Song of the Paddle

Bill Mason,
1978,
40 min 45 s

Synopsis
Point Of View
Education

This short documentary features outdoorsman Bill Mason and his family as they camp and canoe in the wilderness. The film fosters an appreciation for the art of canoeing while celebrating the sheer joy and beauty of nature. Along their trip, the Masons experience countless adventures and some breathtaking scenery, including indigenous rock carvings by Lake Superior.

From the playlist : Bill Mason: Beyond the wild, beyond the paddle

Mason had envisaged shooting three instructional films on canoeing and one on canoe-camping. The instructional series would eventually be expanded to four films (Path of the Paddle) and Mason would work with his wife and children to make Song of the Paddle to share their love of canoe-camping. The film won three Etrogs (the Canadian film awards precursor to the Genies) in the non-feature film category for direction, cinematography and sound editing. Mason would also release a book bearing the same title, which the press dubbed “a philosophical guide to outdoor living.”

— Albert Ohayon

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Comments

“This family's adventure was totally inspiring; I live in The Big Mitten and exploring the shores of Lake Superior is still an unfulfilled dream. I am definitely making Thunder Bay a stop along the journey, traveling the northern route around to Duluth. Thanks for sharing this beautiful documentary.” — uwasawaya, 2 Aug 2013
“I want to jam with my family in next to a lake! Gorgeous people.” — Sammyg, 23 Apr 2010
“Wonderful as always.” — OneWildWest, 12 Mar 2010
“Wonderful as always.” — OneWildWest, 12 Mar 2010