This Story is Archived
Please note this page may no longer be up to date. For new stories about Northern Ontario visit us here.

Ray Mears Hosts Winners of the Great Canadian Grey Owl Adventure Contest

Didn't win? You can still meet British Expert Ray Mears at the Temagami Canoe Festival.

The contest is now closed. If you didn't win, you can still meet Ray Mears at the Temagami Canoe Festival July 15 to 17, 2016. Please check schedule for appearance times.

____________________________________________________________________

In 2015, Ray Mears, British adventure traveller and TV personality, 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 was the most effective conservationist of his age; he preached a message of concern on behalf of the creatures of the wild that he found suffering in the advancing tide of industrialization. His books were bestsellers and his lecture tours inspired thousands. Upon his death, it was revealed that Grey Owl was not a Native at all, but in fact an Englishman who travelled to Canada to live out a boyhood dream.

His real name was Archie Belaney, and his transformation into Grey Owl is one of the most fascinating human stories I have ever encountered.

To have even the slightest chance to see beyond his accepted biography, one must walk for a while in his moccasins and encounter the lore and wisdom of the Anishinaabe First Nations and travel in the Ontario Wilderness." – Ray Mears on the Legend of Grey Owl

Grey Owl with a beaver in a canoe and Ray Mears at Grey Owl plaque
Grey Owl helped protect the beaver. Ray Mears ponders the legend of Grey Owl.

WIN A TRIP OF A LIFETIME – THE GREAT CANADIAN GREY OWL ADVENTURE (CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED) 

In July 2016, Ontario Tourism is offering one winner and their guest the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Grey Owl with Ray Mears as your guide. This journey will take you deep into the spectacular back-country of legendary Northeastern Ontario's Temagami region – n'Daki Menan Aboriginal community, where you'll be immersed in Canada's canoe culture and the story of Grey Owl.

Experience the Old Growth Forest and beauty that captured Grey Owl's heart, travelling by land, air and paddle into the heart of Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park.

Enter Now
  • Round-trip airfare from anywhere in Canada or continental United States to North Bay, Ontario where the adventure begins and ends
  • An 8-day fully outfitted and guided trip including:
  • Exciting floatplane adventure into Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park with Lakeland Airways
  • 4 day guided canoeing adventure with Ray Mears and Smoothwater Outfitters
  • The story of Grey Owl and wilderness travel instruction including paddling, bushcraft skills, wildlife observation and tracking
  • Immersion into Canada's canoe culture at the Temagami Canoe Festival
  • Tour of the First Nation's community of Bear Island on Lake Temagami and experience First Nation ceremonies, storytelling and history
  • 7 nights accommodation (3 nights wilderness camping, 3 nights Smoothwater Ecolodge, 1 night hotel)
  • All meals and ground transportation
  • Plus two $500 gift cards for outdoor gear from Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC)

Total prize valued at $5,000 CAD / $3,900 USD Prize redemption is July 15 to 22, 2016. Contest closes 11:59pm (EST) May 15, 2016. See full contest rules for details. 

About Trish Manning

Trish Manning is an adventure travel writer. She is an avid outdoor person who loves to hike, paddle, SUP, snowshoe, cross-country ski and explore Ontario's great outdoors with her golden retriever, Daisy.

Recommended Articles

11 Jaw-Droppingly Beautiful Landscapes

Don't miss the splendours of Northern Ontario.

Best Waterfalls in Ontario

Discover where they are and how to get there.

Paddling "the Pet"

Why it's her favourite Algonquin trip.

Explore Underground: Ontario Caves

Perfect for adventurous couples and families.

Outdoor Adventures in Huntsville

Find out the best activities to take part in year-round.

11 Best Places to Go Rock Climbing

Harness up.

Learn to Camp

A beginners guide.

Best Backcountry Camping in Ontario

7 destinations that are wild with beauty and fun.

9 Reasons To Visit Ontario this Fall

Hello all things autumn.

The Best Killarney Hikes

Take to the trails in Ontario’s crown jewel park.

Ontario's Best Family Resorts

Your trip planning starts here.

Agawa Falls Trail

Hike to Agawa Canyon's deepest secret.

Treetop Trekking

Swing. Climb. Zip. Play in the treetops.

Horseback Trail Riding in Ontario

Discover the best horseback riding trails and clubs.

Teenagers & whitewater?

The Smedleys tackle the Turtle

Windy Lake: Your Travel Guide

Discover year-round outdoor fun in Ontario’s stunning Northeast.

Muskoka Outdoor Adventures

Your ultimate guide for things to do year-round.

Hike The Best Trails

Discover your next great adventure.

Love dogs?

Find a "pawlooza" near you.

Girls’ Getaways

21 ideas for an adventurous escape or bachelorette party in Ontario.