I Spent 12 Days Camping Alone in the Remote Canadian Wilderness - Here's What Happened 

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Glad to hear you are doing better Xander! It's so touching and humbling that you're willing to talk about your struggles like this.

I started watching your videos when I was in a very dark time. I was drinking daily watching videos of people solo camping and I would just imagine the freedom that you would feel doing that. Today I'm almost 2 years sober, employed, and doing better than ever. I thank you for being open and honest about how you've been doing. Just know there are a ton of people rooting for you Xander! Keep it up!

The way you share your thoughts and explain how your meditation works for you is helping me . Thank you Xander, GOD bless and keep your videos coming . 1:00:40 was the shooting star.

I loved this video so much. It made me homesick AF for my beautiful home country of Canada, but just to be able to listen and watch this vid while I worked on other stuff around the house was just so good for my soul. I live in England now and as much as I love many things about it, there are few places on earth that can top Canada for sheer wilderness, natural beauty, clean water, amazing accessible spaces. God this made me homesick. The crackling campfire, the canoeing and rush of the water, hell, even the memories of huddling under a tarp in the rain while camping. Going to go have a little sob session now lol.

You are absolutely correct about our wilderness. I feel privileged to live in the boreal forest. I can go 20 minutes from my house and not see another human being. The peace and tranquility is therapeutic. I love where I live. I don't have much money, but I consider myself a rich man. Thank you for sharing your love of the wilderness with the world. Rock on bud.

As someone who struggles with mental health but enjoys the outdoors as you do, I can't thank you enough for your contribution. Love the days you upload

xander your struggles as you explained them makes me feel less alone. thank you

Im from Brazil and I love our landscapes! We have huge forests and lots of remote land as well. Theres something to the view of the never ending mountains in the horizon that really draws me in. With that said, I'm in love with Canada and the outstanding natural beauty of your country Xander! I was blessed to visit your homeland at the end of last year and I considered moving in from the second I stepped on this amazing nation you call home. You guys are indeed lucky, and btw yall deserve it! In Canada I found one of the most kind and sweet people I've ever had the chance to meet! Have a good one, eh?

Just remember mate - you have over 600k subscribers and these people are not here because you are dave cantebury or the legend Mors , (not saying you are not skilled etc), people watch your videos because not only are you out there living their dreams, you come across as a lovely bloke and are very relatable, not pretentious, just doing your stuff like one of our mates. You have no obligation to anyone who subscribes, you are delivering free content, so if you don't put something out for a while, so be it... and we will just enjoy when u r back. You are one of millions whose brain likes to mess with us now and again - but you are a rarity as in one of those who was able to tell possibly 100s of thousands that you have struggles, most never tell anyone so thumbs up mate, i bet there are people who will watch this and possibly go on to tell people how they feel and get the benefits of that - well done fella x

Dude you just deserve an actual Netflix special at this point. Phenomenal, captivating, soothing. Thank you, Xander!

Thank you man for everything, getting to sit back and watch you do these things gives me a little sense of being there myself, I wish I could but at this time in my life it isn’t really feasible, you have come so far man and it’s okay not to be okay sometimes, i’m happy to hear you’re doing better, i started watching you from your tiktok about a year ago i believe, and i have not regretted it a day since, thank you for all you do for us. We are all so proud of you.

I like the fact that you keep in it real. You’re travel adventures is an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing.

I always go back to your 3 day solo you made a while back. You said “I’d like to thank the frog and the fish for contributing to feeding me, id like to thank myself for contributing to the circle of life, I’d like to thank my mum and dad for giving me life and thank God for creating this amazing universe, and how happy I am to be alive on days like this” Your gratitude in that moment makes me so happy that someone out there is able to feel like that, my depression has never allowed me to feel so grateful as you was in that moment and although I’ve never been that grateful I’m glad there are people like yourself out there who can be.

One of my anxiety / looping thought therapies is watching Xander’s videos among others such as primitive technology and advoko makes. They take me away to the silent wilderness with them, and for a few short minutes I am at peace. Thank you Xander for giving your life and time, and for free. Much love and respect from Britain.

This is the first video I watch from you and cant thank you enough for taking us through your journey. Thanks for being who you truly are. Get yourself surrounded with peolpe that really love you, thats the best way ❤ Stay safe my friend!

