*3h42m...what is this nonsense?* Brilliant question, thank you for asking it. This is episode one of a four-part series covering my first year of full-time camping (2021) and the backstory of how that became possible. There are chapters in the playback bar as usual if you want to pick and choose parts. *Episodes 2, 3, and 4* (for summer, fall, and winter) will be released throughout the year and they’ll cover the behind the scenes of what it takes to be able to be able to do this full-time including: -filming and editing in the summer episode -the youtube and finances side of things for fall -and a variety of frequently asked questions we get in the comments for the final episode I made most of this last year while injured and finally had a chance to finish it a year later.

This, and the entirety of this channel belongs in the archives of the National Film Board of Canada. It’s a historical document of our nation’s remote wilderness in the early 21st century and so much more. We are so privileged to witness it all as it’s published.

Not a you tuber who quit their job to randomly make videos, but instead a skilled, experienced, and gifted outdoorsperson and film maker whose heartfelt passion transmits to the viewer. Such a special channel. Thank you for capturing your unique experience. It's pure and very respected.

You sir, will one day die smiling at the sky never regretting a moment. One of the best channels on the entire planet.

I'm telling anyone and everyone about ur channel ...u deserve a Million at least!!!!!

My son is 18 and has a wild roaming spirit. He has ideas that change on a weekly basis, but they always come back to being in the wild and traveling in a free self sustained mode. He is held back by what society and his family wants him to do. Settle down, make roots and pursue a living. I am going to show him this video and hopefully inspire him to go for it and not look back. Thank you for putting it all together in a beautifully produced video.

Jon, thank you so much! I love that you do not go for any artificial drama or hype on your channel - you let nature and the scenery provide the drama. Please just keep doing "the trips you want to do" and taking us along as a buddy. So inspiring, yet relaxing!

Best 3.5 hour film I've watched since Titanic. I'm so thankful I found your channel. With your cinematography, the music you add and the footage you capture really soothes my soul. You picked the right profession, my friend. Thank you for what you do. It is appreciated.

Ah yes!! Perfect way to spend the evening as my heart recovers from the infamous attack. Thank you good sir!

Man, you are living the dream. Keep up the great work. I live vicariously through you Xander, Max, Keenan and Jim. I’d kill for your editing talent. Sincerely, northern Wis canoeist.

Hello sir. I love your videos. I am unable to adventure like you do, so watching your trips on the big screen really makes me feel like I'm there myself. Thank you for that. About the lost gopro.... I could be wrong, but...... 34:28 bottom left corner of the screen as you passed the tree. Ironically, your dialogue sounded like giving up the search. Cheers, and I'm looking forward to the next one.

Literally the only show on earth I am glued to the screen, cannot get enough of this channel. It’s just so good. 👏🏻👏🏻

Good for you mate. Been living out of a mountaineering pack for 14 yrs now in the PNW. I work 3 months of of the year. I grew up watching the northern lights in Montana. As a kind it always showed me how truly small I was. We lived outdoors. I didn't walk into it with no knowledge, id done it all my life, living simple. Life's simple when you can live on less than $1500 a month comfortably and be able to actually save.

I have been watching Lost Lakes for well over a year now. I do not believe in subscribing to a channel just because it is "free and so easy". It takes me a long time of constant great content before I 'simply click'. There are about 10 KZfaq channels I subscribe too, and Lost Lakes is one of them! 80% of any adventure is only 20% interesting. Jon does an unbelievable job at bringing the most important moments in a 12-day trip (that most of us dreamed about doing) into a 1- or 2-hour video! And Erin... I hope Jon realizes what he has in Erin!

My husband commented about the AMOK's a few weeks ago... we love them thanks to you introducing them to us. For the record, your channel is BY FAR our most favourite of the few we follow. The excitement in our home when you post a new video is palpable. We are most grateful you quit your job to pursue your passion resulting in entertaining and inspiring us. Your grasp of cinematography, commentary, humour and serenity is a delicious blend we can't get enough of. It would be an incredible honour to run into you someday out there. And yes, we wear your merch!!

