A Week Camping Alone on the Notorious Sixth Great Lake

Many are commenting what they feel is the "sixth Great Lake" so let's break this down: -The official Great Lakes (Superior, Huron, Michigan, Ontario, Erie) are not called that because they're necessarily the five biggest. -There are lakes bigger than Ontario and Erie in Canada alone, and more globally -They're grouped together because of their size AND connectivity. They're all part of the Great Lakes watershed. -Some have suggested Lake Champlain which is much smaller than Nipigon and flows into the St. Lawrence, after the Great Lakes. -Others say Lake Winnipeg, Great Slave, or Great Bear, none of which are part of the Great Lakes watershed which is fundamental to the term/grouping. -Some say Lake St Clair because it's bigger which is untrue---Nipigon is much larger and deeper. St Clair had to be dredged for commercial traffic. Like I said in the first few seconds, "some call it the sixth Great Lake." It's not an official title so let's just agree that all of these are amazing waterbodies :)

Jon deserves an award. This is art. No other channel comes close. Hands down the best solo filmmaker I have ever seen.

You are my “National Geographic“😉. Thank you! Awesome videos.

Your camera work is stunning. I felt as if I was there. Thank you for this. It was a glorious getaway and I had a wonderful time.

Wow. This was a gift to watch. The Aurora was the best I think I've ever seen on film. The transitions, quiet moments, where all is heard is ripple of the water as you float down what looks like a glass lake, skirting the shore drenched in Autumn watercolor. Stunning. All of it. Bravo. 👏🏼

You nail these what I would call at this point “short films.” The narration, the footage, the music and the editing are top notch. You are truly in you own class when it comes to this content. It’s been fun to watch you grow and get better at this craft over the past year or so. Can’t wait for winter!! Hopefully all the hard work and talent has paid off for you financially.

As you say to each fish, I try to post to each of your videos: Thank you! Your hard work does not go unnoticed and is so appreciated. Your storytelling is such a respite sometimes.

I am an armchair traveler so I watch many of travel/adventure vids to satisfy my wanderlust. THIS is one of the best ever:exceptional photography/drone shots appreciated that he, "showed us" where he was going along the way and the thought process influencing his choice of routes, wind conditions etc.. The aurora bourealis and bear crossing ...AMAZING - Best in Class!

As an aging urbanite it was wonderful to be able to take part in this adventure even if only vicariously. It is pleasure to watch a person who knows well what he is doing. It is also fun to see how the state of the art in technology plays its part. Finally, I feel renewed in spirit and hopeful for a future of people who are attuned with nature and will carry on. (From Tampa, Florida)

The last time I was at Nipigon the lake was mirror glass like. The overcast reflected off the lake where you could not tell heaven from earth...it was surreal. It is something I will never forget.

Jon, No words are amazing enough to describe how fantastic your videos make me feel. I've prescibed myself 7 days of Mountain, Forest, Lochs and Islands in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, my Medicine. Thank you for your Wonderful Expeditions its truly a privilege to join you on the Journey 🙏🙏🙏 When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light. For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

Wow thanks for reminding me of my own memories in Canadian wilderness. Here in my closing chapters of life, I'm reminded how lucky I am to have returned to CND and how proud I am of my country. The beauty and pristine of our country must be appreciated, experienced and protected at all cost. The Canadian Shield has some of the oldest rocks in the world, cleanest waters, shores and beautiful skies. I'm glad I found your channel. I shall live threw you...quietly 😊

I was born in Ontario but live in the US with my American husband and your video brought me home again to the raw beauty and majesty I miss so much. Even just the call of those loons hit a chord in me. You are so like my own personality and I feel such a kinship. Your work has touched me so deeply. Thank you!

Congratulations Jon, you're now making me cry during your videos. Your ability to make me feel like I'm there with you is emotional and blowing me away. I'm an OG that has watched ALL your videos. For the love of god, please stay safe and keep doing this forever.

This, this has got to be one of the best things ive ever seen on YouTube, it feels like a professional production not just a YouTuber with a camera

You make Canadians feel so privileged to live in the most beautiful country on earth!

Jon, that was outstanding. What an epic trip. The decision to paddle out under the stars was both brave and beautiful. Cheers.

What a fierce and beautiful place. I felt as if I was on a roller coaster. From fear oof the bear, snake, wind, and waves to pure peaceful bliss of the scenery, campsites, and northern lights. I've watched your videos for years and never felt such strong emotions. What a superior episode.

Aurora was priceless Jon….the whole trip with superb filming technique - PRICELESS!

How inspiring that you go and do ALONE what other people would be scared to do in a group! Being alone takes practice, but once you master it the freedom is indescribable. What a beautiful life you have created for yourself.