For 76 years, he made a living as a fishing guide in an iconic Canadian park | The Last Guide
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- Опубликовано: 30 мар 2022
- Local legend Frank Kuiack is Algonquin Park’s last fishing guide. At 84, he considers his legacy and wonders who will carry on his work. #CBCShortDocs #TheLastGuide
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Meet Frank Kuiack, the last traditional fishing guide in Algonquin Park. Kuiack carries a lifetime of stories and wisdom about the Algonquin. His magnetic personality, skills on the water and knowledge of the park’s intricate lakes and trails has inspired two novels.
When Kuiack was eight-years-old, a group of American anglers offered him $5 to show them where to catch fish - and he’s been making his living as a fishing guide ever since.
At 84-years-old and recently diagnosed with bone cancer, Frank’s health has taken a turn for the worse. While he’s attempted to train guides over the years and pass on his knowledge, the physically demanding nature of the job has turned away most potential apprentices.
Kuiack’s niece, Sharleen, has shown a unique ability to go toe-to-toe with Frank on the water but, despite her ability and love for her uncle, she remains unsure how to carry on his legacy or whether she desires to be the next “Last Guide.”
Additional footage provided by: Gentec International/Sigma Canada
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As you can see , it’s not just about fishing ,it’s about living. I’m 69 still fishing out of my kayak . I can feel every emotion that’s inside Frank . Incredible man Frank is . Great video
61 here, I share your experience.😎
At 79, I am no longer able to take part in the "love" of my life. I was born in the Appalachian Mountains of Central PA in February of 1943 during a blizzard, so the story goes. My dad had to go down the mountain to our closest neighbor and bring her up to our farmhouse to help with the delivery as the roads were all snowed shut both going down the mountain and all the way to the hospital in Harrisburg. I have certain memories of my life which will always be with me, and the smell and taste of the Wintergreen berry is one of them. When they mentioned the 3 leafed wild wintergreen in the video, I had a flashback to all of the Sunday afternoon walks my parents and I would take up into the mountain paths and, at 4 years old, I had already had a background in the forest and its treasures which my dad passed along to me on those walks. I would run ahead and find what we called "teaberry" plants, a low growing ground plant which bore a bright red with snow white flesh berry in the Fall, and I knew that it was OK to pick that berry and munch on it. I also knew which kind of birch bark was good to chew from the end branches of the twigs and small limbs, it reminded me of the old-time soda of the same name, "birch beer". Little things like these were important to a 4 year old boy who idolized his dad and learned much of what had instilled in his soul a lifelong love of Nature and the outdoors which is still alive in his heart today, in those memories of times gone by.
I spent 7 summers of my life guiding for an outfitter outside of Ely, Mn, mostly in the Quetico Wilderness of SW Ontario during the early '70's, and this documentary of Frank Kuiack brought back so many memories of those few summers I spent in a canoe traveling throughout the vast area of lakes and portage trails, used by the Voyageurs, the "Runners of the Woods", over 200 years ago as they traveled across the north country setting their traps from the Great Lakes west to the Pacific coast and then retrieving their furs and traps on the return trip back to the different fur trading companies such as the Hudson Bay Co. and American Fur Co. to name a few. I felt so honored to have paddled and portaged over the same lakes and trails on which these brave outdoorsmen had traveled and trapped their way into history and had pioneered those areas of vast wilderness, which are still pretty much as pristine as they were when the trappers had blazed their way through unmarked trails and left "lob" trees as a signal of a trail head for those who followed in their footsteps many years later. I have witnessed signs of the last of the very few remaining "lob" trees still standing in sheltered areas of the Quetico park and the Boundary Waters area of Northern MI and MN.
Yes, I too felt the "emotion" of Mr. Kuiak as he remembered his times in the outdoors living a life which was physically hard but so very worthwhile in its beauty and independence, for one who loves being where few have been before him. My only prayer now is to someday be able to hoist my kayak on my shoulders and take off across a wilderness portage one more time. I feel in my heart that I am destined to do this again, once a few other problems are sorted out concerning my lack of physical capabilities to make the trip. Until that time, I still have my memories to carry me on and those will follow me forever.
