People & Culture

A canoe conversation with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Episode 64

Podcast host David McGuffin sits down with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss his passion and history with canoeing, including childhood trips and being taught to paddle by canoeing legend Bill Mason 

  • Published Aug 09, 2023
  • Updated Aug 10
Justin Trudeau on the Nahanni River, N.W.T. 2003. (Photo: Neil Hartling. Courtesy CPAWS)
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David McGuffin and Justin Trudeau. (Photo: John Perkins)
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We’re thrilled to have Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as our guest on Explore as we kick off our second annual Summer Canoe series. This is a fun one.

As you will hear, he is absolutely passionate about canoeing. It’s a pastime he fell in love with early while paddling with his father, the late Prime Minister and fellow canoe enthusiast, Pierre Trudeau, and continues to enjoy today whenever his busy schedule allows.

In this episode, he talks about the canoe trips he took with his father, both as a child and an adult, and how he was taught to paddle by the filmmaker and canoeing legend Bill Mason. 

The conversation takes us into the rapids of the Nahanni, to the lakes and rivers of the boreal forests, and frothing waters of the Rouge, the Tatshenshini-Alsek and the Dumoine. And he shares some tips along the way: “Duct tape is like the Force; it has a dark side and a light side, and it binds the universe together.” And, “What happens if the wind comes up on the river? Well, paddle harder and sing louder.”

Enjoy! 

Watch the full interview

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau canoeing in Sudbury. (Photo: Adam Scotti PMO)
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Justin Trudeau on the Nahanni River, N.W.T. 2003. (Photo: Neil Hartling. Courtesy CPAWS)
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Prime Minister Trudeau, Sophie and Ella-Grace canoe in Rouge Park. June 18, 2016. (Photo: Adam Scotti PMO)
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David McGuffin and Justin Trudeau. (Photo: John Perkins)
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