Around the 45:00 mark you asked for us to share what we love about where we are from. As a Minnesotan, I share similar feelings towards Minnesota as you do with Canada. One of the things I appreciate so much about Minnesota is the variety of landscapes all within the boarders of this state. Northern MN provides the quintessential Northwoods experience, southeastern MN along the Mississippi River provides a unique bluff country beauty. I hope to do a multi day trip in BWCA soon

Been watching Xander for a long time and it’s good to see how well he explains his emotions and struggles to his viewers. A true kind soul and always love watching these amazing videos. Loads of love and support from Ireland 👍🏻

Xander, I never comment but thank you so much for your videos and for sharing your mental journey with us. I’ve been there. I relapsed more than once with addiction and intrusive thoughts but thankfully I’m still here. You’re videos have saved my life and you’re part of the reason I’m still here today. Don’t give up, Know you’re valuable to this world, not by what you give or offer, but by simply being you. We love you!

Blessings and loving support to you, Xander! I'm so loving your adventures!🙏🌸🤍🕊

Man, that country is outstanding, i almost cried with the beauty and all this feeling of peace, thanks for share with us that beautyfull trip.

After several failed attempts at making content that is anything resembling what you, Lost Lakes or Max do, I am even more in awe of your talents and hard work. Thanks for making these experiences for us. Come down and paddle the Ozarks when the snow moves in!

This by far was my favourite video of yours. Not sure you realize how open you are with your struggles helps many of us who also struggle on a daily basis. Thanks for being you and taking us along on your adventures. Those northern lights were absolutely wild, swirling and dancing all around you. Stay strong!!

I love that you take us all in your wilderness trip not just visually but emotionally and spiritually too. That's what makes you different than other wilderness videomakers. You deliver experience with a heart!

Absolutely beautiful, such serenity. RIP Mr. Drone

Congrats on 3 years brother! I’m on 4 months and a days sober from alcohol and drugs! You’re videos have played huge part in my sobriety. You John and Jim Baird’s, for about the first month I was going through quite the withdraws and I watch all you guys to calm myself down! Keep up the good work! You guys do slot more for people than just create content! Much love brother 🤝

Just glad you're ok Xander. You've got so many people, all over the world, pulling for you and love what you do and how you do it! Being Canadian, I'm so proud of the way you carry yourself. I'd be honoured to call you my friend! Love to you & Max, always!❤

appreciate you sharing your story man it’s really motivational and i think a lot of us can relate just know you ain’t alone out here brother

I started watching a few of your videos recently and they really inspire me to practice mindfulness. I want to explore like you are someday. It seems so grounding. Keep it up man!

I’m proud of you dude. I’m working on kicking some addictions and you have inspired me to fill the space of drugs and alcohol with my roots of being outside. I’m really stoked everytime you post something because it’s grounding to witness. I can’t imagine how wonderful it is for you. You got this and those thoughts from anxiety are real and valid but what’s even more valid is processing through them.

Thanks for that video Xander. It's remarkable the things that come into our lives to silence the mumblings in our brains. I'm 52 years-old and, what some folks might call, a functioning alcoholic. About 10 years ago I randomly stumbled into wood carving, specifically spoon carving and the meditative act of creating something with just an axe and a few knives has healed many goofy mental wounds. Finding "that thing that was missing" is integral. One love brother.

Big respect to you mate! I also struggle with anxiety, (health anxiety) and dpdr 24/7 for the past 4 years … your videos help me relax

Congrats on your sobriety! I'm coming up on 3 years sober from methamphetamine. Stumbled across your videos, and I find them so calming. I enjoy your sense of adventure and humor as you explore and camp. The time and care you put in filming shows and you have immense talent. Looking forward to more content from you!

Being outside has literally saved my life on more than one occasion. You have inspired me in so many ways over the past few years Xander. Thank you for being vulnerable and deep in a world that is usually closed and shallow. Thank you. For real.

The environment and the kaleography are wonderful, thank you for your hard work.

recovering aswell since the last few yrs. iam proud of you my friend. greetings from germany and plz keep it up my man

Well done on pulling yourself out of that place. I know how it feels; I've been there too, and as a fellow sober warrior, I also understand how those negative thoughts can push you to drugs and alcohol. Meditating, journaling and nature were my doctors when I got clean and they still help me now. The present is all there is; nothing else is real, none of those thoughts, emotions or anything else is the reality other than this moment right now. Keep it up and remember you're life itself, which is experiencing itself through consciousness, and what you are doing is bringing joy to your life and those around you. Go where you find joy or bring it with you ;)

Love you Xander keep pushing man. We’re fully behind you.