Mann this was so good. I feel like ive gotten to know you so much more after this. Well put together looking forward to summer 🌞

The first KZfaq sub I ever did that wasn't a band. The only KZfaqr I ever binge, re-watch, joined, and bought merch from. My heaven will consist of Dave Matthews and Lost Lakes shows.

By far my favourite. The best, the absolute best channel on youtube.

🎉 Best decision ever!! Your Fans are glad you did.

I did have some spring cleaning plans/yardwork that needed to be done this weekend, but instead I have been watching this 4hr cinematic masterpiece on and off thank you, incredible watch!

Thank you for your gifts to us. May the weather, water, and bugs be kind to you, and may flowers, sweet beaches, and exciting paths be at your feet. Wishing you health and more great adventures. Erin too.

You, more than any politician make me proud to be an Ontrian and Canadian. Thank you

He plays by his own rules. Living the dream.

I wanted to add, I will definitely be following your journey all that much more closely knowing your true commitment ❤

your backstory is intersting. I've watched most of your videos, and certaintly they become more enjoyable over time. I can relate to your challenges in the corporate world, having had a 35 year long career. Hopefully you will enjoy a long marriage like our 35 years together, and a family to enjoy it with. Thank you.

No channel quite captures the essence of Ontario camping and its natural beauty like you do Jon. It's amazing to see your channel's audience growing and seeing the backstory of you pursuing such a fulfilling life. Thank you for the countless hours of amazing content!

Wow what a beautiful and well-done video! When your work is your passion, it's not work! Thank You so much for the amazing quadruple rainbow! Don't think I will ever witness this in person and so very grateful for you sharing this amazing moment. Love your channel and both of you!

Great video! I love the back story, and I am looking forward to the 3 other parts! I have been watching for years, and it's been a pleasure to watch you and Erin together on many adventures. Thank you

I admit I was cracking up about double rainbow...but dude the triple/quad rainbow...is what legends are made out of! Your voice is great, calming and you are very informative . New sub here.

I burst into laughter during your Matilda reference. Absolutely delightful. Mr. Kelly, you are a wildly talented editor/videographer and outdoorsman. The world is a better place with you in it.

We could watch this all day, over and over.. big fan of your talent

Jon... whatever happens. Whatever future choice needed for your family. This journey exploring your amazing Canada has been a joy to watch. You will never regret a moment of it. ❤

Just think , many years from now , all yr video's you posted for us / saved for you , to look back on when that time unfortunately comes .. these clips will be so memorable ... Good job on yr outings ( filming and narrating) and of course for being out there yrself exploring our natural beauty of part of our Canadian sheild . Good for you for what you do .. We thank you ..🛶

Just love your videos… so glad you are doing what makes you happy and Erin is there beside you…thank you for sharing Gods beautiful creation, your videos are masterfully done. May God bless you both and keep you safe Jon! Stella

Where you began, went, and are now. You are an inspiration, brother. 🙏🏼✨

I've watched every single trip, and I am always excited to see a new upload! This one is no exception. Truly a work of art. I cannot say enough good things about your work Jon. I am truly thankful for it. I also love the history behind how you started and have always wanted to know more about you and your family. Thank you for teaching respect for the rivers, lakes and streams ...for your love of paddling and respect for your forefathers (leave behind) you are absolutely my favorite paddler and "my canoe guy"! You rock!

The Matilda scene with you eating breakfast was a masterpiece. Fun fact, my daughter is now a drama director for the school district she graduated from and they just did Matilda the musical. I help with props and got to make the cake And had to figure out how to make it disappear, sliced spice slice as the cheered Bruce on.

You have a gift, keep sharing your dreams with us cowards that can't or won't dare to pursue ours.

I just started watching this video. Keep living the dream. One of the many of us needs to live the dream for the rest of us.

The vivid scenery fuels my balance, while your truthfulness and honesty stokes my own humanity and my continued fight to overcome my congenital shortcomings. Thank you

Jon I've been fallowing you for a few years and I'm so happy for you and the ol lady you guys are a great couple. Every year I go Camping at Wakami Lake Provincial Park you always cross my thoughts when reflecting on the norths beauty. Bless you, took a chance and you made it. A lot of us envy you and you earned it

The quote”Cell phones are the disease, this is the cure”,(being out in nature) as you’re in a canoe on a pristine lake fishing and breathing and absorbing nature through every pore. We are all doing it through osmosis. Thank you 🙏🏽!