And I can watch films such as the "Last Guide" and feel a companionship and a connection with people, like Mr. Frank Kuiak and angels on earth like "Knife lake" Dorothy Molter, who lived for 56 years in the Eastern part of the BWCA and was credited with saving the lives of more "adventure" seeking campers and canoeists throughout the "Man Chain" series of lakes during her lifetime of living on her little island camp that, after her death, the town of Ely, MN had moved her homestead from the wilderness of the BWCA down to a park in Ely and rebuilt it as it once was for a lasting monument to the brave and daring woman whose door was always open to strangers in need of assistance or help. And one of my paddles stood with many others, left there from those she helped or from visitors like myself who simply stopped by for a home brewed "root beer" and a chance to say hello and to thank her for being there for others.
Thoreau once said
"Many men go fishing all of their
lives without knowing that it
is not fish they are after."
I read this in grade school but never understood it until I was a grown man.
This video is the embodiment of that statement.
@@oldoutdoorsguy1157 That story is wonderful and great to read. Thanks
@@oldoutdoorsguy1157 Love your story. Thank you for sharing with us.
The love of my life was a guide in BC when he was younger...well known. He only fished steelhead. The best thing i saw he climbed niagra falls track fully loaded with fish. He lived and breathed for fishing steelhead. He is addicted to drugs and i couldnt bear to watch it. This man reminds me so much of him. You have a wonderful awesome country Frank. Please pray for my beautiful friend id give anything for my fisherman and i to have a beautiful life together
I am here working on construction bids listening to this documentary and trying to hold back the tears. It’s a damn shame professions and people like this are disappearing every day, every month, and every year. His love for his wife really got me. I thought I had this and my fiancé just left. Love like he and his wife had doesn’t much exist anymore. I wish it did! This man’s journey through life is amazing and glad a documentary was made about him. That way maybe the tradition will continue with someone.
were have i seen you before??? my name is Calvin i believe i met you somewere
it seems we are somehow linked i believe i saw you on omegle and we talked for quite a while im the one who loves permaculture and gardening i hope you see this
I understand the way you feel, I have been there. I now have a beautiful marriage to a wonderful woman. I prayed everyday that God would let me cross paths with a prayerful woman. He blessed me. I hope and pray the same happens to you.
I’m just 21 yrs old trying to figure out the world and I totally agree. I don’t see stuff like this very often in our modern world.
RIP Frank. This documentary is the first and only time I've heard of you. But damn man, I love and respect the man you were. I'm not 52 yet and wish to God I could have met you. Don't even I ow why I'm weeping right now. Maybe because you've had everything I've ever dreamed of. Nature... Freedom... Peace... People who love you and whom you love.... All but nature are strangers to me. God bless you Frank.
It's a honour to know you Frank. 💗
Randomly onto this gem of a documentry. Humans can be the most beautiful and horrible things on this earth. Its lovely to have the chance to document, learn from and honour those beautiful people past and present. Best wishes to all. Rest in peace Mr Frank Kuiack. 🙏
Words can’t describe the way I feel about this documentary. Thanks frank. We all know your rowing your canoe and catching the big ones up stairs. Rest In Peace.
I'm with ya Don.
Keep dreaming there’s a wonderland after this life, you’ll disappoint yourself, but i mean hey, it’s always good to have hope in something or maybe a little bit of peace of mind
@@creamythroat the only thing disappointing is people like you… But hey there’s always redemption!!!
Want a beautiful soul and to be willing to pass that experience to someone else is priceless. Appreciate your elders, the people who have the knowledge. Rare nowadays.
Grateful again for the way Canada funds films. And for the beautiful story of Frank. I hope his niece stays close to nature in these changing times.
Amazing story Massive Respect watching from UK England
This dam near brings me to tears... People like frank are the people who make it worth living. Sadly these types are slowly becoming a lost lifestyle. Bless you frank!
I imagine running into one of Frank’s hidden canoes would be very humbling. To know that the man who placed it there was once with us and left pieces of him to be found! Almost like he is always around you at the park, still guiding us. RIP Frank
They gonna make an AI of him aatch.. .
It was a real honour getting to know Frank and photographing him. Well done everyone, this documentary turned out wonderfully!
Beautiful photos!!!
Legends are made not born
This documentary is so good!
Oh man, my heart is aching. Thanks for this beautiful film.
What a story!!!
Great story glad I seen this one. Thanks and may Frank & Mary RIP.
I spent part of a summer with Frank and Marie in 1984. Frank would walk fast and grab tiny strawberries in his huge hand without missing a stride. So great to hear his voice again.
As the old ones leave there are fewer to take their place. Then it hits me, I am one of the elders!! So much to teach and so few to listen!
One of the rarest documentaries where you can feel the strong emotional connection and fail to hold back your tears. Wish I could have met this man. Speechless!!!
