Waterwalker

Waterwalker

A canoe odyssey

1984 · 87 min · ★ 8.3 · Documentary

Naturalist Bill Mason on his journey by canoe into the Ontario wilderness. The filmmaker and artist begins on Lake Superior, then explores winding and sometimes tortuous river waters to the meadowlands of the river's source. Along the way, Mason paints scenes that capture his attention and muses about his love of the canoe, his artwork and his own sense of the land. Mason also uses the film as a commentary on the link between God and nature and the vast array of beautiful canvases God created for him to paint. Features breathtaking visuals and exciting whitewater footage, with a musical score by Bruce Cockburn.

Directed by Bill Mason

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Cast

Bill Mason Narrator / Himself
Wilf Pelletier Narrator

Make it a double feature

2h 8m together

Waterwalker

Song of the Paddle

Both from Bill Mason.

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Song of the Paddle

Song of the Paddle · 1978

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MovieComedyRomance

Join outdoorsman Bill Mason in this short documentary as he and his family go canoe camping in the wilderness. Gain an appreciation for the art of canoeing while watching a small group experience the sheer joy and beauty of Nature. Along the way, the Masons experience countless adventures and some breathtaking scenery, including Indian rock carvings at Lake Superior.

In Search of the Bowhead Whale

In Search of the Bowhead Whale · 1974

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MovieDocumentary

This adventure film features Scott McVay, an authority on whales, and filmmaker Bill Mason. The objective was to film the bowhead, a magnificent inhabitant of the cold Arctic seas brought to the edge of extinction by overfishing. With helicopter and Inuit guide, aqualungs and underwater cameras, the expedition searches out and meets the bowhead and beluga.

Path of the Paddle: Doubles Basic

Path of the Paddle: Doubles Basic · 1977

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MovieDocumentary

This short film from canoeist Bill Mason demonstrates the basic doubles paddling strokes and how to apply them in various combinations. The application of each stroke in rapids is shown briefly and the emphasis is always on working as a well-coordinated team. Part of 'Path of the Paddle: Quiet Water', in Bill Mason's Path of the Paddle Series.

Path of the Paddle: Doubles Whitewater

Path of the Paddle: Doubles Whitewater · 1977

Path of the Paddle: Doubles Whitewater

MovieDocumentary

This short film from canoeist Bill Mason shows how to read the rapids and plan a course and follow it, with complete control of the boat, using the basic paddling strokes. Running rapids will always be a calculated risk, but risk diminishes with skill and knowledge. The strokes can be used in endless combination to reduce the risks of whitewater canoeing and increase the sheer joy and exuberance. Part of 'Path of the Paddle: Whitewater', in Bill Mason's Path of the Paddle Series.

Path of the Paddle: Solo Basic

Path of the Paddle: Solo Basic · 1977

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MovieDocumentary

This short film from canoeist Bill Mason illustrates the joy and poetry of paddling solo. All the basic strokes used to control the canoe are rendered with perfect clarity through animated lines. Part of 'Path of the Paddle: Quiet Water', in Bill Mason's Path of the Paddle Series.

The Land That Devours Ships

The Land That Devours Ships · 1984

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MovieDocumentary

For almost a century and a half, Her Majesty's Ship Breadalbane lay wrecked and forgotten under the Arctic ice. In the spring of 1983, noted undersea explorer Dr. Joseph MacInnis led a team of twenty men on one of the most difficult, dangerous and unforgettable undersea adventures of the century--to put a diver on board the sunken vessel and recover some artifacts. This film, introduced by H.R.H. Prince Charles, provides a stunning visual account of this historic expedition.

Path of the Paddle: Solo Whitewater

Path of the Paddle: Solo Whitewater · 1977

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MovieDocumentary

This short film from canoeist Bill Mason explains clearly how to locate a deep water channel by reading the rapids and how to apply paddling strokes and manoeuvres to steer the canoe where you want it to go. It also depicts what happens if you "wipe out" in a turbulent rapid and shows you how to survive the swim. Part of 'Path of the Paddle: Whitewater', in Bill Mason's Path of the Paddle Series.

The Rise and Fall of the Great Lakes

The Rise and Fall of the Great Lakes · 1968

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MovieDocumentaryComedy

A lesson in geography, which concludes that although the Great Lakes have had their ups and downs, nothing has been harder to take than what humans have done to them lately. In the film, a lone canoeist lives through the changes of geological history, through Ice Age and flood, only to find himself in the end trapped in a sea of scum.

Face of the Earth

Face of the Earth · 1975

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MovieDocumentary

Face of the Earth explores the origin of our planet's outer layer, the why-and-how of its mobility. Through the use of well-designed diagrams, the earth's cyclical activity is clearly explained. Some unusual footage on volcanoes gives added punch to an already absorbing subject.

Wolf Pack

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MovieDocumentary

This nature film closely observes wolves through late winter into early spring. Wolf Pack shows this creature’s character, behaviour and life cycle. What emerges is a portrait of the wolf as a disciplined hunter, respected leader and committed parent.

Death of a Legend

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This documentary film is about wolves and the negative myths surrounding the animal. Exceptional footage portrays the wolf's life cycle and the social organization of the pack, as well as film of caribou, moose, deer and buffalo.

Pukaskwa National Park

Pukaskwa National Park · 1983

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MovieDocumentary

This short documentary by Bill Mason explores Pukaskwa National Park on Lake Superior, providing a background of the park's geological past and plant life. The film also shows scenes of hiking, canoeing and camping. The result is to put us back in touch with the natural elements that our ancestors both fought and enjoyed.

Paddle to the Sea

Paddle to the Sea · 1966

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Blake

MovieDocumentary

An eccentric history buff lives in a cabin in the woods but spends most of his time flying his biplane.

Cry of the Wild

Cry of the Wild · 1973

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MovieDocumentary

Bill Mason imparts his affection for the big northern timber wolves and the pure-white Arctic wolves. Filmed over three years in the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, the High Arctic and his home near the Gatineau Hills in Quebec, Mason sets out to dispel the myth of the bloodthirsty wolf. Going beyond the wolf's natural habitat, Mason relocated three young wolves to his own property and was able to film tribal customs, mating and birth - moments in wildlife never before seen on film.

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