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Super Good Camping Podcast

Pamela and Tim Good

Hi there! We are a blended family of four who are passionate about camping, nature, the great outdoors, physical activity, health, & being all-around good Canadians! We would love to inspire others to get outside & explore all that our beautiful country has to offer. Camping fosters an appreciation of nature, physical fitness, & emotional well-being. Despite being high-tech kids, our kids love camping! We asked them to help inspire your kids. Their creations are in our Kids section. For the adults, we would love to share our enthusiasm for camping, review some of our favourite camping gear, share recipes & menus, tips & how-to's, & anything else you may want to know about camping. Got a question about camping? Email us so we can help you & anyone else who may be wondering the same thing. We are real people, with a brutally honest bent. We don't get paid by anyone to provide a review of their product. We'll be totally frank about what we like or don't like.

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S4 · E16
Wednesday · 10 min
Not A Flip Flop Campsite, Bud
Send us Fan Mail Nine paddlers drift through a stunning Algonquin Park corridor and barely anyone is wearing a PFD, and that’s where we start. From the shoreline at the top of the Lower Barren, Tim and Thomas check in on day six of our Barren Canyon canoe trip with the kind of honest trip reporting you only get when you’re living it: cold hands, quiet mornings, day-tripper traffic, and the granite walls that make this route feel unreal. We talk through what the last stretch of the trip actually feels like when temperatures drop close to freezing at night and your sleeping bag is “good enough” but not exactly comfortable. If you’re planning shoulder-season backcountry camping in Algonquin, we dig into the small choices that keep you warmer and happier, from dry layers to smarter camp rhythm. We also share what we’re seeing on the water this weekend, plus why a capsize can happen fast even on flatwater when a breeze, a lean, and inexperience line up. Then we get practical with a campsite review for this final site: the thunderbox location and the windy walk to it, the reality of punky shoreline firewood, and what to expect from the approach with two short portages. We wrap with a clear warning about the terrain: hilly ground, roots, rocks, and a strong case for boots and a headlamp as soon as the sun drops. If you love canoe tripping, paddling safety, and real-world Algonquin route notes, you’ll feel right at home with this one. If you enjoy the trip updates, follow along, share the episode with a paddling buddy, and leave a review so more campers and canoeists can find the show. What’s your one non-negotiable piece of canoe trip safety gear? Support the show CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING: Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home EMAIL: hi@supergoodcamping.com WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping Support the show
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S4 · E15
Monday · 18 min
Bring A Younger Pack Mule And Call It Strategy
Send us Fan Mail Getting older changes your camping trips, whether you admit it or not, and we think that’s good news. Pamela and Tim talk through how we keep canoe camping in Canada fun, safe, and realistic as our bodies rack up a little more mileage. The spark for this conversation is our friend and paddling legend Cliff Jacobson, plus his reminder to “follow your passion” after a heart scare. That line about not being saved so you can sit around and watch TV stays with us for a reason. We get practical fast: simple strength training for paddlers, keeping hips and shoulders mobile, and why technique matters more with age than it ever did in your 20s. We also share how our trip style has shifted from big kilometre days and constant moving to shorter days, more stay days, and more time actually enjoying the scenery. If you’re looking for senior camping tips, canoe camping for seniors, or just a smarter way to plan portages, this is the kind of planning talk that pays off on day three of a trip. Gear is part of the puzzle, but not in a gimmicky way. We discuss lowering pack weight with better tents and sleep systems, using properly fitted portage packs, considering a tump line, and choosing routes with manageable landings and safer portages. Then we zoom out to backcountry safety: always wearing your PFD, leaving a trip plan, carrying first aid, monitoring weather, fuelling properly, and using a satellite messenger or other communication device you trust. We also talk about balance, vision, hearing, and medication side effects, because those details can matter a lot in the bush. If you want to keep paddling for decades, listen now, share this with a camping buddy, and subscribe. After you’ve listened, leave a review and tell us what you’ve changed to keep getting outside. Support the show CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING: Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home EMAIL: hi@supergoodcamping.com WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping Support the show