RIP Frank
they broke the mold with your passing Grateful to the author and his niece for keeping his memory alive
I Absolutely love this video.
If you watch this and tears are not running down your face then you have a problem with life because this man lived his life
We need more people like Frank in this world today.
A documentary film has got to be at this level for me to watch to the end. Bravo
The city dominated my life, but the wilderness is in my heart...This brought back many memories..I'm old now, not as strong as I once was so I rely on reliving through documentaries such as this one....Rest in Peace Frank.
I'm an old crippled farmer that lives out in the country mostly my entire life. It's sad to see how our country has become the past.
♥️♥️♥️♥️
This is beautiful documentary 💯
This was the best thing I've ever seen on the internet. I'm so glad Frank passed his knowledge on. His life and experience need to live on.
I'm trying my best to hold the tears back and before watching this documentary, I had never even heard of Frank Kuiack; yet, I feel like I've known him all my life. Strange, how someone can make such a huge impact on you just from watching a video on youtube, but thank you Frank - I can only wish I had met you because you sir, are a one of a kind and a very special person. RIP
Amen 🙏🏻. My feelings exactly.
Isn't that called nostalgia
Me too Steve, god bless ya. Have a great day.
Reminds Me of a Fishing Guide in Hayward Wisconsin named Muskie Bill. Legends Die Hard.
You said that all so well, so poignantly put Steve; those same feelings precisely resonated in the same ways with me too. I am so thankful to have come across this documentary as a recommended video, and learn of and from Frank Kuiack. He is a true inspiration in learning how to live a peaceful life that is chock full of meaning, on one's self, family, and in giving so much to others, possessing the special kind of ability to teach in ways that can't be taught at universities, but only from life experiences and having a kind and nurturing heart.
Frank knew how to live in the ways that so many of us long for but are afraid of taking the plunge to do. He knew how to live peacefully and and at the same time was chock full of meaning…in his own words - “There’s nothing more relaxing, I don’t think than sitting out there in the boat. I don’t care if I get a bite or not, it’s just I’m out there enjoying life.” - Frank Kuiack
Thank You for the wonderful video celebrating the life of Frank Kuiack.
I love Canadian fishing! Good clean fun, awesome show!
Very beautiful and inspiring documentary.
If I knew who this man was before his passing I would’ve been absolutely honoured to be his apprentice. Hate to see such a great piece of Canadian history leave along with him. Truly devastating for us all.
Very moving. Thank you for this video.
Absolutely amazing!! 5/5⭐, 👍👍👏
Thanks i'm not crying, you are!
Watching in Delaware USA. Thank you for introducing us to Mr Frank.
Absolutely beautiful story and so very well done!
I'm a 6'5" 275 lbs. no holds barred kinda guy and this video kept me in tears! I have the most respect and honour for this man and the family carrying on the traditions.
A beautiful old soul.. Lived life to the absolute fullest.. What a beautiful family and story. I wish I had met him.. God Bless you all.. Amen.
I can only hope to live as long as Frank and still be able to fish. RIP 🙏
This is a heart felt story !!!!!
What a beautiful and moving story of this guy Frank and I have met guys like him over here in Scotland and there’s none of them left and the world is a empty place without them and when I am fly fishing up in Northern Scotland for trout and I stop to brew up a cupa of tea and a fry up I always think of them and all good times and things they taught me just like Frank and now I try and pass on all my knowledge to my son and grandkids but I love stories like this it brings a tear to my eyes, peace and love from Scotland 🏴 and tight lines 👍🥃🏴🎣❤️
Isn’t there still the fella up at trieg?
Greetings from Edinburgh pal👍
Beautiful.
Eye.
You are the continuation of the chain. Your children, hopefully, will be the further continuation of that chain.
L LLP olp
Frank RIP !!! You Touched So Many Lives Over Your Lifetime & Forever !!! You Did Awesome !!!
The world needs more franks!!! To teach us!!! To show us how life could be!! To listen to. To cherish. A damn good man🙏💪💪❤️
Absolutely beautiful story.
WOW, what a beautiful life, beautiful man.
Frank Kuiack; The Last Guide. Strange for someone I never knew, to have such an emotional impact on me. The true definition of a true man. From this short documentary, Frank Kuiack has enriched my life. I regret to have never been given the opportunity to have met him personally. R.I.P. Sir.
Wow! What a person Frank was, sorry for your loss, thgt he wld make 109! Laughed, cried and rejoiced with him...What an ICON!
