What do you think?
Rate this book
The Hitchhiker Man
When you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone, the world awaits.
In 2007, Matt Fox—a recent graduate who studied strategic decision-making in university—found himself alone on the side of a highway with no plan other than to see where his thumb and the road would take him. For the next two years, he would travel across Canada to Alaska and back, experiencing life in a way most people never will…a life beyond his comfort zone.
Along the way, he encounters adventures he never imagined—sleeping under the stars, sneaking into drug-fueled music festivals, and working at ski resorts and local farms to earn enough for his next meal. He also confronts danger—and his own mortality—from a life-threatening injury in Whistler, to a confessed murderer in Banff, to a hungry grizzly in Alaska. But most importantly, Fox learns that life isn’t about getting to the destination, but enjoying each moment along the way. From feeling like an invisible outcast on day one to a man comfortable in his own skin no matter the circumstance, The Hitchhiker Man is the unforgettable story of how one man got lost on the road, and ultimately found himself.
"The sound of something breathing deeply woke me up from my sleep. The strange noise provided a quick reminder that I was camping in Denali National Park – six million acres of raw Alaskan wilderness. I held my breath and hoped that whatever was beyond the thin fabric wall would go away.
The tent shook violently. I looked around, but I couldn’t see in the pitch-black night. Then the tent became still again. I could hear the creature’s claws tear the thick Alaskan moss as it circled us. I hoped it wasn’t a grizzly, but I had seen so many that morning there was no doubt that it had to be.
My friend Heidi was sleeping peacefully beside me, unaware of the dire situation we were in. I couldn’t decide if I should wake her or let her sleep. Then the tent shook again. She had to know. It might be the last time we speak.
I remembered the girl who had given us a ride that morning who had insisted that we got bear spray. She took us to the store to buy some. It was thirty dollars, but I only had fifty to my name, so I left it on the shelf. It seemed like the biggest mistake of my life.
How did I end up in Alaska in the first place? I thought. When only a year before I had been living a normal middle-class life near Toronto. One decision to go hitchhiking had changed the path of my life forever. But I had no regrets for the decisions I had made. I had chosen what I thought was the right path for me and perhaps that path had finally come to its end. I said goodbye to the ones I loved then thanked the universe for the life I had lived before sitting and waiting in silence."
In 2007, Matt Fox—a recent graduate who studied strategic decision-making in university—found himself alone on the side of a highway with no plan other than to see where his thumb and the road would take him. For the next two years, he would travel across Canada to Alaska and back, experiencing life in a way most people never will…a life beyond his comfort zone.
Along the way, he encounters adventures he never imagined—sleeping under the stars, sneaking into drug-fueled music festivals, and working at ski resorts and local farms to earn enough for his next meal. He also confronts danger—and his own mortality—from a life-threatening injury in Whistler, to a confessed murderer in Banff, to a hungry grizzly in Alaska. But most importantly, Fox learns that life isn’t about getting to the destination, but enjoying each moment along the way. From feeling like an invisible outcast on day one to a man comfortable in his own skin no matter the circumstance, The Hitchhiker Man is the unforgettable story of how one man got lost on the road, and ultimately found himself.
"The sound of something breathing deeply woke me up from my sleep. The strange noise provided a quick reminder that I was camping in Denali National Park – six million acres of raw Alaskan wilderness. I held my breath and hoped that whatever was beyond the thin fabric wall would go away.
The tent shook violently. I looked around, but I couldn’t see in the pitch-black night. Then the tent became still again. I could hear the creature’s claws tear the thick Alaskan moss as it circled us. I hoped it wasn’t a grizzly, but I had seen so many that morning there was no doubt that it had to be.
My friend Heidi was sleeping peacefully beside me, unaware of the dire situation we were in. I couldn’t decide if I should wake her or let her sleep. Then the tent shook again. She had to know. It might be the last time we speak.
