Tag Archives: Canada

Ray Mears and the Path of Grey Owl

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“The question is not what we get out of nature, but what can we give back to nature.”

The Path of Grey Owl is a new film by Goh Iromoto, shot on location in Ontario, Canada. It follows Ray Mears through the wilderness of the Temagami region, as he explores the path of acclaimed author and conservationist Grey Owl (also known as Archibald Belaney). While reflecting on the landscape that shaped Grey Owl into the person that he was, Ray further delves into Grey Owl’s message about protecting our wilderness, and explains why this is still so relevant and important in our present day.

For more information on Grey Owl, please click here.

For your chance to win a trip to Ontario with Ray Mears as your guide, please click here.

Ray Mears on the Legend of Grey Owl

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In 2015, Ray journeyed deep into the remote backcountry of the Temagami region of Ontario, Canada. Here he found himself immersed in Canada’s canoe culture, and the captivating legend of Archibald Belaney, better known as Grey Owl.

Grey Owl Portrait

Archibald Belaney, better known as Grey Owl

Born in the British seaside town of Hastings in 1888, Belaney would eventually become one of the most powerful spokespersons for the preservation of a pristine wilderness and a strong Native identity in Canada. From childhood he held a fascination for the Native peoples of North America, and at the age of seventeen Belaney left England for Canada. However, it was not until he was in his forties that Belaney began his career as the conservationist for which he is best known today. Continue reading →

Ontario Tourism Expedition – Winner Revealed

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Thank you to everyone who entered the recent Ontario Tourism competition to win a wilderness adventure to Ontario with Ray Mears. Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership has now revealed the winner of their UK prize draw. Congratulations to Jonathan Armstrong (pictured with his wife below) from Manchester, who was drawn at random from over 26,000 entries to the competition.

Jonathan and Joanne Armstrong

Jonathan and Joanne Armstrong, winners of the trip of a lifetime with Ray Mears to Ontario

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‘We Belong To It’ – A Short Film of Ray Mears in Northern Ontario

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We Belong To It, a short film featuring Ray Mears exploring Ontario by canoe, recently won top honours in the Canoeing category at the 10th annual Reel Paddling Film Festival 2015. Created by Goh Iromoto, this wonderful film follows Ray as he journeys into the heart of Wabakimi Provincial Park in northern Ontario, Canada. We Belong To It explores the visual beauty of the Boreal forest landscape, and delves into Ray’s reflections on nature, and his mastered skill set in bushcraft. Continue reading →

In Ontario with Ray Mears

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Ray Mears in Ontario (photo by Goh Iromoto)

Ray Mears in Ontario (photo by Goh Iromoto)

The latest issue of The Great Outdoors magazine includes a feature on Ray’s recent canoeing trip in Ontario, Canada. Ray gave his own first-hand account in a previous blog post of ours, but it’s interesting to see the trip from another point of view. Peter Coombs joined Ray and Becky Mason for a portion of their adventure, and his article can be seen in the January issue of The Great Outdoors, which went on sale today. To whet your appetite, here’s an excerpt: Continue reading →

Wabakimi Adventures, by Ray Mears

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Ray-Mears-Campfire

Canadian canoe journeys are always special; they have a unique ability to purge the spirit of the unwanted static that accumulates in our technological lives. I am not sure why, whether it is the simplicity of life as a canoeist, or the pristine quietude of the wilderness; perhaps it is the honest labour of muscles propelling you through the lakes and waterways. Whatever it is, the effect is to cleanse and rejuvenate the soul. So when I was asked if I could squeeze a late September reconnaissance expedition to Northwest Ontario into my schedule, I took a crowbar to the fixtures in my diary. Continue reading →