Tiffany and I sprinted into summer at full speed. Camping and cycling and hiking and road tripping. It was awesome, and exhausting. We have been laying low in Calgary, which means more quiet nights in, home cooked meals, and Netflix Canada.
I like to unwind over Netflix as much as the next person, but my taste in viewing material is decidedly adventurous. When I’m not out there being awesome, I like to sit back and watch others be awesome. Here are my favourite recent watches on Netflix that inspire a spirit of adventure and wonder.
Documentary Film: Unbranded (2015)
Rating: 8/10
A few guys adopt a group of mustangs from federal holding pens, then ride them from Mexico to Canada. They are a charming group of young Texas A&M grads who have the right balance of knowledge and overconfidence to pull off a trip like this. This is a fascinating look at the management of feral horses in the American West, and a great celebration of public land use.
Naturally, the scenery is incredible. The whole trip made me want to quit my job and move to a ranch in the American southwest. What I loved most, though, is the way they took a controversial topic and set aside the drama and politics of it all. Then, they showcased how being a small part of the solution gave them the experience of a lifetime.
Documentary Series: Departures (2008-2010)
Rating: 9/10
This is the ultimate when it comes to giving me major travel and adventure wanderlust. I’m not much of a re-watcher, but I can watch Scott and Justin’s adventures across the globe over and over. They are a lovable pair, and their cohort Andre is the supreme god of the camera as far as I’m concerned.
If you love spectacular scenery, cross-cultural connection, and goofball characters, you will love this show. There are currently three seasons on Netflix Canada, which makes for great binge material. In fact, I am re-watching the Zambia episode while I write this article.
Documentary Film: Losing Sight of Shore (2017)
Rating: 9/10
For me, this film was all about pushing the boundaries of the human body. I was amazed by the extraordinary physical and mental resilience of the six women who completed the record-breaking row across the Pacific. Everything about this journey was absolutely mesmerizing.
When this film was released, I watched it right away, then recommended it to just about everybody I know. At one point, I was telling a friend about it and she interrupted me, saying “you’ve already told me about this movie three times!” Apparently, this former collegiate rower is a bit overly enthusiastic about this particular film.
Film: Wildlike (2014)
Rating: 7/10
This film, set largely in Denali National Park, is a dark display of the impact of trauma and abuse on young women. The story somehow manages to avoid spiraling into a pit of depression, and instead uses the restorative power of the great outdoors to tell a better story.
The Alaskan scenery is appropriately vast, the bear encounter is executed perfectly, and the character development is beautiful. I love this film for its ability to show the viewer how great the outdoors are for physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Documentary Film: Given (2016)
Rating: 7/10
I love films that showcase alternative ways to raise kids. Ways that give a fuller exposure to the natural world and the basics of living well. This one, told from the perspective of a six-year-old boy, is a cool tale of instilling traditions and a spirit of exploration in young people.
Movies like this, that challenge traditional beliefs about what makes a good childhood, remind me of why it is important to be outside. To nurture the curiosity to explore. Their journey reaches 15 countries, and crosses the paths of several interesting people along the way.