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S4 · E14
October 28 · 7 min
We Missed Peak Colours But Found Quiet
Send us Fan Mail Five hours on the road from Toronto buys a special kind of silence: no sirens, no exhaust, just water, granite, and the small sounds you forget exist until you’re back in the bush. We’re Tim and Thomas, checking in with a Trip Log from day five of our September canoe trip in Algonquin Provincial Park near Barron Canyon. It’s gorgeous out here, even if we arrived on that awkward edge where fall colours haven’t fully exploded yet. A cold snap rolls in and suddenly the forecast matters a lot more. We talk about shoulder-season camping in Ontario, what it’s like sleeping when nighttime temps flirt with freezing, and why unpredictable weather feels like the new normal. If you’re planning an Algonquin backcountry camping trip, you’ll hear the practical side of adapting on the fly: layering, sleep systems, and accepting that the best timing is often only obvious after the fact. We also get into the fun details that make a canoe trip memorable: spotting a strange purple-ringed mushroom (and why we absolutely do not eat it), putting together satisfying backcountry meals from dehydrated ingredients, and the very real problem of cooking instructions rubbing off Ziploc bags. We finish with a paddle toward the canyon’s west end, turning back when moving water and a portage make themselves known, plus a few hopeful casts that do not pay off. If you like honest camping talk, Algonquin canoe route vibes, and the simple motivation to get outside, hit play, subscribe, and share this with a friend who needs a reason to plan their next trip. After you listen, leave us a review and tell us what you always pack for cold September nights. Support the show CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING: Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home EMAIL: hi@supergoodcamping.com WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping Support the show
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S4 · E13
October 26 · 46 min
Women’s Solo Backcountry Canoeing With Church Of The Single Blade
Send us Fan Mail A solo canoe trip can feel like freedom right up until you picture the first portage, the first night sound outside the tent, or the moment you realize there is no one to delegate to but yourself. We sit down with Kirsten Graham May, a solo backcountry canoeist and veterinarian, to get honest about what it really takes to travel alone in the backcountry and actually enjoy it. From early family trips to hard-earned skills like loading, lifting, and carrying a canoe safely, she lays out how confidence is built one practical decision at a time. We also talk about the parts of solo canoe tripping that get brushed aside, especially for women. Kirsten explains the extra safety calculations, the uncomfortable moments that can happen on route, and why representation matters in paddling culture. Her “Church of the Single Blade” started as a joke about single versus double blade paddles, but it has grown into a clear message: get yourself on the water, find your own pace, and don’t let gatekeeping shape your idea of who belongs outdoors. Then things get real with a backcountry emergency in Killarney Provincial Park. Kirsten finds an injured solo hiker who has activated a SPOT device, helps with first aid and pain management, and ends up coordinating with an air ambulance helicopter that can’t easily reach the patient. That story leads into a grounded conversation about satellite communicators like the Garmin Messenger, simple check-in routines, and building gear systems that reduce risk without turning a canoe trip into a tech project. We finish with her bucket-list plans for Quetico, the French River, and favourite paddling zones across Ontario. If you care about solo canoeing, backcountry safety, portaging, and smart canoe camping gear choices, this one will stick with you. Subscribe, share this with a paddling partner, and leave us a review, then tell us: what would make your first solo trip feel doable? Support the show CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING: Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home EMAIL: hi@supergoodcamping.com WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping Support the show
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S4 · E12
October 21 · 13 min
What If The Best Trip Is Slower