I remembered the girl who had given us a ride that morning who had insisted that we got bear spray. She took us to the store to buy some. It was thirty dollars, but I only had fifty to my name, so I left it on the shelf. It seemed like the biggest mistake of my life.
How did I end up in Alaska in the first place? I thought. When only a year before I had been living a normal middle-class life near Toronto. One decision to go hitchhiking had changed the path of my life forever. But I had no regrets for the decisions I had made. I had chosen what I thought was the right path for me and perhaps that path had finally come to its end. I said goodbye to the ones I loved then thanked the universe for the life I had lived before sitting and waiting in silence."
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 10, 2019
About the author
Matt Fox
2 books14 followersMatt Fox was born to a middle class family near Toronto in 1983. He studied Economics at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario. After graduating in 2007 he risked it all to go hitchhiking across Canada. During his journey he learned that there is more to life than what first meets the eye. On the road he is forced to reconsider how his spontaneous decisions affect his life. In his first book The Hitchhiker Man he shares his thoughts, emotions and what he learned with each experience he went through.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 4, 2019
This is quite a book about life choices and philosophy. No matter what challenges you are facing in life, this book might open your eyes to what you could accomplish if you stepped out of your comfort zone. In many ways this tale of hitchhiking is as important as a book of philosophy as it is a true-life tale.
Very few people would have the guts to take the journey that the author takes. It has been said before, but it is worth saying again... it is much better and safer for people to live this trip vicariously through the reading of this book. Not many people on this side of sanity would ever think of camping in a tent in Denali without any supplies or bear spray so getting to read someone doing it is enlightening.
I found the book an enjoyable read and one that I would recommend to people who enjoy adventure. About as well-done version of a life tale as I have ever read.
My issues with this book went from the subtle to starker. First, for someone to say they are hitchhiking across Canada but starting in Sudbury instead of Newfoundland is, at least, disingenuous. Geographically speaking, that is hitching halfway across Canada. My bigger issue is Heidi. Who exactly was Heidi to the author? Friend? Lover? What happened to Heidi? I half expected to see an author bio after that stated that he and Heidi were married with a couple of kids. I was left in the end wondering what the heck happened to Heidi?
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
Very few people would have the guts to take the journey that the author takes. It has been said before, but it is worth saying again... it is much better and safer for people to live this trip vicariously through the reading of this book. Not many people on this side of sanity would ever think of camping in a tent in Denali without any supplies or bear spray so getting to read someone doing it is enlightening.
I found the book an enjoyable read and one that I would recommend to people who enjoy adventure. About as well-done version of a life tale as I have ever read.
My issues with this book went from the subtle to starker. First, for someone to say they are hitchhiking across Canada but starting in Sudbury instead of Newfoundland is, at least, disingenuous. Geographically speaking, that is hitching halfway across Canada. My bigger issue is Heidi. Who exactly was Heidi to the author? Friend? Lover? What happened to Heidi? I half expected to see an author bio after that stated that he and Heidi were married with a couple of kids. I was left in the end wondering what the heck happened to Heidi?
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
October 14, 2019
Held my interest
I was actually surprised the story interested me as much as it did, and kept me interested the entire time. It’s a true story about a hitchhiking adventure the author experienced during a year of his life in his mid-twenties, traveling across Canada into Alaska and his return to Canada.
If the story was professionally edited, I would’ve given it a five star rating. It was entertaining, though-provoking, and even had a bit of suspense. Other than it needing a good solid editor for flow, grammar, some missing elements, and specifically punctuation, it was quite enjoyable.
I’m not a fan of memoirs, usually—even famous people’s—however, this hitchhiking excursion of Matt’s was definitely a worthwhile read.
I was actually surprised the story interested me as much as it did, and kept me interested the entire time. It’s a true story about a hitchhiking adventure the author experienced during a year of his life in his mid-twenties, traveling across Canada into Alaska and his return to Canada.
