stove rigid enough to hold cast iron, and smart fire tools that simplify the whole routine without adding weight.
We start with the reflector oven, a compact, fold-flat design that sits in front of your fire and works like a home oven by reflecting heat and moving air. Denis shares trail-proven meals—from shepherd’s pie to a four-pound roast beef in roughly ninety minutes—that prove you don’t have to settle for bland boil-in-bag dinners. Then we dive into twig stoves across materials: value-minded coated steel, rust-proof 316 stainless for year-round abuse, and ultralight titanium at about 140 grams for long carries and winter missions. Built with interlocking plates and no hinges, the stoves assemble easily with thin gloves and shrug off hard use. Yes, someone stood on one. It held.
We round things out with fire-starting that actually helps: ferro rods that spark in any weather, telescoping blow tubes to stoke embers from a safe distance, and a new jute tube that lights like an oversized match for steady flame. Along the way, we preview a hot tent trip to Mew Lake with a two-tent setup plus the so-called “circus tent” where stories and steam rise together. The throughline is simple—choose Canadian-made gear designed for durability, packability, and ease, then cook meals that keep spirits high deep into the trip.
If camp cooking matters to you, this conversation offers practical tips, tested gear insights, and menu inspiration to elevate your next adventure. Listen, subscribe, and leave a review to tell us the first meal you’d bake in a reflector oven.
Doors opened, snow started flying, and the Hamilton Outdoor Adventure Expo doubled down on scale and energy. We walked into two buildings packed with makers, guides, and paddlers, plus a winter courtyard alive with cooking demos, hot tents, dog sleds, and even knife forging. The growth wasn’t just bigger booths; it was deeper conversations and a stronger sense of community that’s hard to capture online.
We share how our weekend unfolded: a recording sprint with creators and speakers, a hard pivot when YouTube sabotaged our livestream audio, and the relief of clean Sunday captures on Riverside. You’ll hear the human side of content creation on a noisy floor—adapting on the fly, salvaging the best stories, and staying transparent about what we’ll re-release. Along the way, we shout out voices you know and love, from Marty Morissette and Joe Robinet to Tori Baird, Ben Beauchamp, Lure of the North, Paddling Adventures Radio, Kevin Callan, Organic Boat Shop, and Ripple Effects Paddles.
A big winter storm reshaped our plans, with Pamela staying safe at home and Tim and Thomas racing the weather to get back before the city got buried. That turn became a reminder of what unites this community: smart choices, mutual support, and a shared passion for the backcountry that beats algorithms and hype. We close with why shows like this matter for campers and canoe trippers—direct access to the people who build your gear, honest feedback from real users, and hands-on demos that teach skills you’ll actually use.
We’re rolling out the best interviews over the next few months, lining up deeper guest conversations, and planning routes for open water season. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs trail stoke, and leave a quick review so more campers can find us. Your notes and stories keep this community strong—what should we explore next?
We shift from Crown land to conservation area camping and explain why these smaller, well-kept sites near Ontario’s cities are a smart choice for families, first-timers, and weekend warriors. We compare amenities, rules, and vibe, and share standout locations and booking tips.
• conservation authorities’ mission and why camping is secondary use • southern and central Ontario locations close to cities • highlights at Valens, Fifty Point, Guelph Lake, Rockwood, Elora Gorge, Albion Hills, Indian Line, Longwoods • amenities that ease first trips, including showers and hookups • reservations, quiet hours, alcohol rules and pet policies • pros for beginners and families, limits on privacy and wilderness feel • how these sites compare to provincial parks and Crown land • choosing comfort versus freedom based on your values
Please do reach out to us if you have any questions, comments, if you have any input, if there's a specific topic you'd love us to talk about, we would love to hear from you. We are at high at supergoodcampaign.com. That's H I at Supergoodcampaign.com.
A rusty mug that cuts your lip. A wood stove without a door. Eighty days on Great Slave Lake will make you grateful for the little things—and will redraw your map of what matters. We sat down with winter guide and Alone Season 7 alum Kielyn Marrone to unpack how survival clarity and traditional craft can turn deep cold into deep comfort.
Kielyn traces the path from competitive athlete to outdoor educator to co‑founder of Lure of the North, guiding everyone from first‑timers at a cozy base camp to hardy travellers on committing northern routes. She breaks down the traditional winter system—canvas anoraks, big snowshoes, hot tents, and freight toboggans—and why breathable, natural materials outperform heavy “cold camping” in real wilderness. We dig into her DIY roots: teaching moccasin, mitten, and anorak workshops; launching gear kits and videos; then intentionally splitting the retail side to protect the expedition focus and avoid burnout.