Send us Fan Mail A stay day can feel strange if you’re used to measuring a canoe trip by distance, but that’s exactly why we hit record from Brigham Lake near Barren Canyon in Algonquin Provincial Park. The temperature drops, the fire starts early, and we let the quiet do what it does best: bring us back to ourselves. If you’re craving a realistic backcountry camping Ontario check-in, this Triplog is the sound of two campers choosing “nothing on the schedule” and meaning it. We get into the practical stuff too, because camp life is made of details. Lunch is freeze-dried shepherd’s pie, supper is Tim’s dehydrated tuna casserole, and we talk honestly about the trade-offs of dehydrated meals that include dairy. We also share a couple of classic Algonquin moments: following the sound of running water near the thunderbox, slipping on a root, and ending up butt-first in a small river, then hearing an ominous rip while chopping wood and discovering torn pants that need a patch. From there, the conversation widens into why we trip at different paces. We pass travellers, hear about student outdoor education groups, and reflect on how we used to go hard with big portages every day. Now, we’re more protective of the decompression side of canoe tripping, especially when work and the city have been loud. We also look ahead to a Teslin River to Yukon River canoe expedition where silty water can change everything, including whether filtering is even an option. You’ll also hear a few wildlife notes, including geese hanging around camp and hawks circling overhead, plus where to find us online if you want the video version. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a stay day, and leave a review with your own best tip for slowing down outside. Support the show CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING: Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home EMAIL: hi@supergoodcamping.com WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping Support the show
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S4 · E11
October 19 · 11 min
Ontario Parks Day Use Made Easy
Send us Fan Mail You do not need a tent to have a real outdoor day. We’re talking about Ontario Parks day use, the easiest way to get beaches, trails, and that “we went on an adventure” feeling without sleeping on the ground, hauling heavy gear, or stressing about camp cooking. If you’ve ever thought camping sounds fun but the overnight part sounds like work, this is your on ramp. We walk through what day use looks like in provincial parks in Ontario, including how day use hours and seasonal closures can affect your plans in the fall and shoulder seasons. We also share why day trips are perfect for scouting a park before you commit to a full week of camping. From checking out the layout to testing out activities with the kids, a day visit can save you from booking the wrong spot for your family. We also talk fall colours, including why Algonquin can get wild during peak foliage and how planning ahead makes the experience smoother. Then we get practical about Ontario Parks permits: daily vehicle permits, how “per vehicle” pricing works, and the value of longer options like an annual vehicle permit, plus summer and winter permits. We cover discounts and free access for groups like seniors and Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans, and we highlight how reserving up to five days in advance can be the difference between an easy entry and a frustrating turnaround at a busy gate. Finally, we run through the day use perks that make these trips worth repeating: hiking and mountain bike trails, swimming beaches, canoe and kayak rentals, life jacket lending programs, learn to fish programs, guided nature walks, picnic shelters, and group areas for bigger family outings. If you’re ready for more fresh air and less hassle, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave us a review so more people can find the show. Support the show CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING: Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home EMAIL: hi@supergoodcamping.com WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping Support the show
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S4 · E10
October 17 · 8 min
Why A Carbon Fiber Bent Shaft Paddle Feels Effortless
Send us Fan Mail Your paddle is the one piece of canoe gear you use thousands of times a day, so when it changes, everything changes. We’ve been running a RippleFX carbon fibre bent shaft paddle in the backcountry, and the difference isn’t subtle: it feels so light you almost forget you’re holding it, and the canoe responds faster with the same effort. We talk through what stood out on the water, including the very real caution that carbon fibre and rocks don’t always mix in low water. That led us to swap back to an old wooden paddle for the sketchier sections, and that moment became the clearest “before and after” test possible. The wooden paddle suddenly feels heavy and dead, while the bent shaft delivers more efficient power through the stroke and a noticeable boost in thrust even without an oversized blade. We also get into paddling technique and comfort, especially for stern paddlers relying on a J-stroke. With the bent shaft, you can keep straighter lines with fewer corrections once you dial in wrist angle and timing. And because bodies are different, we share why a custom shaft length matters if you’ve got back issues or need more reach to get outside the boat without strain. We first met Chris from RippleFX at the Hamilton Outdoor Adventure Show, and we point you to more places to see the paddle up close on our YouTube channel. If you enjoy practical canoe tripping gear reviews and honest field notes, subscribe, share this with a paddling buddy, and leave us a review. What paddle are you using right now, and what do you love or hate about it? https://www.ripplefxpaddles.com/ Support the show CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING: Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home EMAIL: hi@supergoodcamping.com WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping Support the show
