Always move forward. That's the mindset "modern-day voyageur" Mike Ranta takes with him on every journey. Since 2011, Ranta has been paddling and portaging his way across Canada as a professional canoeist. To date he's recorded over 4 million strokes and 7,500 kilometres in his canoe. So, when 2017 rolled around he did what was natural — he hit the water.

Ranta's Canada 150 expedition, which started on April 1, spans the country from Bella Bella, B.C., to Tatamagouch, N.S. Along with his friend David Jackson and his dogSpitzii, he'll spend 214 days outside, fearlessly facing the elements. During a pit stop in Saskatoon, Sask. Ranta spoke with us about Canada, canoeing and everything in between.

What inspired this 2017 adventure?

I'm raising awareness for PTSD for our first responders — police officers, paramedics and first responders. I have a brother who suffers from PTSD from the military and several friends who are in first responder services. Realizing what a lot of these people go through in the run of a career is astounding. They're true Canadians. They're the people who run into a place that people normally run away from in order to help others.

We are an incredibly friendly, generous and hospitable nation that's second to none. We need to spread that love and compassion that we're known for. - Mike Ranta

I know you've done long journeys like this before. Have you had anything strange or surprising happen to you?

Yes, I rescued a baby moose last year. On my 2014 trip, I got indirectly hit by lightning. And once I found a dead body — that was pretty humbling. But as clichéd as it sounds, the people I met along the way are the most interesting. It's just been so amazing. Sometimes you run into the same people year after year and it's cool to watch how they're progressing.

Anything from this trip?

We walked the 880 kilometers our first portage, which was a tough gig. We were on Kinbasket Lake, B.C., and the whole mountainside let go. Two sides came together in this huge avalanche right down the lake and it was just an epic place to be. It was just like jaw dropping. The whole area rumbled. For me, it was like a present from mother nature.

As clichéd as it sounds, the people I met along the way are the most interesting. - Mike Ranta

What can we learn from the Canadian outdoors?

You know that there's a lot of talk about refugees and immigrants, a lot of negativity. As a Canadian we should welcome these people. We should get them in the canoe and show them just how beautiful mother nature is, how much of a healer she is. When they realize what we have here, you know it's infectious and hopeful.

So, what ignited this passion for canoeing?

I grew up in Atikokan Ont., 200 kilometres west of Thunder Bay. It's actually the canoeing capital of Canada, so it's pretty fitting. I think everybody can understand the canoe in Canada.

Understanding the canoe… got tips for beginner?

As you know we got "YouTube university," so there's lots of good tips up there for how to balance a canoe and what kind of paddle to use. It's just one of those things you jump in with two feet. Get a canoe and go in the shallows with a friend and then just practice — people catch on to it really quick.

What's the best lesson you've learned from canoeing?

Be really honest with yourself. When you do stuff like this, you have to listen to your body. You've got to be honest and not push the limits too much. But at the same time know when to keep going. It's being honest and true and dedicating yourself.

Do you have any wishes for Canada for the Sesquicentennial?

I'd like to see some changes for our veterans, seniors and Indigenous people. As a Canadian, it embarrasses me that we're still having issues with drinking water, that a significant percentage of our veterans end up homeless and that the conditions in our old folks homes are so deplorable. We are an incredibly friendly, generous and hospitable nation that's second to none. We need to spread that love and compassion that we're known for. I'm a firm believer that if you want to see positive changes, you've got to do positive things and never give up. Never give up for nothing.

Mike Ranta and his crew will be on the waters until the fall. You can follow all of his adventures at mikeranta.ca.