If the story was professionally edited, I would’ve given it a five star rating. It was entertaining, though-provoking, and even had a bit of suspense. Other than it needing a good solid editor for flow, grammar, some missing elements, and specifically punctuation, it was quite enjoyable.
I’m not a fan of memoirs, usually—even famous people’s—however, this hitchhiking excursion of Matt’s was definitely a worthwhile read.
September 6, 2019
This book is very well written and captivating. It drew me in from the first line and I couldnt put it down. I loved that it was based in Canada and gave it a real home feel! It talked about ways of life that I didnt realize still existed.
It reminded me quite a bit of the book "into the wild" but with a more of a friendlier vibe, and less soul searching and more enjoying the adventure.
I've never been much of a traveler but this book gave me a want to venture out and explore the country!
It reminded me quite a bit of the book "into the wild" but with a more of a friendlier vibe, and less soul searching and more enjoying the adventure.
I've never been much of a traveler but this book gave me a want to venture out and explore the country!
August 5, 2019
A blow by blow account of experiences most will never live through. Matt demonstrates that you can be in the moment and learn the lessons provided by life when you’re prepared to step outside your comfort zone.
I actively sought out time to read this book, wanting to know what was about to happen, and with who, in the next chapter.
Now, I’m off to book a flight to Canada!
I actively sought out time to read this book, wanting to know what was about to happen, and with who, in the next chapter.
Now, I’m off to book a flight to Canada!
October 14, 2019
This book was a great way to live vicariously through the author's experience of hitchhiking across Canada and into Alaska. He definitely had some memorable experiences. He saw some great places and met lots of interesting people. I liked that the author was candid about the stupid choices he made from time to time.
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Yay!
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Yay!
August 6, 2019
Excellent read that's difficult to put down.
August 8, 2019
Really nice book, easy to read and fun.. amazing as the protagonist manages to end his journey after so much happening to him!
August 12, 2019
A surprising discovery!
An intriguing read which keeps any fan of travel and adventure hooked to the last page. Anyone looking to escape the mould of modern day society should start with this book!
An intriguing read which keeps any fan of travel and adventure hooked to the last page. Anyone looking to escape the mould of modern day society should start with this book!
August 12, 2019
Excellent book , I couldn't put it down .
August 13, 2019
What a story, couldn’t put it down, must read!
October 30, 2019
What a great journey! Matt really made me feel like I was part of this wild ride through his writing.
July 23, 2021
3Stars
Most of this story, I simply cannot relate to - although I respect what he did and the tenacity he displayed. My biggest takeaway is that I've added going to see the Northern Lights to my bucket list!
Most of this story, I simply cannot relate to - although I respect what he did and the tenacity he displayed. My biggest takeaway is that I've added going to see the Northern Lights to my bucket list!
October 15, 2019
Sometimes the road calls to you. The need to travel and explore the world around you becomes the most pressing issue you have, and the only way to scratch that nagging itch is to take the opportunity to do it.
Matt Fox scratched that itch in more ways than one!
Like anyone getting ready to graduate college and face the adult world, Matt Fox was a bit hesitant. There are certainly no guarantees that a job will be placed in your lap no matter what degree you have, and judging from this memoir, Matt clearly had another idea that had been brewing around his brain for awhile, one that many of us today would be a bit more cautious in doing.
He was going to see the world.
One hitchhiked ride at a time.
Thus begins an interesting travelogue/memoir that finds Matt traveling across Canada and into Alaska, several times finding himself in dangerously compromising positions that most of us wouldn't dream of even having the chance of getting involved in! But the passion and resolve that Matt possesses really shines throughout the book. I really appreciated his style of writing as well, with his very descriptive passages of the Canadian wilderness mixed with his way of describing several of the most dangerous times he found himself in, especially with his encounter with a wild grizzly in Alaska. I really got a great sense of Canadian life in this, and while I would still be a bit hesitant myself to rely on strange people for rides throughout a country, I give Matt all the credit in the world for his extremely interesting take on scratching the traveling bug itch!
