Watched too many movies of the same genre? Here’s one that will make you experience the beauty and wildness of the natural environment: 500 Days in the Wild.

500 Days in the Wild is a documentary that takes us on a long journey across Canada with filmmaker Dianne Whelan. She spent over six years, not just 500 days, walking, hiking, and paddling on the Trans Canada Trail, which stretches for 24,000 kilometers. Her journey began in 2015, and she became the first person ever to travel the entire trail, from Newfoundland to the Northwest Territories, finally finishing in B.C.

We join Dianne on this amazing adventure as she faces many challenges. The film shows her dealing with harsh weather, cold winters, rough storms, and sometimes broken equipment. She thought it would only take about a year to finish, but the reality was much tougher. Even though the trail seemed endless at times, she learned a lot about survival, nature, and most importantly, connection. Dianne explains that her journey wasn’t just about traveling through Canada; it was about connecting with the land, the water, and the people along the way. We see how the people she meets become a big part of her journey, reminding us that no one is truly alone, even in the wild.

As we watch Dianne, we also see how she works hard to make the film. At first, she was alone, filming herself, but as the project grew, she started working with other filmmakers and friends. She even brought in people like Ann Verrall, who helped her for several years, meeting her on the trail to work on the film. The journey wasn’t just physical; it was a learning experience about teamwork and the importance of asking for help when needed.

Throughout the film, Dianne shares meaningful moments with Indigenous communities who teach her the importance of respecting nature. She carries a special eagle feather given to her by a healer, and this becomes a symbol of her connection to the earth. We also see how, over time, Dianne learns that it’s okay to ask for help. The film shows us that even though she spent a lot of time alone, she was never truly isolated. In the end, her friend Louisa joins her for the final stretch of the journey, and together they share a powerful moment of friendship and love.

500 Days in the Wild is not just about surviving the wilderness, it’s about discovering the strength of connection, both to nature and to the people around us. It’s a story that reminds us all that we are never truly alone.