Hey Xander, I only recently found your channel and I’m loving your videos. I love Canada, visited many times and it’s a beautiful country. Being alone out on an adventure in the wilderness is so healing and my favorite place to be especially when the anxiety creeps in. We have some amazing wilderness here in Scotland. Not as vast but just as beautiful. Thank you for sharing your adventures. I wish I had half your talent and skills to share my beautiful country like you do 😊

Thank you for sharing, I think the night sky is awesome. How blessed you are.

Xander I never comment much but this was one of the best videos you’ve put out. The realness you present with your struggles as well as the ups and downs of the trip show what kind of guy you are. Keep doing what you’re doing really proud of you

That trip you shared was not only inspirational, but it hit next to home because I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks so I respect you and all you share... Love ya bro and keep em coming Xander... God bless you man!!!!

Much love and respect to you brother! I live in Germany and tired of civilization. Preparing to go on a similar journey and your vids are helping a lot.

I have been going through some hard times due to anxiety recently. You inspired me to start my first journal entry and it was very helpful. I really resonated with how you mentioned you were feeling. Keep it up Xander!

I guess I never truly took a canoe trip alone; always with a group of fellow fishermen, my wife or my dogs; so the self realization and introspection you've shared is insightful. Now in my 70's my canoe trips are over, I tried this summer with less than stellar results. However the passing of my spouse and loss of many friends, has the unwelcome result of aloneness and time for introspection. I have been involved in meditation but rather enjoy morning Tai Chi and evening Yoga; both of which have helped a ton. Fellow searcher, keep the bow into the wind; I have enjoyed your adventures and look forward to many more; thanks.

I've never heard someone talk about intrusive thoughts and anxiety before like you did and I related so hard to what you were saying it got me teary eyed. You're not alone Xander. Sending love brother. Glad you're doing better and experiencing everything nature has to bless us with. Godspeed

The way you described your mental state was incredibly eye opening... you always hear about mental health but rarely do you hear someone go into detail about what theyre experiencing because of the humility they believe may come along with it. Thank you for being you.. keep it up Xander, youre valuable.

Thank you so much for sharing your life’s journey. Nature is so rejuvenating and your video is so amazing to watch. Be proud, stay strong and enjoy each day as a new adventure.

I haven’t watched you for a few months until yesterday when i watched your 7 day solo trip all in one go. It made me remember how much i appreciate your content. I’ve been struggling with an anxiety disorder and other mental health stuff basically all my life so seeing you openly talk about your own struggles really touched me. I hope you know how much peace you bring your viewers in such a busy world. Thank you for all you do❤

What an amazing episode. I watched this with my dad and we both enjoy watching your videos, and it is often our time together. Thank you for such an incredible episode.

So glad you overcame the pre-trip obstacles. You seem to be using your life to create exciting and beautiful memories. Thanks for letting me share and dream.

Thanks for sharing about your status. I recently fell and broke some bones. Really trashed my confidence. Even at almost 70 anxiety is a thing to Conquer. Can't do the things you are doing anymore but the videos makes me feel and remember the beauty and adventure of the great outdoors. My husband loved the woods and fishing. We had so many beautiful evenings cooking over the open fire and just listening to nature. Hope you are able to make videos for many years to come. I look forward watching them. Thanks

Xander this is one of my absolute favorites among your videos! Thank you for sharing your innermost self with us. How very brave of you. It shows how much you love , trust, and appreciate us. 💙 I watched your very first uploads last night. You have really matured and grown in so many ways. I love your respect for every single creature as well as the environment you explore in. I miss Patches but love your new canoe! Will you name her too? How about Ruby? She fits you like a big shiny red slipper! ❤️ You have inspired me so much and I would so love to live where you play. I hike, kayak, camp, etc. and spend as much time as I can outdoors. Your videos have become my favorites, as I love your humor, cinematography, sense of adventure without being reckless, your honesty and values, and maybe most of all your love and appreciation of family and friends. Lack of those last two would leave a pretty big void, eh? BTW the ending of this video was surprising and gave me a chuckle! I hope you keep doing what you're doing for a good long time! Peace, love, and wellness!

What an inspiring adventure. And you are inspiring Xander! Thank you for sharing these moments! That aurora borealis was beyond words!

