Canadian Geographic’s Explore Podcast Canoe series is back for its third year, and we’re thrilled to start with Canadian canoeing legend Mike Ranta.

Ranta was not only the first person to canoe solo across Canada in a single paddling season but he's also done it twice! His adventure began with his dog Spitzi and a portage over the Rocky Mountains. In this fun and engaging episode, Ranta takes us on a journey from his earliest paddling experiences as a child in and around Ontario’s Quetico Provincial Park, one of the world’s premiere canoe-tripping destinations, to his many canoe adventures across Canada. This includes his little pandemic getaway from Lake Huron to James Bay and back. He discusses his love for the poet Robert Service, some of his favourite camping hacks, gear and canoes, his Métis heritage and the welcome he's received in the many First Nations communities he's paddled through. Ranta spoke to us from his home base of Killarney, Ont., on Lake Huron, where he leads canoe expeditions and makes paddles, including the world's largest paddle, The Big Dipper. At 32 metres, Ranta carved it to appreciate Canada's veterans, one of his favourite causes. 

Stay tuned for more canoe episodes coming in August and September!