blogs
2016 - 2020
We’re Headed for the TV Screen!
Series Update: Hi folks, I've been quiet lately. Plenty has happened and focus has been needed. But I won't beat around the bush. I'm excited to announce that our summer 2020 52-day canoe expedition in Newfoundland's Bay Du Nord Wilderness Reserve is headed for the TV...
Docuseries: Across Labrador Episode #5
Docuseries: Across Labrador Episode #4
Docuseries: Across Labrador Episode #3
Docuseries: Across Labrador Episode #2
Docuseries: Across Labrador Episode 1
Docuseries: Across Labrador Equipment Preparation
Docuseries: Across Labrador Route, Risks & Mental Preparation.
Docuseries: Across Labrador Trailer
VIDEO: Overnighter in the Canvas Camp with the Dogs
VIDEO: Caribou Hunt 2019
VIDEO: 3 Day Camp and Hunt (PART 2)
VIDEO: 3 Day Camp and Hunt
Video: 2019 Grey River Expedition Part 6
VIDEO: 2019 Grey River Expedition Part 5
VIDEO: 2019 Grey River Expedition Part 4
VIDEO: 2019 Grey River Expedition Part 3
Buy Books: Man & Dog Through Newfoundland Wilderness and Saku’s Great Newfoundland Adventure
Man and Dog: Through the Newfoundland Wilderness and Saku's Great Newfoundland Adventure are now available in bookstores and online! Come along for a deeper look into our 700 km journey across the woods & waters of Newfoundland in 2017. Choose your POV. Either...
Video: 2019 Grey River Expedition Part 2
Video: 2019 Grey River Expedition Part 1
WILDERNESS FIRST AID DISCUSSION AND REVIEW OF KIT FOR HUMAN & DOG
TUTORIAL: HOW TO DEHYDRATE FOOD FOR CAMPING
VIDEO: 5 DAYS IN THE BUSH WITH SAKU – PART 2
VIDEO: 5 DAYS IN THE BUSH WITH SAKU – PART 1
VIDEO: CROSSING NEWFOUNDLAND GEAR CHAT
VIDEO: A COLD WINTER’S JOURNEY IN A HOT TENT – PART 2
VIDEO: A COLD WINTER’S JOURNEY IN A HOT TENT – PART 1
VIDEO: FISHING FOR TASTY MUD TROUT
VIDEO: GREAT ESCAPE 4X4 OFF-ROAD REMOTE CAMPING ADVENTURE
VIDEO: A BIG BLUE LAKE PADDLING & CAMPING ADVENTURE
Video: A Week Camping in Wild Country PART 3
Video: A Week Camping in Wild Country PART 2
Video: A Week Camping in Wild Country PART 1
Video: Spring Camping & Campfire Cooking Under the Stars
Video: Winter Camp and Fish in the Labrador Tent
DOCUSERIES FINALE: THROUGH NEWFOUNDLAND WILDERNESS
DOCUSERIES EP.9 : THROUGH NEWFOUNDLAND WILDERNESS
Docuseries EP.8 : Through Newfoundland Wilderness
DOCUSERIES EP.7 : THROUGH NEWFOUNDLAND WILDERNESS
Docuseries EP.6 : Through Newfoundland Wilderness
Docuseries EP.5 : Through Newfoundland Wilderness
Docuseries EP.4 : Through Newfoundland Wilderness
Docuseries EP.3 : Through Newfoundland Wilderness
Docuseries EP.2 : Through the Newfoundland Wilderness
Docuseries Ep.1 : Through the Newfoundland Wilderness
https://youtu.be/EALt_i3Pl90 In the Spring of 2017 I embarked on a 700km snowshoe, Alpacka raft and backpacking expedition across the harsh yet magical Newfoundland interior wilderness. I was solo as a human but far from alone. By my side from start to finish...