The conversation travels home to their off‑grid homestead built from a prospector tent and a leaking aluminum boat, now powered by a 12 kW solar array with diesel backup. Kielyn shares the unglamorous but essential systems—rotating compost, a bear‑proof garbage cage, a simple thunderbox—and why modern conveniences can live alongside primal solutions. As camp chef, she reveals how single‑ingredient freeze‑dried staples make lighter, healthier meals at scale, retaining nutrients and rehydrating fast in subzero temps.
Hear about a 73‑day snowshoe traverse from Lake Superior to James Bay, the art of pacing ten‑hour days, and the quiet headspace of walking in winter rhythm. If you care about winter camping, hot tenting, DIY gear, off‑grid living, survival lessons, or planning remote expeditions, this one is packed with field‑tested insight and hard‑earned laughs.
If this story moved you or taught you something new, follow the show, leave a quick review, and share it with a friend who loves wild places. Got a winter question we should tackle next? Send us a note at Hi at Supergoodcamping.com.
Think you can camp anywhere for free on Ontario’s Crown land? We dig into the real rules, the best regions, and the prep that turns a risky guess into a confident adventure. After a quick year-five milestone shoutout, we map out what Crown land actually is, why so much of it sits north of the French River, and how local restrictions shape where you can pitch a tent, light a fire, and stay legally.
We walk through the Crown Land Use Policy Atlas and the 21-day rule, including the must-move 100 metres requirement. Then we tour standout regions with very different vibes: Temagami’s classic canoe routes and remote islands, Algoma’s quieter lakes and fewer crowds, Killarney-adjacent granite shores like Philip Edward Island when reservations vanish, cottage-country pockets near Bancroft that demand careful boundary checks, and the wild northwestern stretch around Dryden and Vermilion Bay where water access and fly-ins raise the stakes. Along the way, we call out the no-services reality—no toilets, no bins, often no cell service—and what that means for wag bags, food storage, navigation skills, and first aid readiness.
This conversation is for campers who crave solitude and can handle self-reliance. We’re honest about who should embrace Crown land now—experienced paddlers, anglers, and backcountry travellers—and who should build skills in managed parks first. Expect practical, respectful advice on fire bans, Leave No Trace, logging roads, and why good etiquette keeps spots open for everyone. If you love freedom, pair it with responsibility and you’ll find the wild corners of Ontario that feel like your own. Subscribe, share with a camping friend, and tell us: which region are you planning to explore next?
A last-minute curveball from VIA Rail threatened to kill a long-planned Spanish River trip. We refused to pack it in. Instead, we pivoted north to the lower Temagami River, launching from Red Cedar Lake and finding warm days, calm nights, and a crew that just clicked. That shift became a reminder that great canoe trips hinge on nimble planning, weather grace, and teammates who keep it light when logistics go sideways.
We dig into what made Temagami shine, then map out Spanish River Take Two this June with a moving water certification led by an ORCKA instructor. Bill shares how becoming an ORCKA instructor transformed his own paddling—turns that used to feel “fine” suddenly needed cleaner torso rotation, tighter stern work, and better trim. Efficiency becomes the real safety net when rapids stack up. We talk guiding on the French River, especially the South Channel and five-mile rapids—quieter stretches where boat traffic fades and the landscape opens up. The theme is consistent: seek solitude, read water, and save energy for the moves that matter.
The trail talk widens to hiking windows along the Bruce Trail and Niagara Escarpment, a late-light glacier hike in Iceland, and the growing appeal of crown land access near Georgian Bay and Philip Edward Island. Overlanding gets a nod for freedom and a caution for cost. We share fishing highs and humbling blanks, including the fly rod cameo after a spinning setup sank in the French. Fly casting shines as craft and meditation, even when the net stays dry. Bill explains the cheeky origin of Thunderbox Diaries and why storytelling through images still feels like a living logbook.
Gearheads will appreciate the shoutouts: compact lights and pumps from Flextail, backcountry meals from Wanderlost Kitchen and SLY Foods that taste like real food, and a fresh collaboration with Ostrom Outdoors. Watch for a prototype debut at the Hamilton Adventure Expo at the Organic Boat Shop booth. If you love canoe tripping, whitewater progression, better trip food, and hearing how a busted plan turned brilliant, this one’s for you. Enjoy it, then share it with a paddler who needs a nudge. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: when did your plan B beat plan A?
Want a better definition of a “good” camping trip? Try this: safety, comfort, joy, and connection. We take a human-centred approach to planning inclusive outdoor adventures, showing how small choices—like site surfaces, seating height, and sound levels—can unlock the outdoors for every ability and energy level.
We start with place and pace: how to choose accessible frontcountry sites with firm ground, curb-free paths, and nearby washrooms; why cabins, yurts, and tent trailers make great stepping stones; and when to go “backcountry light” with short walk-ins, minimal portages, and base camps that swap daily moves for real rest. From quiet loops to shade and cell coverage, we share the little details that make a big difference when health or mobility needs are in play.
