A remarkable expedition has concluded as the 'Hudson Bay Girls,' an all-female crew, successfully navigated a challenging 1,900-kilometer canoe route across the vast northern Canadian landscape. This extraordinary 80-day journey, which commenced in late May, saw Olivia Bledsoe, Emma Brackett, Abby Cichocki, and Helena Karlstrom, all young women in their early twenties, triumphantly arrive at York Factory on Hudson Bay by August 13. Their voyage, tracing ancient indigenous and fur trade paths, was a testament to endurance, skill, and the human spirit's ability to overcome nature's formidable obstacles.

The team embarked on their lengthy paddling endeavor from Grand Portage on Lake Superior, meticulously following traditional waterways that historically served as vital arteries for the Anishinaabe First Nations and later for 18th and 19th-century French fur traders connecting remote outposts across the Canadian backcountry. As they progressed, the group encountered varied terrains and conditions, each presenting its own set of hurdles. One significant segment of their journey took them through the historically rich Voyageurs National Park, a region aptly named after the intrepid fur traders who once plied these same waters.

A critical stop for resupply was made at International Falls, Minnesota, a border town between the U.S. and Canada. Before reaching the expansive Lake of the Woods, they navigated a substantial portion of the Rainy River, which delineates the international boundary. This particular stretch proved demanding, requiring them to cover a strenuous 70 kilometers through shallow waters in just two days, followed by another rigorous 53-kilometer push. Their journey across Lake of the Woods exposed them to additional hardships, including a memorable encounter with numerous ticks at a campsite and navigating against persistent headwinds. They also shared an unforgettable moment with local wildlife, observing a mother bear and her cub swimming directly in their path.

Following their traverse of Lake of the Woods, the team replenished their provisions in Kenora, Ontario. After weeks of expedition rations, they indulged in a much-deserved feast of 'junk food,' ice cream, and fresh fruits, even relishing a large container of marshmallow fluff. The subsequent leg of their journey along the Winnipeg River brought unforeseen complications due to backcountry travel restrictions imposed by wildfires, leading to a ten-day delay in securing necessary permits. This setback forced them to adapt their travel schedule significantly, compelling them to spend up to 15 hours on the water daily without disembarking, ensuring they reached their designated shorelines for overnight camping. Despite these arduous conditions, they managed to cover an impressive 320 kilometers in just four days, arriving at Lac Du Bonnet, a town northeast of Winnipeg, where they once again resupplied.

After a brief period of rest, the team set off on Lake Winnipeg, the eleventh-largest freshwater lake globally. Despite facing storms and one member sustaining an arm injury, their progress along the lake's eastern shore was relatively consistent. They diligently managed the injured arm while battling high winds, considerable swells, and unpredictable storms, successfully navigating challenging water crossings, including a miraculous break in their largest six-mile crossing. Wildlife encounters were a daily occurrence, with bears sighted almost every day. One evening, they successfully deterred a curious bear using their 'classic clapping method.' Another night brought them face-to-face with three moose along the shoreline, and on one memorable occasion, they were startled awake by the close proximity of howling wolves, an experience that left them profoundly shaken.

Upon completing their 17-day crossing of Lake Winnipeg, the team transitioned to the Hayes River, a 480-kilometer wilderness waterway that flows directly into Hudson Bay. This river presented new challenges, with low water levels, exposed rocks, and formidable rapids testing their canoeing prowess. They vividly described sections riddled with 'canoe biters'—a term used by paddlers for rocks that can severely damage canoe hulls. Navigating these narrow and technical passages demanded quick decision-making and precise bow steering. Strong winds on the river's lake expansions further impeded their progress, yet the generosity of locals, who offered food and shelter, including the calorie-rich Canadian butter tarts, uplifted their spirits significantly.

The final stage of their journey involved tackling 45 marked rapids on the Hayes River, a segment that demanded the utmost in skill and decisive action. During this part of the trip, they stumbled upon the abandoned and badly damaged gear of a German expedition from 2016, a stark reminder of the river's unforgiving nature. The last stretch of their monumental journey, though details are scarce, culminated in a grueling 17-hour final day, covering 88 kilometers to reach York Factory. This historic trading post, once a pivotal site for the Hudson's Bay Company at the mouth of the Hayes River, marked the triumphant completion of their incredible and demanding expedition.