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Ever wondered what makes wildlife photography truly ethical? Jesse Villemaire takes us deep into the heart of this question, revealing how respecting wildlife comes before capturing the perfect shot. As co-founder of Follow Me North with his wife Susan, Jesse shares captivating stories from Algonquin Park's wilderness and South African safaris while unveiling the philosophy that guides their intimate photography workshops.

"The wildlife comes first, the photo comes next," Jesse emphasizes, explaining how maintaining proper distance and understanding animal behavior creates not just better photographs, but more meaningful encounters. Through heartfelt examples—including a devastating story about a habituated wolf—he illustrates why "baiting" wildlife causes harm that far outweighs any photographic benefit.

Jesse's personal journey from tattoo studio owner in Cambridge to wildlife photographer in Muskoka reveals how nature became his essential reset button. The story of meeting his wife through Instagram's Algonquin Park hashtag (culminating in their wedding on an island in Lake of Two Rivers) demonstrates how shared passion for wilderness can forge life's most meaningful connections. Their volunteer work with Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary further showcases their commitment to conservation beyond the lens.

From their viral "Santa in a Red Canoe" series to their humorous "Sorry Algonquin" Instagram project pairing stunning images with one-star park reviews, Jesse's creative approach invites others into nature's beauty with both reverence and playfulness. His South African photo tours—where participants might find themselves surrounded by 21 lions—offer transformative experiences that "change you" on a fundamental level.

Ready to experience wildlife photography through a more mindful lens? Listen now and discover how connecting with nature might just help you connect more deeply with yourself and others along the way.

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Lace up your hiking boots and join us as we trek across the breathtaking landscapes of Canada! From the misty coastal paths of British Columbia to the craggy eastern shores of Newfoundland, we're exploring ten of Canada's most spectacular hiking trails that belong on every outdoor enthusiast's bucket list.

Our journey begins with the legendary West Coast Trail in BC, where we share insights from friends who conquered this challenging 75km adventure featuring cable cars, ladders, and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. The trail's lottery system makes it exclusive, but we'll tell you why it's worth trying your luck. We then head east to Alberta's mountain wonderland, exploring both the glacier-studded Berg Lake Trail beneath towering Mount Robson and the ridge-walking paradise of Jasper's Skyline Trail, where snow lingers into June but rewards summer hikers with breathtaking alpine vistas.

Not every remarkable Canadian trail requires expert-level skills. We highlight the accessible Plain of Six Glaciers near Lake Louise with its historic tea house, the culturally significant Grey Owl's Cabin Trail in Manitoba, and the moderate Les Loops Trail offering spectacular views near Quebec City. For those seeking true wilderness challenges, we venture into the remote Arctic landscape of Akshayuk Pass in Nunavut, where towering peaks and extreme conditions create an unforgettable 97km adventure available only during the brief summer window. The maritime provinces shine with New Brunswick's Fundy Footpath tracing the world's highest tides and Newfoundland's extensive East Coast Trail showcasing puffin colonies, icebergs, and the easternmost point in North America.

Whether you're planning your next backpacking expedition or simply dreaming of Canada's natural wonders, these trails showcase the remarkable diversity of our outdoor playground. Each path offers unique experiences, from wildlife encounters to historical connections like the La Cloche trail that inspired Group of Seven painters. Have you hiked any of these Canadian gems? Email us at hi@supergoodcamping.com to share your own trail tales or questions about exploring the great Canadian wilderness.

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Jeff McMurtrie returns to our podcast with exciting news about his meticulously crafted wilderness maps that have transformed how paddlers experience Ontario's backcountry. Having spent over 700 days exploring these waterways, Jeff brings unparalleled expertise to his cartography – revealing hidden gems that most travelers miss and preventing potentially frustrating navigational errors.

The newest additions to his collection include updated Killarney and French River maps with 50% more detail, innovative portage elevation profiles, and an extensive catalog of points of interest. Perhaps most exciting is the announcement of a refreshed Temagami map coming this summer and a new East French River map that completes the coverage from Georgian Bay to Lake Nipissing when combined with his other maps.

What makes these maps special goes beyond their accuracy. Jeff's thoughtful design elements – like showing creek width proportional to reality and using distinctive "penciled in" styling for extremely challenging routes – reflect his deep understanding of what paddlers actually need on the water. The maps document everything from waterfalls and swimming holes to historic sites and spring water sources, creating what Jeff calls "that extra dimension" that transforms a good trip into an unforgettable one.

Each physical map purchase includes digital versions in five different formats (high-resolution JPEG, Avenza Maps with GPS functionality, Garmin GPS, Google Earth 3D, and GeoTIFF), ensuring paddlers can use them however best suits their style. Jeff shares that user feedback has been invaluable in refining these resources – from identifying changed conditions to suggesting new features that improve usability.

Whether you're planning your first backcountry trip or your fiftieth, these maps provide both essential navigation tools and unexpected discoveries. Check out mapsbyjeff.com or visit your local outdoor retailer to get your hands on these game-changing wilderness guides before your next paddling adventure.

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