Spectacular! You are a great filmmaker! You took a chance and bet on yourself and did it ! Congratulations...have been watching you grow this into what it has become.. But it's still true to what you've been doing all along! Tremendous accomplishment.

I'd like to believe what you did is the definition of 'courage'... jumping into the unknown following your passion leaving a nice job behind. 😎

I've only been on board for about 2 years but I'm so glad I found your stuff. Please don't change one bit as you inevitably grow bigger! You guys rock.

You said you had 40,000 subscribers when you started you have one more now. Not the first time I've watched your videos though I watch you and Aaron and circumnavigate that Lake I was fascinated by the photography that speech that what you guys got along such a beautiful video you brought tears to my eyes several times. I totally commend you and Aaron e r i n for everything you're doing thank you

Jon, I absolutely love your story! Following your passion and dreams isn't always what we all do, but I am so happy you did. Think about all the decisions you made and they all lead to the love of your life (no, not the outdoors)! Thank you for sharing your adventures and wish you both continued good health and happiness!

This is a great idea. A remastery of your previous expeditions!

At 3:20 already crying. As someone who feels incomplete unless I am in nature, your channel helps to fill in the gaps between my adventures. Your genuine enthusiasm is these moments your authentic awe in nature is what makes this channel what it is. You truly commune with nature and it gets me right in the feels. It’s such a bonus you have also become an incredible film maker. Keep chasing those dreams. You will be a Canadian icon. A true explorer.

I'm glad you stuck with it.

Wishing you success and happiness. Thank you for allowing us to see and be a part of your journey

Always loved your accomplishments. You showed life can be hard, and it can be easy, that's what has gotten me through all the hard times. Social anxiety, depression, and social isolation........?. I have seen a my room like just short of looking at a container for 2 years and more (because I had to go to the door for just eat) your awesomeness is just just amazing Smiggle (sorry I am dyslexic). I hope you understand that, sorry if you don't 😢. Just saying I love you doing your best ❤❤❤❤(I wish I could) PS. Congratulations on winning everything (on Wife 🎉on dream job 🎉and all your future endeavour 🎉)

You’re are incredible human who’s pushed back against the cookie cutter life. I am envious and inspired, and wish nothing other than your channel to continue to grow, and allow you to share your adventures while providing for your family! Cheers man!

Thank you so much for showing us such a beautiful part of our country, this video is outstanding

I love watching your videos right before i go to sleep because you have such a nice and chill personality and your addeting is outstanding. It calms me down and make me forget my problems for some time

Ok Jon, first hour of the vid is in the books. It is not disappointing. I really enjoy the "how I got here" portions of the vid - the history behind all this that brings me so much enjoyment. It really feels like I get to know the real Jon just a little more. I grew up down the road from T.O in Oakville - but in the late 60's and 70's. T.O was day trip on the GO train to buy $12 gray seats with my saved allowance to watch the Leafs at MLG. My playground was a 30 minute bike ride up 3rd line to the QEW where beyond there was only farmland - before Bronte Creek PP even, at 12 years old hiking up BC with my buddy and our dogs almost to HWY 5, pitching a pup tent and catching and cooking chub or bass , freezing overnight in a cheap sleeping bag with no pad. WHO CAN LET THERE KIDS DO THAT NOW??It was a privileged time. Later ,I hated to go into the city - still do although a different city now. Watching this just wets my appetite for the first canoe trip of the year in a few weeks. I look forward to watching the rest of this.Thank you!

You and your poetry belong out there on a lake! Great joy to follow along, thanks so much

What a life this bum has - I envy him! Looking forward to more vids of you and your brave traveling companion!

Do you know Jon, watching your videos reminds me of the show Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom. I watched that show when I was a kid. I don’t know if you remember that you might not be old enough thanks for the great content and I wish you success doing what you love.

Cheers from Finland! Love your videos even tho I have never paddling. Your style to tell stories and way to look at the nature is just so good combination together.

