The NFB is committed to respecting your privacy

We use cookies to ensure that our site works efficiently, as well as for advertising purposes.

If you do not wish to have your information used in this way, you can modify your browser settings before continuing your visit.

Learn more
Skip to content Accessibility
New release
Coming 
None

Song of the Paddle

1978 40 min
Leaving soon

This documentary features outdoorsman Bill Mason and his family as they camp and canoe in the wilderness. The film fosters an appreciation for the art of canoeing while celebrating the sheer joy and beauty of nature. Along their trip, the Masons experience countless adventures and some breathtaking scenery, including indigenous rock carvings by Lake Superior.

This content is not available for free viewing in your location.
Your rental expires on
None
You've already purchased this film.
Download it from My purchases.
Not available
Share
Song of the Paddle

Details

This documentary features outdoorsman Bill Mason and his family as they camp and canoe in the wilderness. The film fosters an appreciation for the art of canoeing while celebrating the sheer joy and beauty of nature. Along their trip, the Masons experience countless adventures and some breathtaking scenery, including indigenous rock carvings by Lake Superior.

  • director
    Bill Mason
  • canoeist
    Joyce Mason
    Becky Mason
    Paul Mason
    Bill Mason
  • song composer
    David Campbell
  • singer
    David Campbell
  • original music
    Larry Crosley
  • photography
    Ken Buck
  • picture editing
    Bill Mason
  • sound editing
    John Knight
    Ken Page
  • post-sync effects
    Ken Page
  • commentary
    Joyce Mason
    Bill Mason
  • location sound recording
    Bev Davidson
  • music recording
    Roger Lamoureux
  • re-recording
    Michel Descombes
    Jean-Pierre Joutel
  • unit administrator
    Janet Preston
  • producer
    William Brind
    Marrin Canell
  • executive producer
    Arthur Hammond

Enjoy the NFB experience on your favourite device

Education

Ages 10 to 17
School subjects
Useful as an introduction to the art of wilderness canoeing and camping. Useful for younger grades as an introduction to various wilderness animals that inhabit the land and waters of Lake Superior. Discussion topics could include the dangers of canoeing, how to run rapids safely, portaging and the preservation of the wilderness environment. Of interest is the importance of working together to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.
Song of the Paddle
Purchase options
Also available
Licence information
Already paid to see this film?
Licencing information

Home licence (worldwide); Classroom licence (Canada only)

You may download this film for private, personal or classroom use only. Public screenings and institutional (non-educational institutions) uses are not permitted. Download films in standard or high definition. (Please note that bonus materials are not available for DTO films.) You can copy each file up to 5 (five) times, onto various devices. DTO films cannot be hosted on a streaming server. To add DTO films to an institutional or educational streaming server, please contact a sales agent to discuss pricing.

Institutional licence

The institutional price includes the rights to screen this film in institutional settings and in free public screenings.