Definitely for anyone interested in travel memoirs or a slightly different perspective of Canadian life than the stereotypical one you might think you know, "The Hitchhiker Man" is certainly worth the reading ride!
(I received an e-book review copy version of this title for free, and appreciate the opportunity to give my honest opinions voluntarily about this travelin' man!)
Matt Fox scratched that itch in more ways than one!
Like anyone getting ready to graduate college and face the adult world, Matt Fox was a bit hesitant. There are certainly no guarantees that a job will be placed in your lap no matter what degree you have, and judging from this memoir, Matt clearly had another idea that had been brewing around his brain for awhile, one that many of us today would be a bit more cautious in doing.
He was going to see the world.
One hitchhiked ride at a time.
Thus begins an interesting travelogue/memoir that finds Matt traveling across Canada and into Alaska, several times finding himself in dangerously compromising positions that most of us wouldn't dream of even having the chance of getting involved in! But the passion and resolve that Matt possesses really shines throughout the book. I really appreciated his style of writing as well, with his very descriptive passages of the Canadian wilderness mixed with his way of describing several of the most dangerous times he found himself in, especially with his encounter with a wild grizzly in Alaska. I really got a great sense of Canadian life in this, and while I would still be a bit hesitant myself to rely on strange people for rides throughout a country, I give Matt all the credit in the world for his extremely interesting take on scratching the traveling bug itch!
Definitely for anyone interested in travel memoirs or a slightly different perspective of Canadian life than the stereotypical one you might think you know, "The Hitchhiker Man" is certainly worth the reading ride!
(I received an e-book review copy version of this title for free, and appreciate the opportunity to give my honest opinions voluntarily about this travelin' man!)
October 1, 2019
Having traveled extensively around the back roads of the United States, I was looking forward to a book about someone's local travel experience in Canada. I really try to live my life and raise my kids following a quote highlighted in the book: "The more you experience, the more you are able to understand." I enjoyed the author's snippets that celebrate the beauty of nature and harrowing experiences with bears and not-so-friendly humans. Tenting among the buffalo sounded both exciting and nerve wracking. It was interesting to track the hitchhiker's trip west and north on the map. I had hoped to travel vicariously through Canada; I didn't expect to travel along so quickly, especially as happened in the beginning and end of the journey. But that was understandable as the author's viewpoint changed during the experience.
I found the incessant drinking, pot smoking, and mushroom eating really immature and unnecessary. Nothing about that appeals to me. Go on a risky adventure and then get high? Repeatedly? Also, I found the author's repeated flouting of advice from the locals annoying. Everyone knows that locals know the best spots to stay and eat and enjoy new experiences -- and Matt took advantage of that input. But what about keeping yourself safe? Get some bear spray! How many times do you need to be told?
Overall, I thought this book was ok and try to rationalize the number of times I rolled my eyes by thinking of how young the author was at the time. It could have been a lot better.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions above are my own.
I found the incessant drinking, pot smoking, and mushroom eating really immature and unnecessary. Nothing about that appeals to me. Go on a risky adventure and then get high? Repeatedly? Also, I found the author's repeated flouting of advice from the locals annoying. Everyone knows that locals know the best spots to stay and eat and enjoy new experiences -- and Matt took advantage of that input. But what about keeping yourself safe? Get some bear spray! How many times do you need to be told?
Overall, I thought this book was ok and try to rationalize the number of times I rolled my eyes by thinking of how young the author was at the time. It could have been a lot better.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions above are my own.
October 10, 2019
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It is a nice travel story through Canada and Alaska. You think hitchhiking through the country is glamorous, but it is not always that way.