I been watching his videos since yesterday. It the most beautiful and original. I feel so calm . Thank u bring us to nature.

Just started watching your videos. They're great. You make a lot of people happy. Thank you Zander & be true to yourself. Stay safe

Thank you, Xander for another amazing video. Great to hear you're doing better from your personal struggle. As a fellow Torontonian you're truly fulfilling my itch for the outdoors, immersing myself to your videos fishing and bushcrafting.

Xander - this was such a special film. Thanks for sharing your journey, both mental and physical. I’ve been battling through it lately and nothing gives me more encouragement than when others share their stories. You’re a special guy and I love watching your travels. Thank you for being you and for keeping on.

Prayers sent young man. Many Blessings honey.

I’ve been watching your videos for years and I think this is your best one, a classic solo Xander adventure, and for 90 minutes ❤

This is by far my favourite video you’ve posted. I started following you awhile ago when I was looking for an escape, due to drowning emotions and wanting away from people but I’ve come to really like your videos because as funny as it sounds I live vicariously through you. I work too much and never take time for myself so lots of nights I’ll watch these videos. You are an amazing human being and you’ve helped me more than you may know. Thank you.

Thanks for being vulnerable and transparent for others to see they aren’t alone. I am happy you are actively seeking resources that are helpful. I have been there before my friend. More then once. The only thing we can do is keep fighting and keeping exploring the world and all its wonder. Stay strong my friend. Thanks for the inspiration

Wow. Just stumbled onto this today. Thanks for sharing. Been there myself and the way you describe yourself is me in a nutshell. Honestly I think there's more of us screwed up people than "normal". I'm glad for the support I have. Love the vid. Just kind of raw and genuine and real.

I stumbled onto your videos and now I am binge watching them. ❤ Be safe and stay strong. Hope you are doing well !

Thank you for sharing your story Xander and showing everyone it's ok to feel vulnerable and also to talk to people. Seeing you talk about this inspires others and we all support you.

glad to hear you’re feeling more like yourself buddy. we’re all so proud of you for your sobriety, every road has its mounds, we’ve just gotta keep on climbing them❤️

love your videos man, just a guy in the woods on a lake, great ambiance, what more could you need.

As a denizen of the Arizona desert I really enjoyed your Canadian wilderness. So different from my home terrain.thanksfor bringing me along

I appreciate you sharing your anxiety story (and treatment). I've dealt with similar intrusive thoughts, churning and depression. It took me into my mid 30's to finally get treatment. It's a lifelong struggle and it never goes away, but as you know, you can treat it and learn how to deal with it. One of the worst things for me was just understanding what was happening. Identifying the anxiety is a huge first step. I hope others hear your story and realize that anxiety is manageable, and get help.

Thankyou for taking us along on this adventure, from the truck breaking down, the loss of your drone to seeing those amazing northern lights plus the bear we were captivated from start to finish. Your drone has been commandeered by the giant Pike of the lake and is now the chariot of their mighty leader😊

Your positivity is infectious and much appreciated. Keep being you brother.

There's something about your videos that don't feel like I'm watching something someone made to show the world, but more like you have kept a video journal but took us along with you. When you feel joy, it hits me incredibly deep. I have had much better days since finding your place here. Thanks. Also when you make little remarks after just about everything, I connect with them and cheer often when we match thoughts

What a trip! Your energy is amazing. You are such a funny guy with a wonderful personality. Thanks for sharing your life story to date and taking us along to see all the beauty of northern Canada!

Awesome trip once again and glad everything worked out in the end. Like that saying; when nothing goes as planned is where the adventure begins. Love the banter between you and John.

Xander I have struggled with the same things. It brings me joy to know you are doing better. I hope you keep the outdoors to yourself despite your obligations

Brilliant. Love that ending with John giving you the snub at the door! Quite the journey.