I had rented a movie then I saw this and said forget the movie I remember watching the video with Joe and I never get tired of the beautiful scenery and wildlife this was a good one

Thank you for all the hard work you do filming,editing and Bush wackin to create the amazing content you always capture your videos Will be watched in my house for years to come #lost lakes forever!

It’s nice to get some backstory! I’ve been following for years… keep up the fantastic work my friend!

Wife and I sat through the movie in its entirety. Well done sir. Our Lab loved the nature sounds also, 4.5 woofs out of 5.

Your passion for the outdoors is inspiring. You not only provide beautiful visuals, you educate and entertain. Watching your adventures remind me of National Geographic specials, Sir David Attenborough presentations and even Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. The new job sounds like a perfect fit and will lead to new inspirations and experiences. There will always be a lost lake for you to explore somewhere on this planet.

Genuinely surprised that this video has under 10m views, it’s a masterpiece.

You’re the best Jontario!

Well thats my Saturday afternoon sorted. Feet up, beers and Lost Lakes 🇬🇧

I had every intent of stretching out watching this video to make it last but once I started watching I couldn't stop lol I've said it before and I'll say it again, this channel is by far my favourite channel on KZfaq. Keep living the dream and taking us along for the ride 🖤

I appreciate you sharing this journey, the re-edits, explaining different aspects of how you've accomplished this dream. I discovered your channel because of the collab with Joe. As always I look forward to more content. Glad you've healed up from your injury.

Amazing what a dream and a vision can do to a person, congrats i wish you all the success on your journey's, love watching your videos.

You sir are getting very good at film making, hats of to you Jon. !

Never get tired of your adventures Jon! I watch them over and over!

Love this kind of story telling video, and some hefty to sink my teeth into over the weekend! Congratulations on doing what your clearly passionate about👊🏼

Thank you for sharing, inspiring, and archiving. Great timing on the video

I’m 48 years old and watching your videos inspires me to get out and live a life before it is too late. I just want to say I appreciate the time that you take to video the experience to let guys and women out there know what they’re missing if they don’t get off their ass. Keep up the good work and adventure on.

You've created a wonderful channel man. I believe it took some hard decisions to make, anyway now all your viewers are living through your adventures including myself . I highly admire your work and appreciate it. Thanks a lot for the opportunity to see all this beauty with you. You make it look easy though it's not as easy as it seems.

Morning coffee, snowing outside and enjoying this gem of a video. All the best for you and Erin 🥰 THANK YOU

34:27 looks like a gopro bottom left....maybe?

Tune in and Tube out. You have a genuine talent at video making and are a great inspiration. God bless your journey.

We love everything you do Johntario. Poetic gold.

5 minutes in and I am thinking of how to write my letter of resignation 😅

Wonderful Jon and oh my do we ever share city vs wilderness identities and evolution in the “nature” of our work. Couldn’t be more impressed with you taking that leap into your passion and Erin, you are the consummate partner in your support of Jon’s endeavors. And seeking your own path 💜 Lost Lakes is a treasure for those of us who choose to follow and I can’t think of a better way to spend some time with amazing humans in breathtaking surroundings. I am forever grateful for the path you have chosen and the work we are so blessed to be a part of 🥰 Cheers to you both, Barret! Ok ready for,the next 😌

Hey Jon and Erin, I've been following you for a long time now, I think you were around 50k subs when I first joined. I remember you commenting on a park report I wrote for a certain Northern fly-in provincial park, has an awesome name of a certain animal species.. I get to live my dream and I got a job as a canoe tech clearing portages in that park. I am super stoked to be able to spend 4 months in some of the most remote areas of Ontario and taking a trail camera along with me to see walks by at night and days off.

Love your channel! Inspiration mate, well done!! Keep up the amazing work and live your dream 🤌🏼🤌🏼

Geepers Creepers. It is probably gonna take me a few weeks to watch this entire thing!

Just concluding the video and it was just wonderful. What a gorgeous journey and traveling with you is a real joy. So glad you had that year to get to do that and your love of God's creation is wonderful, Thank you for sharing!