Canadian Geographic Expedition Articles
Here's the link to three articles I wrote for Canadian Geographic in 2018 regarding mine and Saku's 1000km expedition across Labrador and into Northern Quebec. I hope you enjoy reading them. https://www.canadiangeographic.ca/author/justin-barbour
Man, Dog and Esquif
VIDEO: WINTER CAMPING IN A SNOW STORM
https://youtu.be/GAzl6IlHf5o In Newfoundland, Canada I head out in a snowstorm for a winter camp. I construct a shelter, battle the elements, enjoy good meals, drinks and spend quality time with my Cape Shore Water dog Saku, and Malamute Husky, Bear. I also talk about...
Video: Show Us Your Steak-Men’s Mental Health
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVRLiIwu3CA I head out for a winter hike and cook up with my dogs Saku (Cape Shore Water dog) & Bear (Husky mix). The meal is a Moose steak and eggs with smoked Arctic Char. Hot coffee on the side. I keep the #showusyoursteak trend...
Review: Thermacell Backpacker Fly Repeller
Crossing Labrador, the "Big Land" of flies, I was lucky enough to be given a Thermacell Backpacker repeller to test out. What better place to give it a whirl. This little rig meant the difference around camp on more than one occasion. It screws straight into a...
Another Expedition Comes to an End
Articles related to our Royal Canadian Geographic and MEC sponsored expedition: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/justin-barbour-labrador-wilderness-trek-ends-1.4869704...
VIDEO: A Cold Spring Night in the Newfoundland Bush with Dogs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCEV50eUGqc This is overnight trip I made in mid April 2018, with my Cape Shore Water Dog, Saku and Husky, Bear. I cross country ski into the woods of central Newfoundland, Canada and get up close and personal with ripping wind...
MY SPONSORS
I am very thankful to have received so much support for our newest expedition, Man and Dog Across Labrador Peninsula . Not only me, but Saku as well. Along the way we will carry the official Royal Canadian Geographical Societies Explorers Flag. It is an amazing...
Video Trailer: Man and Dog Across Labrador Peninsula 2018 Expedition
Man and Dog: Across the Labrador Peninsula Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veQnQvsmmo4 Me and Saku are back at it again. The itch for the unknown has been strong. On July 26th, we will leave North West River, Labrador to begin an approximately 1700...
Video & Guide: Packrafting Newfoundland’s Bay Du Nord Wilderness Reserve
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrIQDIVW8b0&t=296s LINK TO THE EPISODE BELOW! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrIQDIVW8b0&t=296s In this episode I take a solo 9 day expedition, into Newfoundland, Canada's, Bay Du Nord Wilderness Reserve. The trip takes...
VIDEO: Cooking Traditional Rabbit Soup in the Kitchen
VIDEO LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2XaS3LyAzM So I mixed it up this time around. I love it in the kitchen and decided to share a recipe. This is my simple take on a delicious pot of Rabbit Soup. It's a traditional meal here in Newfoundland and Labrador. If...
NL Explorer and Saku YouTube Channel Plus Other Exciting News!
Below is the LINK to my YOUTUBE CHANNEL trailer, check it out and if you enjoy, there are plenty more episodes to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAjn6zjgiG0 For those of you who are interested and have yet to check out my Youtube Channel, the link of course is...
Video: Winter Mud Trouting and Traditional Cooking at the Labrador Camp
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7TvBZqNpSI&t=45s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7TvBZqNpSI&t=45s Join Saku and I in Newfoundland, Canada, as we head into the canvas camp for a couple nights in mid February. I catch Brook trout, have some fine traditional...
Video: A TOUR of my Traditional Canvas “Labrador” Camp
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4oZCp8UdDs In January 2018 I stayed two nights in what I call the "portable cabin", my canvas tent. Night one was with my girlfriend Heather and our two pups Bear and Saku, while the second night was just me and Saku. This...
Video: Blizzard Camping in an MSR Hubba Hubba NX Tent
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1OsPkjVeqU&t=1533s This episode follows Saku and I in December 2017. We weather a blizzard just outside of St. John's, NL. I use and discuss the MSR Hubba Hubba NX Tent which I purchased locally at The Outfitters. It's the model I...
