Evan HoltComment

Portage To 2025

Evan HoltComment
Portage To 2025

Each year we give a yearly rundown of some of the biggest news while looking ahead to the next year. Join us as we portage to 2025!

Top 10 Most Read Articles in 2024

Last year’s top articles highlighted companies such as store closures and new maps … this year at Traversing the most read articles were...

#10 - The Canadian Canoe Museum Is Opening May 13th, 2024

Years in the making, the Canadian Canoe Museum successfully build a stunning brand new building to house the ENTIRE collection as well as offer so many more improvements that make this a must-see destination.

#9 - The Hamilton Adventure Expo Kicks Off In 2025

Here in Ontario we have the Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show and the Ottawa Outdoor + Adventure Travel Show, but this May we were surprised to learn that a new expo is kicking off in 2025… the Hamilton Adventure Expo! It’s already gaining a lot of momentum and has a huge list of special guests and vendors. Be sure to check it out!

#8 - Wildfires Close Jasper National Park

Each year western Canada braces for when and where the next massive fire is going to strike. This year was no different and sadly this growing issue is starting to affect our National Parks. On the upside, Parks Canada recently announced that all backcountry campsites will be ready for the 2025 season.

#7 - New MEC Location Opening In Whitby This July

There are no MEC locations between Toronto and Ottawa and this year MEC opened a new store in Whitby to serve that area.

#6 - Canoe Designer David Yost Fields Questions From The Internet

The more you delve into canoe design, the more the questions pop up. There’s nothing like access to a canoe designer to set the story straight on design and the science behind it.

#5 - How To Download Old Maps From Unlostify Or Jeff's Map

With the release of the Algonquin maps, there was a revitalization on the prior work that map maker Jeff McMurtry has created. That left the question… how do I get my old copies? Thankfully Jeff made a handy dandy website that does all the legwork for you!

#4 - Garmin Simplifies Their inReach Subscription Plans

Garmin made a lot of tiny little changes this year. Some caused more controversy than others. First they discontinued the ability to post to social media from inReach Devices. Then they extended their Maps+ service worldwide, but in turn removed layers and only offered them through this paid tier. Finally, they simplified the tiers on their subscription plans which left many grumbling about having to pay more than they previously did.

#3 - MSR Announces The All-New Hubba Hubba LT For Spring 2025

The Hubba Hubba series of tents have been a mainstay since its inception in 2004. Every generation fixes a few quirks from the previous generation while still trying to shave a few grams from the overall weight. The 2025 LT version focuses on weight and the reduction of carbon emissions to make it. MSR also announced a brand new stove for 2025 while they were at it.

#2 - Check Out This Awesome Canoe Accessory: One Stern Spring

We enjoy crafting up an April Fools joke every year and we’re not sure we can top this year’s.

#1 - 'Maps By Jeff' Announces The Long Awaited Algonquin Map

This article ranked #1 two years in a row, which shows just how much interest there is not only Algonquin… but well made maps.


Two Of the Biggest News Articles That Flew Under the Radar

There were two articles that both have big impacts to Canadians but flew under the radar this year. The first is that Transport Canada is moving to make lifejackets mandatory across Canada. The second is that Health Canada provided an update on flame retardants in tents.

Business Updates

Route Planning, GPS and SOS

Park News Updates

Cool New Gear

We always love a good Canadian invention, especially if it has to do with Canoeing. This year we had TWO cool new inventions

Media

  • Jim Baird launched a podcast this year and there has already been 20 episodes of “Baird Country” for you to catch up on if you aren’t already a subscriber.

  • If you enjoy the show Alone, be sure to subscribe to the new official podcast. It’s chock full of behind the scenes commentary and analysis of our intrepid survivalists.

Sad News

Our favourite articles

Year End Recaps

Traversing News

We turned 14 this year and had numerous fun trips with our little one. Despite all the tripping we only released two videos. This year was definitely spent just taking in the surroundings on our trips and not turning the camera towards us (although we have some fun plans to try out the anamorphic lens next year) (don’t forget to subscribe to our channel)...

We also had some incredible photos entered in this year’s canoeing photo contest. We invite you to check them out if you haven’t as an incredible source of inspiration. We also want to send another shout-out to both Recreational Barrel Works and MEC for generously offering the prizes!


Looking ahead to 2025


Thanks for portaging with us. Did we miss anything? Let us know (including which trips you have in the works)!