Trully beautiful and inspiring!
The end of a legend. Reminds me of my dad, he got me out there when I was really young. Made me sad but happy. Thanks Frank . Appreciate you and your niece for keeping it going. Tight Lines.
I've never been a great fisherman .
When I was 15 I got a ride into the park with my best friend and we hiked and hich hiked from the Huntsville side to Lake Opeongo where we stayed camping for about 4 days. We rented a canoe at the store for $4 for 1/2 day ( 7-noon or noon to 9pm)
It was a great experience that showed me I love canoes and kayaks in nature. I'm 65 now and kayak 3-5 times/ week 3-6 hours each time. My kayak stays on my car from late April to November so I'm always ready . Grab some water and a snack and go. I'm alone but never feel lonely .
It's usually peaceful or sometimes a challenge but it's usually mind healing and good exercise .
what a amazing story thank you!
The story of Frank touches the soul of most people. As touching as anyone one could ever dream of being. One has to have the heart to learn from someone like Frank and he had the ability to see what was in someone's heart. And those who didn't have that heart to learn he turned away. May this incredible man be remembered not for what he did but for what he knew.
Thank You for sharing this great story. He's knowledge was great and I'm thankful someone holds his knowledge closely to their heart.
His knowledge will guide you as if he was with you. Our bodies will die but the soul guides us.
Thank You, once again for sharing Frank's story to us all.
That was such a good story. Her rowing at the end said it all for me. And she even said his spirit was in the sound of the oars. Mark
You can hear the genuine laughter from the clients when he wacked that 20 pounder, man this story really got to me.
What a hell of a man.. There is NO ONE who can stand next to him in comparison....JUST the way I would want to go..!
There is a profound magnificence in simplicity.
RIP FRANK 🙏 GOD BLESS YOU PAL BET YOUR UP THERE FISHING IN HEAVAN love ❤ from Australia 🇦🇺
How great. My Dad introduced me to the north woods, it's always been a pop part of my soul. Thx Dad.
I absolutely love this beautiful memory of this mans life and his story!
4:30 THAT is the purist expression of LOVE . Thanks for sharing his life!
Truly a beautiful story and well done.
I came to RUclips to check the weather quick, I just spent 45 min meeting a new friend, losing a good friend, being filled with pride for a friend I’ve never met, having my soul filled, crying like a baby and smiling until my cheeks hurt, envious of his niece and grateful for her in his life and I’m so incredibly happy Frank’s life was shared here for me to unexpectedly find and unable to stop watching !!!!
I pray you are with Jesus and I thank you for the legacy you left and for all of the lives of sobriety you touched 🙏🏻
Loved this!! Men like this are harder to come by then water in the desert. I have an 89 year old grandpa that just hiked angles landing with me in Zions national park. The man knows more about the park then all the rangers combined. If some one reads this and want's another fantast story to right a book about please reach out to me. The story's my G-pa can tell will truly blow your mind!
What stories do you have
Very intriguing statement trevor... I have ideas of writing books that our grandparents/elders were so secretive about... thing is once you become too secretive no one knows the real story!
I hiked that with my son one year during Spring break. I was 51 or so, not a easy trail at all. Your grandpa is "The Man" no doubt.
Hi, From Oklahoma saying this story is an awesome story of a very special persons life and style. Reminds me so much of my own dear Dad born in 1917 who raised ten of us kids and lived 91 years died in 2008. Dad loved the old ways and some of the new ones too. I use to work beside my Dad and I always wanted to do it the easier way and ask my Dad once why do you do it the hard way? He said what ever way you do it it still gets done. My Dad's word was always good. If he told you he would help you do something you could always know he would keep his word. Super dependable. He was always so helpful and lightened my load so many times. Miss him so much. Always thought my Mom was the strength of the family until Dad passed away. Then I saw Dad was the one who held our family together. Of course Mom was a big part of it but Dad was a family man and had many friends. I love these type stories. Thanks for sharing.. God Bless!! It's awesome you are doing the things he showed you. You will love life too. Your also a beautiful niece !
amazing cinematography, and a very moving story about a worthy man. honor Frank
Incredible person that left an incredible legacy. He and Marie are under that pine at Marie's lake, together again, a wonderful love story of his whole life. RIP Frank. Thanks for sharing this story. :) :)
Why is this man not a National Hero and Treasure? What an amazing life and what an amazing character he was. His niece Sharleen has big boots to fill but I see the same spark in her that was in Frank too, also never doubt a "ginger", that's one of my life lessons learned! As a society we have lost that "I can do that" attitude and also that toughness that comes from living and learning your environment. We are poorer as Canadians for not having enjoyed him more while he was with us, but we can enrich ourselves by acquiring the service and knowledge of Ms. LaValley the next time Algonquin Park calls. R.I.P. Frank Kuiack
Thanks Frank! I’m fishing for you this weekend.