As if all the fantastic videos before weren't reason enough, you've finally “earned” my membership with this video. Thank you for all the hours we have been able to accompany you virtually. What I particularly like now is the openness with which we are allowed to take a look behind the curtain! I hope to be able to support you a little with this. Quite unselfishly, of course ... ;-)

28:51 Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire - one of my all-time favorites.

I think I saw the GoPro. See 34:28, on the left lower corner of the picture. Seriously I'm quite sure about it

I’ve been following for a few years. I’m 1:36 into the quit my job episode. I paused it to join the membership and post this message. I tip my cap to you young man! Please keep moving forward.

Fantastic edit as much of this was new to me, Looking forward to more future videos and the ones spent with your buddies as well.

There is incredible irony in your video and your life. You if I am not mistaken were born and raised in Toronto if I heard correctly. Then, you decided to abandon the big city and pursue a career as a youtuber. I think that maybe saved your life. Now, on April 20th 2024 our son Robert Foehr was taken off life support and passed away at age 33 1/2. He was living in Hamilton at the end and was a heavy drug user for about 18 years. On the 15th of April he came to St Joseph hospital VSA and with no oxygen for 20 min. He died of drug overdose and cardiac arrest. I can tell you it's devastating and I have been prepping for years for this. I felt he would go around 40 but it happened even quicker. Our daughter was very close to her big brother and she is totally devastated. My wife and I are on bereavement leave and your video is fantastic therapy.

Mann I'm 3 minutes in teary eyed and had the invasion of goosebumps... Going to have to take this instalments!

John is a legend!!!! Who is here from the Backcountry Angling days? He has inspiried me to get out and adventure more.

Very nice getting your full you tube background John. wonderful....and probably making every single one of us jealous :)

It was a brilliant move. Im blessed to spend time with you watching. Thanks 🙏

Hey Jon, I began watching your videos last year at this time. I live in Alberta and began work in Saskatchewan and found the channel on my spare time. I am always amazed at your videos and commentary. Every video is truly enjoyable and an amazing capture of the natural places we are so fortunate for in Canada. It really makes me want to venture east to see just even a glimpse of the places you take us with your camera. I have tried many a few times to start a channel of my own and even just trying I have so much respect for your drive to get the angles, shots and frames you do. Knowing you have to paddle, walk or hike back to where we see the shot on every frame makes me appreciate the videos so much more. It really makes me want to point the phone and just start next time im out on the water, in the rockies or even a reservoir in Saskatchewan. Thank you for pushing us all to get out there with these videos, maybe one day ill finally get the stone rolling on my own! P.S. I am no expert but with regards to the fish caught in the spring portion of the video that some have suggested could be a Tiger Trout (Brook trout and Brown Trout Cross) I was thinking that it could possibly be a Splake (Brook Trout and Lake Trout cross). But, they do not normally have the crazy whirlly worm markings of the brook trout like Tigers do, however, being that both brookies and lakers are Char the hybridization could have happened naturally and with its surroundings made those crazy markings, since nature can do crazy things. At the end of the day it could also be a Tiger put in by the fish stocking agency in Ontario (I have no idea who as im out west) but I know in BC the use planes to stock backcountry lakes with fish and this could have been the source of tiger trout if they are present there; Since as far as I know (which isnt a lot) Tigers dont exist in nature seeing as the are from a different genus (Salmo for browns and Salvelinus for brookies). Just wanted to mention it as a option and take the time after a year as a viewer to thank you for the hard work and hours, keep up the grind as we all appreciate it!

You are one of four channels I watch for camping content on youtube. If it weren't for your channel, and what I learned, I would have never even attempted the trips I've done in the last five years. If you asked me to go winter camping 5 years ago, the answer would have expletives in it. Paddle 20km in day? yeah, not a chance. A 2km portage? F*$% that! Today? All of the above and loving every moment. Your video's are much more than entertainment. They are a recipe on how to experience what you do. I'm not an entertainer. The video's I've made while camping are not fun to watch, but that's ok because I enjoy watching them to relive the trip. I stopped trying to document my trips and focused on having fun. I'll continue to watch your content and keep learning skills to make my trips better. Thank you... Really, Thank you. Your channel changed my life.

When you see a bear you hollow out NIMOOSHOOM which means grandfather in native ❤❤❤❤❤❤