In the beginning, Matt is hiking with his best friend Ryan through Canada. As both weren't seasonal hikers, they learned a lot of being on the road. In a way this story has good pointers how to survive the road through hitchhiking. When they parted ways, Matt is hitchhiking alone, the road got a bit more scarier.
It seems that this adventure gave many life insights and at the end of the road, you appreciate things you had before even more. And to be careful who you trust and take good advice when you can, not when it is already to late to change.
I love the describing of the landscape he is travelling through and all the festivals he went to, as for taking jobs here and there to survive. There are some scary moments here and there in the story that gets you sitting on the edge of your chair. And best of all, all the new people he met on this long journey.
If you like travelling and hitchhiking, this is a nice book to read.
It is a nice travel story through Canada and Alaska. You think hitchhiking through the country is glamorous, but it is not always that way.
In the beginning, Matt is hiking with his best friend Ryan through Canada. As both weren't seasonal hikers, they learned a lot of being on the road. In a way this story has good pointers how to survive the road through hitchhiking. When they parted ways, Matt is hitchhiking alone, the road got a bit more scarier.
It seems that this adventure gave many life insights and at the end of the road, you appreciate things you had before even more. And to be careful who you trust and take good advice when you can, not when it is already to late to change.
I love the describing of the landscape he is travelling through and all the festivals he went to, as for taking jobs here and there to survive. There are some scary moments here and there in the story that gets you sitting on the edge of your chair. And best of all, all the new people he met on this long journey.
If you like travelling and hitchhiking, this is a nice book to read.
August 1, 2019
This was such a refreshing read. I honestly had trouble putting it down, and there were moments I had to stop reading to enjoy a laugh, or go 'Wow!' he got that close to a herd of Bison?
The book is filled with so many rare and unique experiences. It's about leaving it all behind and the process of letting go of the things we hang on to, the ideas of what is right and normal, our judgements and fears, and finally just loving each moment, persona en experience you have. Makes me want to go on a road trip and experience life to the fullest. Truly inspiring!
The book is filled with so many rare and unique experiences. It's about leaving it all behind and the process of letting go of the things we hang on to, the ideas of what is right and normal, our judgements and fears, and finally just loving each moment, persona en experience you have. Makes me want to go on a road trip and experience life to the fullest. Truly inspiring!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2019
Great read, I loved every page !
July 31, 2019
Really good inspirational read. Made me think about what I want to do with my life and the possibilities.
November 12, 2020
This is a life-changing book whether the author means it or not. An honest and sometimes in your face depiction of someone who did what we all secretly dream to do but never will. With each closing chapter he gives us his life views and what he learned from each part of his journey.
It's a page turner and your mind wanders off to the places that he visited. Make sure to Google search each of his stops before you start reading the chapter to get a mental image of where he is.
Cannot recommend this book enough, made me revaluate my life decisions and my state of mind for the better. Absolutely 5* read.
It's a page turner and your mind wanders off to the places that he visited. Make sure to Google search each of his stops before you start reading the chapter to get a mental image of where he is.
Cannot recommend this book enough, made me revaluate my life decisions and my state of mind for the better. Absolutely 5* read.
October 3, 2020
I can’t say I loved this book even though I was immensely interested in the journey of hitchhiking and the adventures and dangers one might face. But it quickly turned out to be a stoner-hippie adventure with very little growth and discovery. He seemed to forget to mention his traveling companions quite often and I consider Matt insanely lucky for the very few episodes where he encountered dangerous people or moments. Though you could envy some of the beautiful experiences he did have, it was lost in a haze of weed and beer.
December 24, 2019
Fascinating
This was a fun book to read. The writer embraces life as it comes at him and the end result was a fascinating travelogue of adventures and wonderful people stories from his journey.
This was a fun book to read. The writer embraces life as it comes at him and the end result was a fascinating travelogue of adventures and wonderful people stories from his journey.
January 2, 2020
Matt Fox is the Jack Kerouac from Canada. I really love the way he make links of his life experiences and the lessons he learned on the road. Highly recommend this book to everyone who is interested on low budget adventures!
