Path of the Paddle adventurers to create new route

The new Trail Ambassador for the Path of the Paddle Association says he's excited to show people more about the canoeing and kayaking opportunities in northwestern Ontario.

Paul Schram said the association is creating a 1,000 kilometre canoe route from Thunder Bay to Manitoba, which will be part of the TransCanada Trail network.

He'll be paddling the entire distance this summer and, along the way, he said he will take lots of photos, create a video and post his adventures on social media websites.

"The fact that we have the TransCanada Trail — and opening up these wilderness areas to people to make it easier for people for whom it may not have been accessible before — is such a wonderful opportunity," Schram said.

Schram and fellow ambassador Hadley Burns expect to start their 10-week canoe trip on June 16.

Spreading the word

Schram said his job combines his two passions — education and the environment.

"On a selfish note, to be able spend 10 weeks out in the wilderness in the summer, I love that so much," he continued.

"But also I'm extremely excited to hear the stories of the people we're going to come across."

While on his trek, he hopes to teach fellow canoeists about issues like low-impact camping.

"Whatever you bring in, you take out with you," Schram said.

"If we're paddling along and camping at a site and leaving things behind we're altering that environment. We want to leave the environment the same way we found it so that it's the same for everyone who gets to experience that route."

When the section of trail he's paddling is complete, Schram said, it will have more than 120 portages and 200 campsites.