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S4 · E9
October 14 · 15 min
Day Three Basecamp On Brigham Lake In Algonquin Park
Send us Fan Mail Day three hits different when the noise finally drops out. We’re camped on Brigham Lake during an eight-day canoe trip through Algonquin Provincial Park, tucked into a secluded site near the Barron Canyon area, and you can hear the trip settling into our bones. The goal is simple: trade screens for water, trees, and the kind of quiet that makes you notice fish jumping and the shape of the shoreline under your boots. We walk through the real on-the-ground details that make or break a backcountry canoe trip in Ontario: portage choices, why map distances don’t always match the park signage, and what it means to look at rapids and still choose the carry when your canoe is loaded with serious weight. We also talk shoulder-season camping strategy, from warm afternoons in the low 20s Celsius to near-freezing nights, plus how we think about sleeping bag ratings, layers, and comfort when the temperature swings hard. Then the conversation widens to what we’re travelling through. We share the payoff sights, including massive cliff faces linked to Tom Thomson painting sites and a couple of tall, skinny waterfalls, and we grapple with the logging history that still shows up in the landscape and even in the water. To round out camp life, we get into food and gear, including why a reflector oven is a game-changer for camp pizza and how small tweaks and tougher storage can make well-used equipment last. If you like Triplog style stories, Algonquin canoe route talk, and practical backcountry camping tips, subscribe, share this with a paddling buddy, and leave a review so more folks can find the show. What’s your favourite way to decompress outside? Support the show CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING: Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home EMAIL: hi@supergoodcamping.com WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping Support the show
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S4 · E8
October 12 · 55 min
Google Rabbit Holes And Angry Seas In Japan
Send us Fan Mail Eleven days solo in a canoe sounds peaceful until the wind decides it doesn’t follow the rules. We sit down with Sean Rowley from Paddling Adventures Radio to relive his 11-day solo canoe trip around Manicouagan Reservoir in Quebec, the massive circular “Eye of Quebec” formed by an ancient meteor impact. Sean shares what big, exposed water really demands: patient decision-making, smart timing for finding campsites on rocky shorelines, and the ability to change plans fast when waves start wrapping around points. From there, we zoom out into trip planning and paddling travel, especially when you’re heading somewhere that doesn’t work like Ontario. Sean walks us through his research process using Google, maps, photos, and the kind of rabbit holes that turn a simple idea into a full-on “dossier.” If you’ve ever worried you’re asking a dumb question while planning a remote route, this chat will make you feel seen and better prepared. Japan becomes our main example of how different outdoor culture can be. Sean describes historic gorge rafting, the challenge of finding canoe rentals without a guide, and why “day camping” exists in places like Hokkaido where bear safety is a real factor. We also talk about guided paddling done well, building community through canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding, and experiencing Indigenous Ainu dugout canoe traditions on the Saru River. If you love canoe tripping, paddling safety, and practical trip planning, hit play, then subscribe, share the episode, and leave a review so more campers find the show. Support the show CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING: Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home EMAIL: hi@supergoodcamping.com WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping Support the show
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S4 · E7
October 10 · 3 min
WindQuestor's Nivora X Sleeping Pad Review
Send us Fan Mail A sleeping pad can look great on a spec sheet and still ruin your night with cold spots, awkward valves, or that maddening squeak every time you roll over. We put the Nivora X inflatable sleeping pad through a real first-night test at camp, starting with full disclosure about receiving it for review and what that means for how we judge it. We walk through the numbers that backpackers actually care about: the claimed R-value of 6.4, the listed weight of 432 grams (about 15 to 16 ounces), the inflated size (183 cm by 51 cm by 10 cm), and the compact pack size. Then we get practical, because comfort is not a spreadsheet. You’ll hear how the pad feels once it is down, why it seems to “stretch” a bit like a frontcountry air mattress, and how a quick top-up before bed can matter for firmness. The valve design is a standout. We talk about how easy it is to open, how fast it is to dump air when packing up, and how