500 Days in the Wild at Luna

Dianne Whelan in 500 Days in the Wild
Photo Credit: Madman Entertainment

A sense of loneliness can confront us even amidst a busy life in Western society surrounded by lots of activity and people, and for some individuals the need to get away is an urgent call. One woman who decided to do just that and go to a remote location to be one with nature was Canadian film maker and director Dianne Whelan, showcased in her latest action packed film called 500 Days in the Wild.

In her fifties at the time, Whelan (of the well known documentary A Road to Patagonia) took off with the rough idea to travel 24,000 km across the Trans Canada Trail, the longest trail in the world which stretches across North America, connecting the Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific oceans. 

It is indisputably no mean feat and this is testimony to the fact that Whelan is the only person in the world to have conquered this trail in such a manner.

She tackles the trail with a vengeance using whatever modes of travel are on hand, including bike, canoe, skis, snowshoes and on foot. She blitzes her way through many tents as she camps on the trail. The toughest terrain gear gets broken and torn as she faces harsh conditions.

Shot over a period of 6 years, 500 Days in the Wild bears witness to the ups, downs and challenges of facing nature head on – its beauty and calmness as well as the roughness of conditions out in the wilderness.

Obstacles which seem insurmountable come up – but she is determined to conquer them.

What was inspiring in watching this film is that although she had a certain level of fear about conquering this journey, and that her level of experience with adventure expeditions was not at the highest most experienced level, that did not stop Whelan from going forth.

We all have fears – some of us avoid their fears and some conquer them – Dianne Whelan falls into the latter category.

Along the way – there are many heartfelt moments as she makes new friends and is joined by long time buddies on her big adventure. Each friend also has a reason for accompanying Dianne on her greatest journey – and also face their own challenges. She also learns about the way of life and philosophy of Native Americans as she connects with them during her travels.

It is nothing short of incredible to see what film maker and director Dianne Whelan accomplished in surviving and conquering this amazing journey in the wilds of the Trans Canada Trail.

500 Days in the Wild opens at Luna on 16 April.

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