Timmins news: Friends prepare for 450-km ski and snowshoe trek from Fort Albany to Hearst

Jean-Philippe Marineau and Patrice Beauparlant, childhood friends from Hearst, Ont., are gearing up for an incredible 30-day expedition in honor of Marineau’s late father. The duo, who spent their summers at Camp Source de Vie, a camp founded by Marineau’s father in the 1980s, are now preparing for a 450-kilometer journey from Fort Albany to Hearst.

The idea for this challenging trek came from Marineau’s father’s fundraising efforts over 40 years ago. Inspired by a friend’s suggestion to walk to James Bay to raise money, Marineau’s father embarked on a journey that ultimately helped raise $10,000 to kickstart the camp project. In a touching tribute to his father’s legacy, Marineau decided to recreate this epic journey as a way to give back to Camp Source de Vie.

Dubbed ‘The Great Challenge 2025,’ the expedition is not only a personal endeavor for Marineau but also a means to raise funds for the camp’s much-needed renovations. With a deep connection to the outdoors and years of winter camping experience, Marineau and Beauparlant are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Equipped with a prospector’s tent and a spirit of adventure, the duo recently tested their gear on Nighthawk Lake in Timmins before their official departure on February 6.

Following a historic route that passes by old trading posts, Marineau and Beauparlant are eager to embrace the traditional ways of the north. Despite the physical and mental challenges that lie ahead, the friends remain optimistic and focused on taking each day as it comes. With a strong support system and a goal to make a positive impact, Marineau and Beauparlant are determined to complete ‘The Great Challenge 2025’ successfully.

For those interested in following their journey or supporting their cause, updates can be found on social media platforms and on their GoFundMe page. As Marineau and Beauparlant prepare to embark on this extraordinary expedition, their dedication to honoring Marineau’s father’s memory and giving back to Camp Source de Vie serves as an inspiring example of friendship, adventure, and philanthropy.