well a FlexTail pump fits for quick inflation. Most importantly, we share the part you cannot learn from product photos: sleep quality. The Nivora X feels soft, supportive, and it does not squeak, which is a big deal if you move around at night or share a tent. We also flag what we cannot confirm yet: whether that 6.4 R-value holds up once colder weather arrives. If you care about lightweight camping gear, inflatable sleeping pads, and getting better sleep outdoors, press play and hear our early verdict. Subscribe for more field-tested reviews, share this with a camping buddy, and leave a rating or review with the one feature you refuse to compromise on in a sleeping pad. Support the show CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING: Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home EMAIL: hi@supergoodcamping.com WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping Support the show
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S4 · E6
October 7 · 8 min
Day Two In Algonquin: Wet Wood, Good Meals, New Gear
Send us Fan Mail Day two in Algonquin can feel like a reset button: the rush of getting in is over, the lake starts to slow you down, and you finally notice what’s working and what isn’t. We’re recording from our September 2026 canoe trip on Lower Barren as we settle into a stay day before heading upriver toward the Barron Canyon. From glassy morning reflections to a breeze picking up with the sun, it’s one of those classic Algonquin Provincial Park moments that reminds us why we keep coming back. We rewind to the previous night’s late arrival and the practical realities of backcountry travel, including a short paddle, a portage made slippery by rain, and the constant question of how you’re going to get a reliable fire when everything on the ground is wet. Dry wood becomes its own piece of gear, and meal planning becomes the backbone of camp morale, whether it’s steak and corn (with a little unexpected grit) or a simple dinner plan built around marinated chicken, bread, and salad, plus the small victory of actually remembering the salad dressing. We also dig into the campsite details that quietly shape the whole trip: a tent spot that isn’t rooty, a solid view onto the lake, and even a thunderbox setup that comes with its own odd little story. Then we get nerdy about new camping and canoe gear we’re testing, including an Agua cook set, a wickedly light bent-shaft paddle and finally dialing in the J-stroke, and a new thick air mat that’s comfy without the squeak that can ruin everyone’s sleep. If you like Algonquin canoe tripping, fall camping, practical backcountry tips, and real-world gear impressions, this Trip Log is for you. Subscribe, share the episode with a paddling buddy, and leave a review so more campers can find the show. What’s the one comfort item or piece of gear you never head into the backcountry without? Support the show CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING: Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home EMAIL: hi@supergoodcamping.com WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping Support the show
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S4 · E5
October 5 · 11 min
Seasonal Camping Adventures In Ontario Provincial Parks
Send us Fan Mail You can plan a better camping trip in five minutes with one simple habit: check the park’s events calendar before you pick your dates. We dig into the seasonal programs happening across Ontario Provincial Parks and why they can turn a basic overnight into a weekend you’ll actually remember, whether that’s Thanksgiving, Halloween events, fall colour hikes, or winter festivals and outdoor skating. We talk through real examples, starting with Bronte Creek and the way a quick e-bike camping plan led us down the rabbit hole of park programming, from dog-friendly events to holiday traditions like Victorian Christmas and the First Day Hike. We also share what makes Bronte Creek feel surprisingly wild for a park so close to the GTA, including open savannah-style views and two distinct park areas with different activities. From there we zoom out to the bigger Ontario adventure calendar: chasing Algonquin fall colours (and dealing with the Highway 60 madness), winter camping at Mew Lake, Arrowhead’s torch-lit skating trail, cross-country ski and snowshoe options across the province, and even the early spring shift into maple syrup season, ice-out, and fishing. We also point you toward “Friends of” park groups that sometimes post the best local updates when the main listings look quiet. If you want more Ontario camping ideas and practical trip planning tips, subscribe to the show, share this with a camping buddy, and leave a review so more people find the outdoors year-round. Support the show CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING: Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home EMAIL: hi@supergoodcamping.com WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping Support the show
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S4 · E4
September 28 · 48 min
You Don't Need To Be Fearless To Run Rapids
