Expedition Stories
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Bloodvein River Expedition 2026
A live journal from our 13-day canoe expedition through the Canadian wilderness. ​This page was updated throughout the expedition using satellite messages sent from the team.
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Latest updates​​
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Update 1 – Into the wilderness
08/07/26
After a weather delay caused by low cloud, the team finally boarded the floatplane and headed into the Canadian wilderness.
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Along with them travelled 850kg of food and expedition kit – nearly the weight of a small car – carrying everything they'll need for the next 13 days on the Bloodvein River.
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After flying into this remote wilderness, the team took to the water for the first time, paddling through their first section of whitewater before making camp just below Moose Bone Falls beneath clear skies.
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Dinner that evening was a well-earned steak and vegetables, and around 20 bald eagles were spotted during the day – an incredible way to begin the expedition.
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The adventure is officially underway.
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Update 2 – Bushey Lake
09/07/26
Another satellite message has made its way out of the Canadian wilderness.
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Today's update was wonderfully simple.
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Hot weather continues to accompany the team as they make their way along the Bloodvein River, with plenty of opportunities to cool off along the way.
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As the team put it:
"Not a lot to report today. Hot lovely weather. Lots of swimming (on purpose). We camped at a lovely spot on Bushey Lake watching the sun set. Stir fry for dinner."
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Sometimes it's the quieter days that capture expedition life best. Paddling through remote wilderness, swimming in crystal-clear water, watching the sun set over the lake and sharing a meal together at camp.
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Bushey Lake lies within Atikaki Provincial Park and forms part of the Pimachiowin Aki UNESCO World Heritage Site – a vast protected wilderness of lakes, rivers and ancient boreal forest.
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It sounds like the team are settling into the rhythm of life on the river.
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Update 3 – Portages, swims and camp cooking
10/07/26
Another message has reached us from the team.
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Today's journey covered around 20 km, including three hefty portages carrying canoes and kit around sections of the river.
Combined with the continuing hot weather, it sounds like another full day on the Bloodvein.
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At the end of the day, the team enjoyed a hearty beef stew followed by raspberry cobbler around camp.
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One line from today's message particularly made us smile:
"Nice thing about the heat is everyone and everything is clean and dry. We must be doing at least 3 swims a day."
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The warm weather has brought one unexpected advantage. Plenty of opportunities to cool off in the river, dry kit at the end of each day and, by the sounds of it, swimming has become a regular part of expedition life.
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It sounds like another memorable day on the Bloodvein River.
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Update 4 – Wildlife and wilderness
11/07/26
The satellite messenger has pinged again...
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Another message has made its way out of the Canadian wilderness.
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As the days pass, the list of wildlife sightings continues to grow. So far the team have spotted bear, otter, beaver and bald eagles – a wonderful reminder of just how wild this landscape really is.
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Fresh fish for lunch has been another highlight, but perhaps the most memorable moments haven't been about the food or the wildlife at all.
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As one of the team put it:
"Favourite bits are just spending time immersed in the scenery and in the water cooling off."
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Sometimes that's what expedition life is all about. Slowing down, spending your days surrounded by nature, and appreciating the simple rhythm of paddling, swimming and sharing time together in a truly wild place.
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It sounds like the team are making the most of every moment on the Bloodvein River.
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Update 5 – Hot days and high spirits
12/07/26
​Another message has made its way out of the Canadian wilderness, and today's update couldn't have sounded more upbeat.
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As one of the team put it:
"We just smashed a good day!!"
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Despite temperatures reaching 34°C, the team are making great progress down the Bloodvein River. The latest message paints a picture of another memorable day, with enjoyable rapids, straightforward portages and beautiful campsites along the way.
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One thing that really comes across is the team's enthusiasm. Even in the heat, spirits are clearly high, and they're embracing everything the expedition has to offer.
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It sounds like another fantastic day in the Canadian wilderness.
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Update 6 – A moose from camp
14/07/26​​​​​
More news of another memorable day on the Bloodvein River.
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The team have now reached the 100 km remaining mark, continuing to average around 20 km each day. Although the temperatures have eased slightly from the previous 34°C, they're now contending with a headwind as they make their way downstream.
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One of the highlights came not on the water, but from camp itself.
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"Last night we saw a moose and beaver from camp!"
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After bacon and eggs for breakfast, it was back on the river for another day of whitewater, straightforward portages and steady progress.
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With around 100 km still to paddle, the adventure is far from over, but it sounds as though the team are continuing to enjoy every moment of life on the Bloodvein River.
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