Then we dig into practical tools. Mobility-friendly gear like chairs with arms and higher seats, raised cots, walking sticks, and portable ramps reduce strain and increase independence. Activity tweaks keep the fun without the fatigue: fish from docks, observe nature from camp, or make evenings campfire-centred. For neurodivergent campers, we map out routines, campsite previews, sensory supports like dimmable lights and white noise, and reset spaces stocked with familiar bedding, fidgets, headphones, or weighted blankets. Food, medication, and power planning round out the safety net—think familiar meals with one new treat, temperature-safe med storage, clear labels, and tested backups for devices.
Healthy group dynamics hold it all together. We set expectations ahead of time, normalise opting out, assign flexible roles so everyone contributes, and practise what-if scenarios to replace worry with readiness. Caregivers get strategies to prevent burnout—rotate tasks, slow the schedule, and celebrate small wins. Start small, expect learning, and keep a backup plan. The outdoors gets better when more people can access it, and adaptive camping is how we make that happen—gracefully, thoughtfully, and together.
If this helped, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review telling us your best adaptive camping tip. Your stories help more people feel welcome outside.
A beaver roommate, a septic disaster, and a storm barreling in at 2 p.m.—and somehow this became the most rewarding trip of the year. We sit down with Camper Christina to unpack a bold return to Quebec’s Route 61 after a confidence-shaking capsize, and follow her step by step through low-water puzzles, rocky R1s, and the moment she realized the “dump zone” was now a shallow wade. It’s a story about reading current, trusting training, and choosing to go anyway when life piles on.
We also wander through her new rural home life—three acres, a pond, and Beavy the beaver doing pond-ice sabotage—plus the realities of winter roads and near-miss lessons that sharpen situational awareness. On the creative side, Christina takes us behind the scenes on building live presentations: capturing 15+ hours of footage, crafting tight trailers, and shaping a narrative that educates without spoiling the show. Then we share a first look at Camper Christina’s Corner, a one-minute paddling story booth built from a canoe and hosted at the Hamilton Adventure Expo, with prizes from community partners and a promise to spotlight real voices all year.
Rounding it out, we talk Algonquin’s Barren Canyon as a low-portage option packed with wildlife and scenery, smart storm timing, and practical safety like wearing PFDs in cold water seasons. If you’ve ever stared at a route that once scared you, this conversation offers a map back—mixing backcountry skills, mindset resets, and a reminder that adventure thrives in imperfect windows. Subscribe, share this with a paddling friend, and tell us: what fear are you ready to paddle through next?
What if your tent packed to a loaf of bread, your lantern doubled as a power bank, and your jacket helped manage heat without piling on layers? We dive into the gear that actually changes backcountry days: thin solar panels that keep phones and GPS units alive, ultralight shelters that shrug off storms, and smart fabrics that breathe, dry fast, and keep you moving when the weather flips.
We share real-world wins and pitfalls with panels from BioLite and Goal Zero, inflatable solar lights, and the trade-offs of flexible solar fabrics. On the sleep front, we talk Dyneema tents under two pounds, compact pads with high R-values, and down bags that compress to grapefruit size. For water and food, we compare gravity filters to fast bottle purifiers, look at fuel-saving cook systems versus twig stoves, and consider where fire bans and treeless landscapes make “romantic” setups impractical. Power banks, rechargeables, and simple charging tactics round out a reliable off-grid kit.
Safety and navigation get the same treatment. We explain how a ZOLEO or inReach keeps you connected without cell service and why offline topo apps like Gaia GPS and AllTrails Plus pair best with solid map-and-compass habits. Sustainability threads through it all: repair programs, recycled materials, canister refill tools, and choosing durable gear that lasts. Our bottom line is simple—bring tech that trims weight, boosts safety, and reduces waste, but don’t let screens steal the view. Subscribe, share with a fellow camper, and tell us: what’s the one piece of gear that truly earned its spot in your pack?
The map looks simple until the trees vanish. Then the wind takes over, the horizon stretches for days, and every choice you make—gear, timing, route—has to respect a landscape that doesn’t bend. We sit down with Jim Gallagher and Brian Johnston, a two-person team with 16 years and 5,600 kilometres of Arctic canoe travel, to unpack how they keep remote trips calm, safe, and deeply rewarding.
They walk us through the real logistics of going north: choosing between floatplanes and wheel landings, why a pack canoe that fits in a hockey bag can change your budget and route options, and how to plan circle routes from communities like Yellowknife and Baker Lake when charters fall through. We talk gear that actually helps—freestanding shelters for treeless tundra, white gas stoves when fire bans and driftwood scarcity collide, and a modest solar panel that still charges on cloudy, cold days. With 24-hour daylight, they skip headlamps and sometimes start paddling at 3 a.m. to beat the wind.