Send us Fan Mail Whitewater can look like a wall of noise and consequences, right up until someone hands you the map, the language, and the habits that make it feel possible. We’re joined by Jacob, Stefan, and Tim from Split Rock Outdoors, a Southern Ontario paddling crew with a deep love for rivers like the Madawaska and a mission to help more people get outside safely. We talk about how the three of them met, why “Split Rock” is more than a cool name, and what it feels like to go from anxious scouting to confidently running a rapid you once avoided. They also explain why they describe what they do as facilitating rather than guiding, and how their website grew into a practical hub for trip planning tools, river resources, course recommendations, and beginner-friendly knowledge like river left versus river right. Safety stays front and centre without killing the fun. We get into PFDs and helmets, communication on the river, learning on a budget, and why they link out to certified rescue training instead of pretending the internet can replace it. Then we widen the lens to the trips that surprise people: flatwater routes that still demand respect, big waves around Philip Edward Island, and the reminder that frontcountry camping counts if it gets you into nature. If you enjoy stories, real talk, and a few hard-earned “oops” moments, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share this with a paddling friend, and leave a review so more campers and canoeists can find us. What river are you most curious to paddle next? Support the show CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING: Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home EMAIL: hi@supergoodcamping.com WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping Support the show
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S4 · E3
September 21 · 16 min
How Much Redundancy Does Clean Water Need
Send us Fan Mail Forgetting a water filter in the backcountry sounds like a small mistake until you’re staring at a lake and realizing every sip is a gamble. We share the real story of arriving at camp, reaching for our usual gravity filter setup, and finding out it’s not coming to the rescue. From there, we walk through what actually worked, what tasted terrible but kept us healthy, and how to think clearly when clean water suddenly becomes the most important task of the day. We get practical about boiling as the most universal camping water purification method, including how long to keep a rolling boil, why open-fire boiling can be trickier than a stove, and how fuel planning can make or break your backup plan. We also cover chlorine dioxide water purification tablets, why we like them as a lightweight emergency option, and why we do not recommend experimenting with bleach or guessing doses when the stakes are your throat and stomach. Then we zoom out to a full backcountry water safety strategy: pre-filtering with cloth or coffee filters to remove debris, understanding the difference between filtering and disinfecting, and carrying redundancy like purification straws or spare squeeze filters. We also talk water source selection, since clear or fast-moving water can still carry pathogens, and we call out the persistent myths that do not make water safe. If you camp, canoe, or hike anywhere remote, this is your reminder to pack backups of your backups. Subscribe, share this with your paddling partner, and leave a review with your own best “what saved the trip” water tip. Support the show CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING: Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home EMAIL: hi@supergoodcamping.com WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping Support the show
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S4 · E2
September 14 · 39 min
What If Knowledge Weighs Nothing
Send us Fan Mail A hypothermia scare on a winter mountain. A “routine” knife slip that turns into major blood loss. These are the kinds of outdoor moments that cut through ego fast, and they are exactly why we wanted bushcraft educator and author Ryan Marshall on the Super Good Camping Podcast. Ryan joins us to unpack what actually keeps you safe and confident outside, especially when conditions change and mistakes stack up. We talk through his near-miss hypothermia story, the early warning signs many people ignore, and why survival priorities start with fire, water, and shelter rather than food. From there, Ryan shares the hand injury that pushed him toward wilderness first responder training and explains how quickly an everyday camp task can become a serious emergency. If you camp, hike, or canoe in Canada, this is a practical reminder that nature does not care how experienced you feel. Then we get into the skills that pay off on every trip: a small set of reliable knots for tarps, bear hangs, and gear repairs; fire-starting that works in wet weather; and wildfire awareness so you do not become the problem. Ryan also drops a few MacGyver-ready tips, like using hand sanitizer as a fire starter, plus a look at natural adhesives such as pine resin glue. Along the way, we dig into why he wrote Fire, Water, Shelter, how he thinks about planning to avoid survival situations, and why he avoids rigid “always” and “never” rules in the outdoors. If you like bushcraft, survival skills, camping safety, and real-world lessons you can use right away, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a camping buddy, and leave a review to help more people find the show. https://www.youtube.com/@Marshallbushcraft https://www.instagram.com/marshall_bushcraft/ Support the show CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING: Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home EMAIL: hi@supergoodcamping.com WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping Support the show
