E35 — Hap Wilson

For today’s guest we have a guy who's spent a lifetime advocating for the environment. A legend in Canada’s paddling circles, Hap Wilson has created a life many of us would envy. 

Hap has been paddling Canadian rivers for decades. He stopped counting mileage at 60,000 kilometres when he realized the numbers were pointless. He’s mapped numerous rivers and wrote the essential guide to the Missinaibi and the rivers of the Ottawa Valley; these guidebooks are meticulous in their detail: hand-drawn maps of every set of rapids, indigenous history and shuttle scenarios complete the publications. They’re incredible books and if you’re paddling any of the rivers he has a guidebook for, do yourself a favour and buy his book. The internet has nothing on Hap Wilson.

He’s a writer, an artist, a trail builder and an owner of an eco-lodge. He’s a conservationist and explorer. But to me, he’s an inspiring guy who has questioned authority for decades and created a life of his own design. 

Host: Colin Field