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Easyist river I’ve ever been on its good for you first trip not even close to the Northern French don’t go there you’ll get hurt unless you know what you’re doing

This is close to where i had my first sasquatch encounter in 2012.

Just discovered you. Yours are the best! Your presentation is heartwarming and photogenic excellence.

You need to do this trip again

72 Bass! 👍👍

Very well done gentlemen. It's a prime example why Ontario is an amazing part of earth. Spent most of my 68yrs on Lake Nipissing and Georgian Bay. Your historic references are a valuable addition to your trip. 2,000 years ago the river ran the opposite direction all the way down the Ottawa River. Another amazing river for tripping. Be well fellow explorers. "lets go around one more corner"

I grew up spending summers at Harley Bay and worked at Kamp Kaintuck and a few lodges as a fishing guiding. Just a note that where you turned left to cross the very open Wanapitei Bay at Kamp Kaintuck... If it's windy and you're not staying at SIte #618, which we call The Bad River Turn", the Wanapitei River is a good protected alternate route and often you'll see lots of wildlife (turtles, deer, herons, eagles, etc.) along the shores. You could also turn left before that, the first channel on your left after leaving Hartley Bay, and head towards the French River Lodge (FRL) via the :S-Turn" as it's protected from the west winds. Then, once you pass the FRL head south toward the main channel at Eaglesnest Island and hug the west shore to avoid the west winds.I highly recommend touring the Bad River and south towards The Fingerboards through the many stunningly beautiful "inside channels". Afternoon (2:00-4:00PM) bass fishing on the inside fringe of the south Fingerboards can be rewarding. Lindy Rig with hook and worm ;-)

What are those straps that they run along the exterior all the way around? What do they do?

I hope You'll do the North Channel. You'll go right by Green Bay Lodge. The North channel also has some Difficulties, but I'd love ❤️ to see you conquer it.

Really cool, Thank You.

SOOO BEAUTIFUL!

Used to live in Whanapitae.😊

Seen the Power lines. Omg.😊

South channel, correct?

There is legend of a 6ft Musky, by divers.

Barren is GOOD. 👍

DEEPLY ROOTED

Try to get those Walleye or Perch.

Green Bay lodge, home away from home, 18 mile Island. WOW

I know, and have seen. BIG BIG Fish in that river. To the point where I've heard stories of Diver's wanting out of the water because of experiences.

Everyone knows the French River.

Pete amazing journey thank you! I spent many years at our cottage on Bragdon Island at the narrows just below the previous Keystone Lodge. We came across Nippising on the original Chief Commanda arriving at the lodge then taking a boat called the Aletis to our island dropping off cottagers along the way. Living in nature catching minnows for fishing, shore dinners to eat the fish we caught eating fresh blueberries for dessert was an experience of a lifetime. It was truly my heart space. You two were so courageous to take this journey. Thank you again!

My wife & I built our home and have been raising our kids here on the French for the last 15 years now. I just stumbled on your film now and wow! well done! I am a professional commercial videographer so I can appreciate the effort needed to capture this trip. Thank you for showing me parts of this amazing River system that I had never seen before and for inspiring me to also want to plan a trip to paddle it.

Will copy that for my own hobby room thank for the idea

Excellent job on the video ,beautiful area

Thank you!

Absolutely love your video

Absolutely awe inspiring and masterfully put together. i cant believe i m just coming across this now.

Why did they have to stick the word “canoe” on the side of the boat?🤣🤣. I suspect 99.99 % of the population know it’s a canoe 😂. Nova Craft would suffice

i would love to know who sing that song?

I love the narration and story telling! Great job! I will subscribe and watch more!

Absolutely loved the video!! My wife and I are planning this exact same trip. Thank you for taking us along on your adventures.

Price???

Spoke to Steve at Novocraft yesterday and he set me up with White Rose Canoe in Newbury Mass., my home state. I ordered a Bob Special in Blue Steel and I couldn't be more excited. Can't wait to pick it up in late April. I first bought a Bob 40 years ago in London, in Kevlar, with cherry trim all around. That boat is a bit beat up but still going strong; this new one is for my son- gotta keep the Novocraft legacy going in the family. Oh, and Algonquin PP is only about 800 kilometers from home; nothing like it.

It’s a beautiful lake. My Daughter and I hiked into Sheldon lake this past summer (2023). Absolutely stunning. Thanks for sharing.

Is that the same material as their Tuff Stuff?

Please shut up and just show the scenery.

that is very awesome video ...wtg

I lived at French River Lodge from 1041 to 1958.. My parents owned French River Lodge. Thanks for letting the World kow about the beauty of that region.

Great job!

Absolutely remarkable work. Thank you for sharing.

Well done, totally enjoyed this documentary.

I really liked your video about the Nova Craft Prospector 15. I am considering buying a new canoe. I currently have an Old Town Explorer, in Royalex, which has been a great boat, but it's just too heavy anymore. I would like a versatile canoe that I can paddle double or solo, and load on the top of my car by myself. It seems like the Prospector 15 could be a good option, but I am also considering a Nova Craft Pal, which I have heard was a favorite of Bill Mason. Any thoughts on this choice? Steve Weed

Hi Pete I just rewatched your amazing trip on the French and, wanted to give a shout out, for taking us along. I got to spend a week on the headwaters of the French many years back and loved it. I had often wondered how beautiful the lower French must be, and thanks to you and your fantastic video, I now know what I've been missing. The ports seem quite manageable even for older guy like me. Thanks for this. Maybe if I'm really lucky, I can get back up there again 😮. Great story telling in addition the wonderful videography.

Thanks for a great video. I love your hat!, could you share the brand and name of it please.

Great video, it inspired us to do the same trip last week. I spent a lot of time figuring out how to create offline maps/navigation to the campsites and portage locations that you can use on your phone. I have made instructions and map pins available here in case anyone else wants to use them for their trip, was very handy to have. drive.google.com/drive/folders/1eQ-XlB7_aOFkT07BYvN5N8lx3uo0Ar4M?usp=sharing

This area has some of the most beautiful landscapes Ontario has to offer. Thank you very much for sharing your journey and congratulations on completing the same amazing trip so many explorers and pioneers have made over the last few hundred years, it's something very special

Hello Pete. My family watched your fabulous video numerous times in the last 18 months. It sparked something in us. As proud Canadians with some paddling experience, four of us plan to exactly retrace your route starting in 10 days on September 6, 2023 at Lichty’s Marina. We hope you can clarify a question we have. The official Ontario Parks French River map shows both an Old Voyageur and a Voyageur Channel. In light of this, could you explain: • which channel(s) you and Bill followed to Georgian Bay, • where you turned around, and • exactly the route you took back. Thanks so much and best wishes for your future videographic adventures. Paula Cryderman

Just got back from my first multi-day solo kayak on the old Voyager route, partly inspired by this documentary so thank you. It was a majestic experience so much history following in the footsteps of Étienne Brûlé, The Jesuits and The Huron.

I wish I had learned to do this type of outdoor living when I was much younger. Hopefully your videos and a few others I enjoy following will inspire others to try this kind of outdoor life and activities. Thank you for sharing your experience and videos.