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S4 · E1
September 7 · 5 min
Back From Hiatus And Back Outdoors
Send us Fan Mail A hornet sting that blisters in minutes is not the kind of souvenir anyone wants from a camping trip, but it makes for a brutally honest lesson from the backcountry. Tim is flying solo as Super Good Camping returns from a 7 to 8 week hiatus, shaking off the rust and catching up on what the crew has been doing outside while life keeps moving. If you love Ontario camping, canoe tripping, and real-world outdoor stories, this one is a quick hit of summer truth. We look back on recent trips that span the Spanish River and a five-day base camp at Red Horse Lake in North Frontenac, including the practical stuff that makes or breaks a site. Tim talks island camping realities like tougher wood collection, plus what happens when a torn meniscus suddenly swells up and turns uneven ground into a challenge. It is a reminder that backcountry travel is not about perfection, it is about adapting, sharing the load, and still finding the moments that make you exhale. The episode also tees up what is next: an eight-day Barren Canyon adventure with a relaxed pace, a hopeful eye on fall colours, and a lineup of upcoming guests from the outdoor community, including Ryan Marshall of Marshall Bushcraft, Split Rock Outdoors, and Camper Christina. There is even a side trail into camping books and the creative work behind them, because sometimes the best way to stay connected to nature is to read about it when you cannot be out there. If you enjoy thoughtful camping stories, practical lessons, and the kind of humour that only shows up after a few hard-earned trips, subscribe to Super Good Camping, share this with a camping buddy, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What is the most painful or funniest thing the outdoors has ever “taught” you? Support the show CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING: Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home EMAIL: hi@supergoodcamping.com WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping Support the show
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S3 · E46
July 27 · 4 min
Season Wrap And What’s Next
Send us Fan Mail We wrap the season by looking back at recent family trips and laying out what we’re planning for the rest of the summer and beyond. We also preview next season’s first guest, then ask you to tell us what you’re doing outside and what you want to hear next. • season wrap-up and a quick look ahead to September • Spanish River recap and an August North Frontenac backcountry trip plan • six-day menu planning and dehydrating shrimp, scallops, vegetables, and fruit • Barren Canyon plans after two cancelled attempts • early Yukon trip planning for a longer, epic adventure next year • next season kickoff with Ryan Marshall, bushcraft and survival guest • listener questions about softwater season plans and what inspires you • ways to message us on Buzzsprout, Facebook, Spotify, Apple, Instagram, and email • suggestions for guests, topics, and how we can improve after nearly six years Please reach out to us. As always, our email is hi at supergoodcamping.com. If you like and subscribe and give us a five star review and all of those things, it helps us and it helps other people find us. And also you can donate to us on Buy Me Coffee. Support the show CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING: Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home EMAIL: hi@supergoodcamping.com WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping Support the show
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S3 · E45
July 20 · 49 min
Canoe Tripping Stories And Smart Gear With Andy Baxter
Send us Fan Mail A “bear barrel” that is not bear proof sounds like a problem until you understand what it is really for. We sit down with Andy Baxter, owner of Recreational Barrel Works, and talk through the real-world reasons paddlers rely on barrels for backcountry canoe camping: keeping food dry, keeping smells contained, and cutting down on the critter chaos that can wreck a campsite. Along the way, Andy shares the kind of tripping stories you only earn through distance, weather, and the occasional route that turns into a bushwhack. We trade memories from Algonquin Park style portaging to a smoother payback paddle down the Key River and out along Georgian Bay. Andy also breaks down what happens on remote fly-in routes north of Red Lake when the “portage” is basically a rumour. The physical effort is one thing, but the bigger challenge is the mental math when your planned kilometres stop being realistic and you have to