Amazing story. Very interesting and touching.
This is a true fisherman he will be missed 😥😥😎
What a great story, what a GREAT MAN. RIP
Mind blown by emotions. Well made film. Frank ❤
Thank you Frank. For getting sober, for teaching people, for allowing the rest of us to learn about your life and profession within Algonquin Park.
God Bless and God's Speed.
🇨🇦
He lived a wonderful life, enjoyed doing what he loved! Not to many people can say that!
Fantastic story R.I.P Frank 🏴
Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.
Frank your story is one I will always remember and share with my son's. I am from a family who love's to fish. My Grandpa Richardson was the Cheif of police of the city of orange. My Grandma was a natural when it came to fishing too. We had a cabin for 40 years in Baha Mexico and we all loved to fish. Your story brought back alot of memories. Thank you so much. Marilyn
This man was and always will be amazing. To be one with the northwoods, a true live man that will continue through spirit. Good on ya Frank.
This is the Best thing I have Ever Seen. ‼️✅👌
What an incredible life!
Algonquin - one of the most fabulous national parks I have ever visited!!
guided for 9 years... a pleasure to watch this....
I stumbled across this video by accident and am so glad I did. Although I never met Frank I feel I have known him. I have had the privilege of knowing many northern Ontario loggers and fishermen over the years. My mother was raised in Port Arthur and Sault Ste. Marie and my father In Cobalt. As a young boy I fished the back country of Algoma and Thunder Bay with my father, brother and uncle. This story brought back memories that had been buried for years. Thank you.
Same here
What a great man ......... What a great story ........ Brilliant & Thankyou for sharing .......... Lots love JBX
Fantastic.... If all of us lived such a rich and simple life what a world this would be.
John Owen's My heart & body tingle from head to toe after hearing the soft canoe oar (or paddle) sound.The loon, the bull elk, and the bald eagle make the sweetest sounds to my ears.The 1st 2 years I was a boy scout, I went to St. Ann du Lac miles north of Ottawa with Explorer & our Boy Scout troop 73. from western NYS for 2 weeks of fishing & looking for gold. I caught a 42 inch 12 lb.. pike 1 of those summers, brought it home, filleted it, & ate it with Family& Friends. To truly experience "the peace that passes all understanding", you must get outdoors!!!
Great documentary. This is the CBC I grew up with.
Makes me miss my grandfather. What a fantastic man and I would have loved to fish with him. Sponsored 61 people in AA this man is a true Saint
Incredibly thoughtful and compelling storytelling- so much respect for Frank and his legacy. Thank you CBC. Thank you Frank for showing us what it looks like to live in peace with the planet.
Bless you frank. One in a million
What a great story. I'm sure he was an incredible man, and I wish I had known him. R.I.P.
this story has touched my heart.
What a great film. Frank reminds me of my grandfather and I so wish I could have met him. My heart goes out to his family. One person can make a difference.
What an awesome comment Erik. Yes Frank was a true champion guide
My grandfather was a fishing and hunting guide around Bemidji,MN from early 1900s to 1970. Eight of us in his boat catching fish, except me LoL. He used that age old line that I needed to close my mouth. He told me, with a smile, that poached game was always sweeter. Turns out we come from a long line of Scottish Highlander poachers except for one family side that was headed by the Duke of Argyles gamekeeper in early 1800s. These ancestors immigrated to Kincardine, Ontario in 1849 and raised many Great Lakes captains.
North of Ontario is an amazing place with beautiful people.
What a wonderful documentary !, thank you CBC for doing this !
Beautiful tribute to a great man and a beautiful park, thank you.
Rest in Peace, Frank Kuiack. Sept 16, 1936 - May 4, 2021
As soon as the title popped into my feed, I thought, "That must be the guy from Algonquin Park with the funny last name. Seen him in the Ottawa news over 20 years ago talking about the outdoors. He didn't look much different at 64 than he did at 82 at the time of this documentary. He had a good life in the land that he loved, the land that was a part of him.
very well done, thank you for memorializing this amazing man and his niece.