First time watcher - loved every moment of this personal journey ❤

glad to hear you are on the mend. My go to place for recharging and calming the mind is the Australian bush - I have always camped and hiked alone - I am nearly 77 and still do, although a lot more slowly 🤪🤪 and in the last few years with my little dog. The wonderous nature you catch on film is incredible. Keep up the good work ❤❤

Xander, I've been watching you for about a year or so now. Beyond this being one of the best videos you have put out yet I just wanted to thank you for all the effort and time you put into things like this. People like you, people who share their mental struggles through life and how they cope with it is how many people - including myself - are able to fight our battles day to day. You are a huge inspiration to not only work on ones self, but to also get out there and do what you love. I am super glad to hear you dug yourself out of dark times because sometimes that is a harder battle than anyone can fight in this world, and I hope all of these messages of people sharing their love for you only help grow the image you have of yourself and not grow some level of imposter syndrome. You are doing amazing things and I can't wait to see what you do in the future :)

Hello fellow Canadian. Just found your channel and love it. Your footage is so peaceful real and inspiring. Glad I found you!

so proud of you for keeping sober, also just found videos are awesome thanks for your inspiration, nature is the best medicine for meditation too i find

I needed this trip - thank you! You donated some kick ass drone footage to someone who's bound to come across it...just like the backpack you returned...it stings now, but the footage you shared with us today is just as valuable - looking forward to your next trip!

Hey buddy! Every video you make, you really take us with you. It's an experience, not just something to watch. There is peace and humour, humility and honesty in all of the videos you have shared with us. While we all thoroughly enjoy sitting next to you at your fireplace or in your canoe, we forget the toll it takes on you bringing us with you. I imagine it is a huge job filming the way you do, editing and producing these awesome pieces. Both physically and mentally. Thank you so much for everything you have done for us. It has brought many hours of peace to my busy mind watching your videos. Inspired me to get back out there and enjoy what we are so lucky to have. To go and light my own fire. Keep on keeping on. Make sure to do some trips where the camera stays at home. Love from Mt Ruapehu NZ Come stay some time!

I love your videos. Keep it up mate, please remember this world needs you in it.

This was fantastic on so many levels - thank you.

Thanks Xander I live my life vicariously through you and John. Looking forward to some winter content. Kudos on the honesty around mental health and sobriety. As someone you has struggled with both it's great to see open honesty. ..

Hey Xander - truly proud of you brother! It’s a hard thing to admit we have a problem and even harder to ask for help from others. I am now 6 yrs clean myself and the struggle is real! Our minds talk to us in our own voices and can very easily convince us that we are better off using. The mindfulness you speak of is probably the biggest source of strength I have and now understand that I need to be firmly grounded in today - not thinking of the future or regretting my past. I just got back from 4days of solitude with only my dog for company. I find it is the best therapy for when I am feeling overwhelmed with life of life’s terms. Truly thank you for sharing your personal struggles. More men need to do this to show others they are not alone. Keep up the good fight. You are a hero to many, including me. Thanks Gord

Hi Xander, just found your post and really the best thing is to always be looking forward and planning the next adventure. No time to dwell on negative thoughts. So happy you are out there. there.warching

Just came across your channel at 2am. I did many camping adventures years ago and loved every weekend of doing it. Your country is beautiful and I would love to see the northern lights in person! So beautiful! Thank you for showing so much of it with us. That big fish that got away. I was like NO! I so wanted to see what it was and how big actually. I’m now a new subscriber!

As someone who has been dealing with depression and anxiety as a results of burnout on and off for 2yrs now, I have much respect for you. It touches me that you're being so honest, open and humble about what you've been experiencing. Sharing the good ánd the bad. And of course I am glad to hear you've also found your way up again. Follow your heart and intuition, and you will always find the way back up that mountain.

i kept getting goosebumps throughout the video because i can understand what it means to you to be outside and the effect it has on you. i hope you know the effect your videos have on many of us.

Absolutely brilliant watch, bless your beautiful soul

I'm so glad I found your channel. Love the content, love your attitude toward life, love the singing :D You are a champion and not letting the bad things keep you down for long. Please be safe in future videos and keep up the amazing videos.

It’s going to take me a while to make it through this. But I want to say, I’m so glad you’re doing better and winning your battles. Thank you for being who you are, and for being here.

That was very fun to watch from here on the Upper West Side of NYC. You're comedic timing is developing very nicely, thank you for all of the sharing you did in regard to your mental health and the benefit of therapy and mediation. You're giving a lot to a lot of people by doing that, and the love is appreciated! :)

Saw your one video and now I am hooked man! Love your positive energy mate.

this is so absurdly serene. thank you.

Hey Xander!!! You are amazing! I appreciate you so much. Always watch your videos before falling asleep and is one of the only things that make me calm and relax. You got this! You’re so special!!! I’m glad you’re feeling better!

Thanks for being real with us Xander (: I hope the process of making a video and being out in the wilderness helps you feel well

You're a very talented photographer, I'm enjoying watching your journey. Very peaceful images.