slow down, stay safe, and adjust without letting frustration take over. Then we nerd out on paddling gear design in Canada: why Recreational Barrel Works started in 2001, how canoe packs and lightweight waterproof liners solve everyday packing problems, and why a truly waterproof map case needs the right zipper and real testing. If you care about canoe tripping gear, food storage, bear safety habits, and smart solutions built by paddlers who actually use them, you’ll get plenty to take back to your next trip. Subscribe, share the episode with a canoe buddy, and leave a review with your go-to food storage setup. https://recreationalbarrelworks.com/ Support the show CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING: Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home EMAIL: hi@supergoodcamping.com WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping Support the show
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S3 · E44
July 13 · 44 min
Backcountry Paddleboarding
Send us Fan Mail A paddleboard in the backcountry sounds like a stunt until you hear the method behind it. We sit down with Marybeth from Paddle Adventurer, an adventure guide and outdoor content creator who’s been running backcountry stand-up paddleboard trips for years and showing Canadians what’s possible with an inflatable SUP and the right skills. We get practical about what makes backcountry paddleboarding work: choosing a durable inflatable board, understanding volume and weight limits, packing so your camping gear stays secure on the deck, and using bungees, D-rings, and smart weight placement to help your board track straight. Marybeth also explains why you don’t always need to stand, how kneeling or adding a seat changes stability, and why practising falling off and self rescue is part of responsible paddling, not an afterthought. Safety comes up again and again, from Transport Canada requirements like PFDs and whistles to leash choices, including quick release systems for moving water. Marybeth also shares what winter paddling looks like on Lake Ontario and the Great Lakes, why shoreline ice can be deceptively dangerous, and how to decide when turning back is the best call. Along the way, we talk about learning in public, embracing failure, and trying new things even when you feel like Bambi on day one. If you like canoe camping, SUP touring, outdoor safety, Ontario paddling routes, or you just want a new way to get outside, you’ll get both inspiration and real-world tactics here. Subscribe, share this with a paddling friend, and leave a review with your biggest question about backcountry paddleboarding. https://paddleadventurer.com/ https://www.instagram.com/paddleadventurer/ https://www.facebook.com/PaddleAdventurer https://www.tiktok.com/ ⁨@PaddleAdventurer⁩ https://www.youtube.com/c/paddleadventurer https://www.linkedin.com/company/paddle-adventurer/ Support the show CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING: Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home EMAIL: hi@supergoodcamping.com WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping Support the show
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S3 · E43
July 8 · 7 min
We Learned More From Three Dumps Than From Smooth Water
Send us Fan Mail The Spanish River has a way of teaching fast. On days three and four of our canoe trip, we went from “pretty comfortable on lakes” to getting humbled by rockered whitewater boats that love to wander. With about 25 kilometres on day three, we felt every little twitch in the hull, zigzagged more than we’d like to admit, and learned how much energy it takes to find a clean rhythm when the boat is built to turn. The good news: moving water gives back. Once we started trusting the current and making smarter choices, the kilometres stopped feeling impossible. A big part of the growth came from structured practice. Beth coached us through ferry angles, eddy entries, and the kind of boat control that turns swifts from stressful to satisfying. We also talk candidly about mistakes, including dumping three times over four days and the fully loaded swim that came down to miscommunication, a bad angle, and one classic error: grabbing the gunnels. If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens to your gear in a flip, we get into what stayed put, what popped out, and why packing discipline matters on river trips. We wrap with the practical stuff that doesn’t make highlight reels but absolutely matters: low water scraping, getting hung up, spacing your group so nobody is out of reach, and the value of a guided trip where the guide can also cook. (Bill’s camp meals deserve their own segment.) If you’re planning a Spanish River canoe trip, levelling up your moving-water skills, or just want an honest triplog with real lessons, hit play, then subscribe, share the episode with a paddling buddy, and leave a review so more Canadian campers can find us. Support the show CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING: Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home EMAIL: hi@supergoodcamping.com WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping Support the show
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