Le Grand Defi 2025

On February 6, 2025 Jean-Philippe Marineau and Patrice Beauparlant will begin a 515 km expedition across challenging, snow-covered terrain and rivers using snowshoes and skis. Their route will navigate the Albany, Kenogami, and Kabinakagami River systems, before reaching Hearst in an expected 30 travel days. 

Jean-Philippe and Patrice will be hauling their gear on specialized toboggans and camping in a 9x11.5 Snowtrekker canvas tent. They have undertaken extensive training and preparation to hone their outdoor survival skills and physical fitness, in anticipation of the extreme cold, deep snow, and limited daylight of the winter Boreal forest environment.

This endeavour is not just a personal challenge; it also serves a meaningful purpose. Jean-Philippe and Patrice are raising funds for Camp Source de Vie, a youth summer camp in Hearst, Ontario, that provides children with the opportunity to explore the outdoors and develop valuable skills.

This trip will also mark the 40th anniversary of the same expedition undertaken by Jean-Philippe's late father, Pierre Marineau, and his two friends, Marcel Ménard and Claude Payeur, who raised funds to build Camp Source de Vie in 1985.

The ultimate objective of the fundraiser is to fully reconstruct the main cabin at Camp Source de Vie. This presents a unique opportunity for the community and surrounding areas to contribute to a vital cause that promotes the well-being of Northern Ontario youth. A publicity campaign has been launched alongside the fundraising efforts, which includes a dedicated Facebook page and a GoFundMe website for online donations (scan QR code below).

LOTN Outfitter invites you to join Jean-Philippe and Patrice on this remarkable journey by donating to this worthy cause. Your support will have lasting benefits for decades to come, and you can take pride in being part of this success story.

** Follow Jean-Philippe and Patrice's progress here for periodic updates **