Les Stroud’s Outdoor Adventure Guide Across Canada

Ontario’s Sprawling Boreal Forest

When you picture Canada, it’s easy to think of postcard views—towering mountains, endless forests, icy rivers, and coastlines battered by the Atlantic. But for Les Stroud, better known as Survivorman, these places are far more than scenery. They are landscapes that test endurance, sharpen instincts, and remind you just how small you are against the wild. After years of filming survival experiences in some of the harshest corners of the planet, Stroud still points to his home country as one of the best playgrounds for real adventure. His top five Canadian picks show you exactly why.

Into Ontario’s Boreal Forest
Stroud’s first stop is Ontario’s sprawling boreal forest, a patchwork of lakes, wetlands, and wildlife that feels infinite. Canoeing here at sunrise, with loons calling in the distance, is unforgettable. Yet the same waters can turn treacherous with a storm, and the forests can disorient even experienced hikers. For you, the boreal forest offers both serenity and risk—an environment where nature is always in charge. If you want an authentic taste of Canada’s wilderness, this is where you start.

The Coast Mountains of British Columbia
On the opposite side of the country, British Columbia’s Coast Mountains rise steeply from the Pacific. Snowcapped peaks, glaciers, and thick alpine forests dominate the view. Stroud highlights how quickly weather can change here; a blue-sky hike can turn into a whiteout with little warning. That unpredictability is part of the appeal. You’ll find yourself humbled, reminded that preparation matters as much as passion. For anyone searching for mountain destinations that deliver both beauty and challenge, the Coast Mountains are a natural fit.

Yukon’s Untouched Backcountry
If solitude is what you crave, few places match the Yukon. Stroud describes it as one of the last true frontiers, where you can walk for days without crossing another soul. Vast tundra, braided rivers, and endless skies give you a sense of freedom that’s rare today. But with that freedom comes responsibility—you need to be self-reliant, aware of weather, and ready for long stretches of isolation. For you as a traveler, the Yukon is less about luxury and more about rediscovering raw, unfiltered wilderness.

The Stroud’s Adventures

Exploring the Canadian Shield
Another landscape close to Stroud’s heart is the Canadian Shield, stretching across much of the country. Ancient rock, thick forest, and countless lakes define this region. Canoe routes cut across waterways that Indigenous peoples and fur traders once traveled, linking you to centuries of history. For Stroud, paddling here is a way to step into that rhythm of survival and resilience. If you’re searching for adventure that also carries a sense of timelessness, the Shield offers that rare blend of history and nature.

Newfoundland’s Wild Atlantic Coast
Finally, Stroud points to Newfoundland’s rugged coastline. Jagged cliffs, pounding surf, and winds that can shift in seconds create a dramatic stage. Walking here, you’ll be reminded of the settlers and fishers who braved the same elements centuries ago. This isn’t just about scenery—it’s about endurance, culture, and the human drive to carve out life in one of the toughest maritime environments on Earth. If you’re drawn to coastal adventures with a cultural twist, Newfoundland is hard to beat.

Lessons From Stroud’s Adventures
What stands out across all five of Stroud’s picks is a philosophy: adventure isn’t just about collecting experiences; it’s about respecting the land. Each destination asks something of you—whether it’s patience in the Yukon, preparation in the Coast Mountains, or perspective in the Canadian Shield. These aren’t weekend sightseeing trips but journeys that remind you what survival and connection to nature truly mean.

Before setting out, Stroud emphasizes preparation. Research the weather, pack the right gear, and understand the terrain. Canada’s wilderness is beautiful, but it doesn’t forgive carelessness. If you respect it, however, the reward is transformation.

Conclusion
Les Stroud’s top five Canadian adventures are more than a list of destinations. They’re invitations to step outside comfort zones and into landscapes that shape you as much as you explore them. Whether you’re planning a solo trek, a family expedition, or simply searching for travel inspiration, these places show you Canada at its most raw and powerful.

Adventure, in Stroud’s world, isn’t about conquering nature—it’s about learning from it. And in Canada, there’s no shortage of lessons waiting for you.