March 24, 2026
Well done my man! I’m an Albertan and I’ve spent a lot of time around the areas you mentioned, camped a lot. Can’t say I was as scared of bears though- which was probably unwise and I just got lucky. Writing a piece on hitchhiking in Canada for my magazine and you’ll be cited! Good read!
April 24, 2020
Surprisingly good adventure, something different that makes you think and appreciate your time, easy to read!
January 2, 2021
Good
Nice travel adventure on no money. Good read of hitch hiking and the kindness of strangers. Lots of fun and hardship
Nice travel adventure on no money. Good read of hitch hiking and the kindness of strangers. Lots of fun and hardship
February 19, 2023
Iceland simple read easy
December 11, 2019
This isn't exactly what I was hoping it would be. It ended up being the story of a stoner wandering around Canada looking for ways to sneak into festivals in order to pay the entry fee like the other patrons.
October 27, 2019
The Hitchhiker Man is the story of a hitchhiker’s trip through Canada. I was hoping for something reminiscent of Cheryl Strayed’s introspective journey while hiking the Pacific Coast Trail in the acclaimed book Wild. What I got was the story of a kid roaming around Canada, using lots of drugs, partying, and taking a lot of very stupid risks. This was a quick read, but was not my cup of tea.
The book was billed as the story of a journey across Canada. The author got across Canada before the book was half over. He spent the rest of the book roaming from the ocean to a ski resort and back again, and sneaking into music festivals. He also used a lot of psychedelic mushrooms. The author continually accepted mushrooms from people he did not know. They could have been the wrong type of mushrooms and killed him, or they could have been laced with something dangerous. He also accepted marijuana over and over from people he did not know. Never once did he say this was a stupid thing to do. He described one mushroom trip as so dangerous he could not move for several hours. However, he kept using mushrooms. He led his sibling into drug use as well. I hope impressionable young people are not reading this book.
Near the end of the book, the author goes to Alaska. He is continually warned that he needs bear spray if he’s going to camp outside in Alaska. He ignores this advice until the bear is right outside his tent. The only positive thing in this book is that the author finally admits he was wrong to ignore the warnings about the bears. So that’s something, I guess.
There isn't any visible growth in this book. He basically says to do what makes you happy, and that you can live on less, but he was basically living off of others, whether it be getting drugs, free rides, clothing, etc. Somebody always has to pay the bill. It just wasn't him.
Instead of a Hitchhiker man; this is the story of a boy who roamed around Canada, often fueled by drugs, and took much more from others than he gave in return.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book was billed as the story of a journey across Canada. The author got across Canada before the book was half over. He spent the rest of the book roaming from the ocean to a ski resort and back again, and sneaking into music festivals. He also used a lot of psychedelic mushrooms. The author continually accepted mushrooms from people he did not know. They could have been the wrong type of mushrooms and killed him, or they could have been laced with something dangerous. He also accepted marijuana over and over from people he did not know. Never once did he say this was a stupid thing to do. He described one mushroom trip as so dangerous he could not move for several hours. However, he kept using mushrooms. He led his sibling into drug use as well. I hope impressionable young people are not reading this book.
Near the end of the book, the author goes to Alaska. He is continually warned that he needs bear spray if he’s going to camp outside in Alaska. He ignores this advice until the bear is right outside his tent. The only positive thing in this book is that the author finally admits he was wrong to ignore the warnings about the bears. So that’s something, I guess.
There isn't any visible growth in this book. He basically says to do what makes you happy, and that you can live on less, but he was basically living off of others, whether it be getting drugs, free rides, clothing, etc. Somebody always has to pay the bill. It just wasn't him.
Instead of a Hitchhiker man; this is the story of a boy who roamed around Canada, often fueled by drugs, and took much more from others than he gave in return.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2020
greAt read
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews