Magnetic North: A Trek Across Canada

by David Halsey, Diana Landau

Describes the author's journey across Canada, an expedition using only foot travel, canoe, and dogsled, detailing the hardships of the trip, and the rich beauty of the Canadian wilderness

Genres: Travel

252 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1990

Reviews

[Michael Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Halsey's matter of fact writing style at first seems to undersell the gravity of the adventure he was embarking on. But as the story unfolded, his incredible adventure story needed no embellishment to keep it interesting and engaging. Reading it more than 40 years later makes me nostalgic for a period before I was even born, and makes me long for the Canadian wilderness – especially northern Ontario and Moosoonee, a place his journey crossed and I spent many months in my teenage years.

(Personal anecdote: Pete and David stayed at the Polar Bear Lodge, which was built by my grandfather, and run by my family for decades. I worked there in 2002, too late to meet them, but where I met another famous cross-Canada adventurer, Lars Monsen, on his solo trek when he too stayed at the PBL).

[Janet Mahlum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a 5-star read. I wouldn't go so far as to say everyone SHOULD read this, "should" is too strong of a word. But I think everyone who does read it will find the read worthwhile. I love to read true adventure books. When my classmates were swooning over Elvis Presley, I was in love with Richard Byrd, with Thor Hyerdahl. I have trouble understanding why some people put their life in danger time and time again. But reading their adventures gives me a sense of their joy. I would rather read about the torment of black flies from the comfort of my chair, read about the misery of soaked sleeping bags in my nice warm bed. Just a warning, this is not a "and they lived happily ever after" book. But there is a lot of good knowledge and insight imparted. One thing David repeated several times is that there is a difference between a 2-week holiday into the bush and living 24-7 in the bush. He wanted to get as close to that living as he could. He had a great deal of respect for the indigenous people and the land they inhabited.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, SUCH an amazing read. Read the entire thing listening to Evening Hymns' Spectral Dusk. All Canadians should read this book. Learn about the life of your ancestors, those who were there before you and one outsider's passion to see it for himself.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the outdoors? Read this book, it's pretty incredible. So tragic that David Halsey didn't live to see it completed. Read it and you won't be disappointed!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this years ago and the tale has never left me. I plan to read again one day. It was an amazing book!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The adventurers were flawed and sometimes judgemental of Native people who mostly bailed them out of bad situations or whose advice they stupidly ignored. They really had no idea what they were doing! Yet, it was full of magic and history and adventure. Gave me such a sense for the time. Great out of print adventure book. I bet if this was based in the states it would still be in print.

[David Kessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author, David, crossed Canada by foot, canoe and dogsled. What an adventure. He loved the process as young men and women do. The live lived with Nature facing with new problems everyday.
Over two years time he completed the trek. He traveled by dogsled in the Winter following the old routes used by trappers and explorers of the 19th century. A wonderfully told story and it is true.

[SR · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting adventure tale,many memorable characters, gorgeous scenery and many dangerous situations. Well written.

[Sharon Devine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic adventure book featuring my friend Anna's Dad Pete and his co-adventurer Dave as they trek for two and a half years West-to-East across the bush in Canada.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absoutley LOVED!!! Another one of my favorites

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read if you like true stories and Canada!

[Steven Blough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great adventure. I read this based on a loose connection to the Photographer who accompanied the Author for portions of the trip.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

it is a good book.

[Huguette Larochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the book . courage and determination ,and a wonderful dog, that show loyalty to the 2 mans .