User reviews

This was one of the greatest adventure series I've ever seen. The guys and gal on this trip really put up with a lot of misery and outlandish events along the way. I've portaged lots in my lifetime but never have I portaged a boat on rollers. Carrying a canoe is much easier as it can be carried by one person (or two) and it fits nicely between trees along the trail. BOB put up with a lot and in the end performed his best considering the conditions of the trails and rapids. The group got along considerably well and never was there any animosity between genders regarding strength, endurance or their ability to contribute in general. I imagined myself behind one of those oars but would find it difficult pulling the monster 3 miles through the bush. What fantastic scenery along the shorelines - I would love to do this trip but would only do it in a canoe. I really enjoyed when they met up with the local First Nations and celebrated their arrival to their land. That brought tears to my eyes. Every one of the participants was interesting and unique. I'd watch this one again any time.

I just finished watching this film which was divided into five episodes. I've not written a review for quite a while, but felt compelled to add some thoughts. You can see in a couple other reviews what the film is about, so no need for me to repeat. I gave it a 9 rating because I watched it over several days, an episode at a time, and kept coming back for more. There have been quite a few shows that I've not bothered to come back even for the second episode. Can't speak for anyone else, but for me personally, several good things stood out, but with one complaint. The camera work was excellent. I could not have been easy to keep a camera steady with interesting shots while holding on to a pitching boat. The scenery along the river to a story in itself as to the dangers being faced traveling a treacherous and unforgiving river. A story was told of eight people who started as strangers, worked together as 1840 working York men in triumphs and failures, and persevered to the end. I was impressed with each and every member including the one woman who carried herself well and did her duty like the others. OK, my one complaint is the writing for the story teller. The narration was fine and well done. I just could not understand why he had to keep telling us of events coming up. It's like going to a movie theater and a guy behind you is telling his buddy what is coming up in the next scene. We'd rather watch and discover ourselves. Otherwise though, nice job done by all. I was surprised to see that this film was done almost 20 years ago and I'd never heard of it. Makes one wonder, what are those people doing today? How did the trip change their lives? Did the river trip cause them to do something different with their lives than they had planned? Bottom line, if you get a chance to watch this documentary, do so. It's great entertainment and gives you hope for humanity to work together in the greater good.

Quest for the Bay TV Show

Another case where these particular producers and filmmakers wreck what is a fascinating and intense part of Canadian history by throwing something together quickly to make a buck and capitalize on the popularity of Pioneer Quest. By the third episode, I still wasn't even clear on who the seven men and one woman reliving the trip of the original Yorkmen were. And what's more, I didn't care. In an attempt to create drama they put them in a boat that was leaking from day one and gave them huge amounts of pemican to eat but not enough basic things like potatoes. And when they tried to trade for these items they made it out like they were "cheating". Guess what. Potatoes, honey, and strawberries were ALL available back then too. Plus, they hardly show any personal diary footage which would have made us care about the participants and then tried to stir up arguments where none existed. This show is mildly interesting despite the bad filmmaking and I would recommend it in honor of the real Yorkmen and then add your own imagination. And to the eight people who underwent this journey, I say, "you deserved being depicted better for the hardships, some life-threatening, that you went through". BTW Alanna and Frank Logie show up ONLY for a couple of minutes at the VERY beginning to wave "bye-bye" (and hurl criticism), which is the best thing I can say about this miniseries. I hope this show bombed enough to discourage producers Jamie Brown and Andy Blicque from doing this again. If they aren't going to honor our Canadian pioneers then at least leave them in peace instead of throwing Canadians who DO care into perilous situations while you watch from your recliners and laugh all the way to the bank. To the viewers: if you can't watch for FREE, skip it! I hope this helps. Sincerely, Laura-Lee

Truth is not only stranger than fiction, its a lot more interesting and far more engaging. The trials of the 7-man, 1-woman crew of Bob The York Boat is a delight to history buffs and a magnificent drama for the rest. Inspired by its older sister "Pioneer Quest - A Year in the Old West" Quest for the Bay tells the story of 8 Canadians who step back into the 1800's to experience the challenges of Yorkmen who ferried cargo and furs up and down the rivers between Lake Winnipeg and the Hudsons Bay. The crew must leave behind all vestiges of modern life, living, working and struggling exactly as the Yorkmen of an earlier age. The drama is incredible and I found myself feeling sorry for these people as they face great trial and peril and cheering them on with each small victory against the gale winds of Lake Winnipeg, beaver dams, rapids and mosquitoes. The entire Quest series (..for the Bay, ..for Gold, ..for the Sea and Pioneer Quest) should be mandatory viewing for students in both Canada and the U.S. Remarkable!!