Interactive Expedition Map: Across Newfoundland
This is an interactive map made by Dave MacLean who teaches GIS at Nova Scotia Community College. It shows every campsite we had as well as the real time tracking beacons I sent out occasionally while on the daily move. This was all made possible by my Garmin inReach...
Supply List for Crossing Newfoundland Expedition
Here's a detailed list of the supplies I took with me 700 kilometers across Newfoundland this past spring. Not every item recorded below was with me at all times. For example, I did not pick up my raft and PFD until the Burgeo Highway at Peter Strides Pond. And it was...
Video: How to Camp and Have a Fire Enjoyably in the Rain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZZ_EkmqRDA&t=10s This is a day trip I made in early November 2017, with my Cape Shore Water Dog, Saku. We go through the woods of Newfoundland, Canada and weather a fine dose of wind and rain. I underline how it can be...
Video: A Fall Night Camping Under the Tarp
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hpJ3HMhPzI&t=128s This is an overnight trip made in late October 2017, with my Cape Shore Water Dog Saku, exploring the woods of Eastern Newfoundland. I camp under the tarp by the open fire, describe some of the gear I carry, set a...
GUIDE: Planning a trip through the Avalon Wilderness Reserve
Anyone who follows me closely will know that I have spent many nights in Newfoundland's Avalon Wilderness Reserve. The 1,070 km2 area of barrens, forests and waterways is protected and gives a fine sample of pristine outdoors only a short drive from our provinces...
Fine Art for Sale!
Hi everyone, With some recent interest blooming I have decided to set up an ETSY shop to sell some of my fine art photography. These are images taken passionately by me and hopefully will be observed just as passionately by you or whoever else sees them. To purchase...
Looking for an interesting and motivating public speaker?
PDF - Presentation Brochure Justin Barbour has travelled a 700 kilometre west to east route across Newfoundland's wilderness in 2017, 120 kilometre's south to north across the provinces Avalon Peninsula woods in 2015, 50 kilometres down Labrador's remote Sandhill...
VIDEO: Newfoundland Canoeing, Survival, and Fishing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzaAhYS7kAk Here's a link to a new video I have uploaded . It follows Saku and I on an overnight canoeing trip in late September 2017. I give tips on how I make a survival type shelter and also how I get a fire going after or during...
Across Newfoundland Trip Summary from Ruffwear
I have tried one other brand of dog pack and it didn't hold a candle to Ruffwear Performance Dog Gear. Saku wore their Palisades model on our expedition and I honestly can say it was perfect. No shitting around here! It held up without an issue after 700km of travel...
We made it across the Rock!
It has been hard to get this off my mind. It was the real thing. At most times, a very raw and unique way of living. Taking this life to a whole new level. Working hard, having a ton of fun and earning wilderness experiences that took my breath away and made my...
I am a proud Wildhood Clothing Ambassador!
"In our natural world, we grow to find beauty in imperfection. We better understand the power of bringing people together as equals, regardless of race, religion, or gender. The wildhood we share is a place where diversity is celebrated every day." -...
Let the Fun and Games Begin & Expedition Sponsors
Well, the time has come to start off on my long haul across the Rock. Saku and I are rearing to go. As most know, 700 kilometres of beauty and ruggedness lay in front of us. We are prepared. This trip has been a two year planning process for me. Specifically, over the...
FILM: A YEAR IN CARTWRIGHT
https://vimeo.com/211717996 Here is a short film I whipped up on my year spent teaching in Cartwright, Labrador. It follows me on a 50 km solo canoe trip at the end of the school year and also includes highlights from other outdoor adventures I...
Video Trailer: For the Love of the Rock
https://vimeo.com/nlexplorer/fortheloveoftherock Here is the official trailer for my Newfoundland West to East 700 kilometre expedition. It all begins April 20th, 2017. Starring Saku, my Cape Shore Water Dog! Visit the expedition webpage for more details, including...
Newfoundland West to East: For the Love of the Rock
Below is the link to the Facebook page I have created for my crossing Newfoundland packrafting and hiking expedition. I want to bring you along for the ride. About 700 kilometers seperate me and Saku from the west coast and Cape Broyle. Once finished it will be the...
The One Match Fire
Of all the skills necessary for survival and peace of mind in the backcountry, using one match to ignite a successful fire is near the top of the list. Whether it is for boiling a cup of tea on a leisurely trip or trying to warm yourself frantically after getting damp...
Back to the Reserve: Wandering a Familiar Place with a Packraft and a New Friend
At the end of last November, I took a 4 day-3 night trip across the Avalon Wilderness Reserve's paddling route. This was my third time tackling this journey in three years and first with my new Alpacka Packraft. I had previously test hauled the packraft on a trip this...
Film: Crossing the Avalon Wilderness Reserve of Newfoundland and Labrador
This film tells the story of my approximate 120 kilometre hiking and canoeing trip across Newfoundland's Avalon Wilderness Reserve. It was an adventure I tackled two summer's ago after several months of preparation. Check out My Quest for the Century Club…. of...
Preparing through Autumn Adventures
As most of my close friends and family know by now, I am planning a large scale wilderness trip for next spring. Exact details are still in the air and I will share more in the near future. In preparation for this adventure of a lifetime, I have been spending my fall...
Photos from around the Avalon Peninsula
Photography is new to me and I am still learning. The goal right now is to take as many pictures as possible and hope that a few work out. I have tried some editing in Adobe Lightroom for these photos but I still need plenty of practice to figure it all out . Here are...
Hitting the Trails for the ECT Ultra Marathon
Last weekend (Saturday, October 29th) I took a break from the bushwhacking and unfortunately missed the first two games of my senior hockey season with the Gander Flyers. This was because I commited to run a 23.5 kilometres trail race. It's called the East Coast Trail...
Details on “For the Love of the Rock” Expedition Spring 2017 coming soon..
Links related to the trip and last years Greatest Explorer contest: http://www.thewesternstar.com/Living/2016-05-14/article-4528829/Going-wild%3A-Justin-Barbour-loves-to-push-himself-to-the-outer-limits/1...
Around the province in photos
Cape Shore Water Dogs, Bough Beds and Leaving No Trace
The Cape Shore Water Dog Last week was the first night in the bush for my new Cape Shore water dog Saku. I picked him up from Branch, NL last month and he is now a mere 11 weeks old. The little guy is a warrior and I can't wait to watch him lay his roots. This breed...
Cheap Night in the Woods
Last week I took an overnight trip to a favourite spot of mine. It was a solo adventure with my sidekick Bear. I deliberately tried to take as little baggage as possible to show everyone that you can have a cheap and enjoyable night in the wild. These days...
Having some fun breaking in my new Canon Rebel T5i camera
Last month I purchased a EOS Canon Rebel T5i camera. It is the first quality piece of photography equipment I have ever owned. Before this rig I was accustomed to snapping on my iPhone/Android or GoPro Hero 3+ Silver. Both these devices do a bang-up job but...
Twelve Days of Bush Living On Your Back
Here is an outline of the outfit I used during my off-trail 12 day backpacking/packrafting tour through the remote Bay Du Nord Wilderness Reserve. In all I covered approximately 60 hard kilometres. People ask me what I take on these long trips. So here I let you delve...
WOODS™ CANADA’S GREATEST EXPLORER COMPETITION
Crossing through the Newfoundland and Labrador Bush https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoEylfbHOtg Source: WOODS™ CANADA'S GREATEST EXPLORER (SORRY THE LINK TO THE CONTEST SITE NO LONGER EXISTS) - I ENDED UP FINISHING IN THE TOP 17 OUT OF THOUSANDS ACROSS CANADA. THANKS...
Across the Avalon Peninsula
So tonight I find myself checking my list, again. For the hundredth time in the last five days I look into my iPhone's notebook hoping that everything is intact. I feel like I am forgetting something but that feeling will never go away. It is a trait that is ingrained...
Man’s best friend
Of the many people who I enjoy spending time in the outdoors with, this old girl has to be my favourite companion. Her name is Bear (very fitting as she is almost as big as one). She keeps me company, alerts me of other animals (potential food) , and provides a type...