On the water, humility beats bravado. Jim and Brian share how whitewater skills, lining, and smart portages open up far more rivers than running every rapid. We swap stories of caribou herds clattering across riverbanks, a distant grizzly minding its own forage, seal skulls hinting at the coast, and lake trout and grayling that turn a campsite into a feast—though never a food plan. The theme is consistency: clear routines, conservative decisions, and simple systems that avoid tent failures, canoe mishaps, and food shortages, so the focus stays on wild country and long, quiet miles.
If you’re dreaming of bigger trips—whether that’s a classic like the Thelon, Kazan, or Coppermine, or a creative link between obscure watersheds—you’ll hear practical advice on courses, clubs, mentors, and building judgment alongside skill. Come for the Arctic canoe tips and expedition planning; stay for the honest take on comfort, resilience, and why an uneventful trip can be the best kind of epic. Enjoy the conversation, then share it with a paddling friend, hit follow, and leave a review to help others find the show.
You can feel the spark from the first minute: a morning coffee turned into a grassroots outdoor festival that now spans a Friday night film showcase, three packed halls, and a winter courtyard buzzing with dog sleds, fire pits, hot tents, and live demos. We’re joined by Jason and Bretton from the Hamilton Adventure Expo to trace how they kept the show independent, community-centred, and hands-on while doubling its size and raising the bar for Canadian outdoor events.
We dive into the new Adventure Film Festival at the historic Westdale Theatre—nine films, intimate Q&As, and a 350-seat room where creators and fans meet face to face. Then we map the weekend across the Ancaster Fairgrounds: indoor tunnels connecting vendor halls, a dedicated speaker space, acoustic music sessions, a kids’ corner, and a coffee-and-treats hub that makes every room feel alive. Outside, winter takes centre stage with Abitibi Dog Sledding rides, Esker hot tent demos and cocoa, live knife forging, sled-pulling workshops, and collaborative camp kitchen sessions. It’s an immersive way to learn winter skills, talk to experts, and turn questions into confidence.
The speaker lineup is stacked: Adam Shoalts, Joe Robinet, Kevin Callan, Kylan Marone, Tori Baird, Ken Whiting, Ray Zahab, Ben Beauchamp, Marty Morcette, and Evan LaFive. We talk about why these voices matter, how their stories move people from YouTube to trailheads, and why Saturday and Sunday each offer unique sessions worth seeing. You’ll also hear how last year’s sellout lines shaped smarter crowd flow, added volunteers, and a VIP entrance for weekend pass holders—without losing the indie spirit. And if you like great odds, every ticket enters you to win a Nova Craft ToughStuff 16’ Prospector canoe, ready to kick off your paddling season.
Join us for a warm, honest look at the Canadian outdoor community—where makers, guides, filmmakers, and fans come together to learn, collaborate, and head outside. Tickets go live November 24. Grab yours, share this episode with an adventure friend, and leave a review to help more people find the show. We’ll see you at Westdale on Jan 23 and at the Ancaster Fairgrounds Jan 24–25.
The camp stove shouldn’t be where flavour goes to die. We sat down with Liz and Wally from Wanderless Kitchen to share how they turned heirloom South Asian recipes into plant‑based dehydrated meals that pack light, rehydrate fast, and taste like home after a long day on the water or trail. Their journey starts in Lahore’s kitchens, winds through a windy first paddle on Georgian Bay, and lands in a commercial kitchen where “a pinch” gave way to spreadsheets, tilting skillets, and hard‑won texture tests.
We dig into what makes dehydrated meals go wrong—chewy bits, pasty sauces, mushy or underdone rice—and how thoughtful ingredient choices flip the script. Dals became the stars: brown lentils that hold their shape, moong dal that turns silky, and basmati rice that stays long‑grained and separate. You’ll hear the story behind three signature meals—Masur Dal Chawal, Chikor Chole, and Moong Dal Chawal—why they’re all plant‑based, and how limiting oils preserves both flavour and performance in the dehydrator. This isn’t “moon food.” It’s smoky cardamom, cinnamon warmth, and nutty comfort that passes the ultimate test: family approval.
Beyond the recipes, we talk about scaling up without losing soul: renting a commercial kitchen, investing in larger dehydrators, logging every gram for consistency, and learning packaging the hard way so you don’t have to. Community demos at MEC and paddling festivals proved that if people can taste it, they get it—good calories can be delicious calories. If you’ve ever dreaded a bland boil‑in‑bag after a cold paddle or steep portage, this conversation will reset your expectations for backcountry meals.
Explore authentic flavour that travels. Try the holiday bundle—three meals for $40 at wanderlesskitchen.ca through December 10—and stock up for your next trip. If you enjoy the show, tap follow, share it with a paddling friend, and leave us a quick review to help more campers find real food for real adventures.