By Matt Nemeth

Modern day Voyageur on cross-country expedition makes it to Medicine Hat

May 29, 2017 | 5:11 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — There are a number of people celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday in their own unique way but Mike Ranta is marking the occasion in a way that’s quintessentially Canadian.

The modern day Voyageur is canoeing and portaging across the country.

“We’re paddling across Canada to show appreciation to our first responders,” says Ranta. “Our first responders are in my opinion — they’re our true Canadians. They’re a group of people that run into situations most people run away from.”

Along with photojournalist David Jackson and his trusted canine Spitzii, Ranta is travelling roughly 8,000 km across the country. The trip began at the start of April in Bella Coola B.C. with the goal of getting to Cape Breton N.S. in 214 days.

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It’s a perilous journey, but it’s one Ranta has done before. And well.

“We got the world record for the longest solo canoe trip,” says Ranta referring to his voyage in 2016 that saw him go from Vancouver B.C. to Cape Breton in 200 days. “I’m the first guy to cross the North American continent solo by canoe in one season.”

Ranta and his companions were in Medicine Hat making a pit stop over the weekend.

For Jackson — an accomplished photojournalist and the one tasked with documenting the trip — it’s the first time he’s joined the adventurer on one of his cross-country trips after hoping to do so for a couple years.

“It’s incredible to see a country unfold so slowly and so personally,” he says. “To spend so much intimate time with it, and with a man so positive and happy as Mike, it’s a great opportunity.”

Ranta’s positivity is contagious, just ask anyone who’s come across him. After meeting the 45-year-old most people often leave with a big smile on their face.

“One of the biggest things I really want to do is speak in the House of Commons,” says Ranta. “I’ve got a really great positive message for Canadians and I’d really like to express it there.”

The Ontario canoeist says his current trip is in part a way for him to show his gratitude for the country he loves so much.

“It’s the most Canadian way I could say thank you,” he beamed. “Paddling across the country and getting to shake hands and getting people to sign my canoe and meeting up with just some truly great Canadians. It takes a group effort to have what we’ve got for a country.”

Alongside Ranta for every step or stroke of his trip is Spitzii, the first dog to cross North America solo in one season.

“We’ve had quite the journeys together,” Ranta says. “He’s an amazing pup. He’s my best friend, he’s my navigator, he’s my bear scarer, he’s as brave as he is handsome, and he’s got a really good sense of humor.”

With just under 6,000 km and well over a hundred days left on his cross-country trek, the modern day Voyageur has a message for Canadians as our collective birthday approaches.

“Just get out in a canoe and go see the country in a very unique and Canadian way. We’ve got something so great here.”

Do we ever.