Columbia River Canoe Project Debuts on Streaming
The documentary chronicling a 2,000-kilometer expedition is now available to stream on multiple platforms.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Documentary
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The Columbia River Canoe Project documentary has arrived on streaming platforms including Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and YouTube Movies. The film captures an expedition that traveled 2,000 km from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean.
Why it matters
The expedition aimed to highlight the impact of resource extraction on the Columbia River watershed and Indigenous communities. The documentary provides an intimate look at the physical challenges faced during the journey.
The 52-day expedition spanned 2,000 km and required the crew to bypass 19 hydroelectric dams, including 175 miles of portaging. This streaming version features 10 minutes of previously unseen footage.
The players
Robert Lester
He is one of the two expedition members who completed the 2,000-kilometer journey.
Braxton Mitchell
He is an adventurer who partnered with Robert Lester to navigate the Columbia River by canoe.
The details
Robert Lester and Braxton Mitchell spent 52 days paddling from the Continental Divide in Butte, Montana, to Astoria, Oregon. The crew had to physically carry their canoe around 19 hydroelectric dams to complete the journey.
Timeline
May 12, 2023: The expedition began in Butte, Montana.
July 2, 2023: The expedition arrived in Astoria, Oregon.
August 2024: The documentary film debuted.
November 2024: The film received a theatrical release.
October 2026: The film became available on streaming platforms.
Industry Dynamics
This release follows the broader trend of independent adventure documentaries prioritizing digital accessibility over traditional theatrical runs. It positions the film within a growing market of streaming titles that leverage supplemental footage to entice viewers.
Viewers can now access the documentary across major platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and YouTube Movies. The streaming release includes 10 minutes of additional footage not seen in the theatrical cut.
The takeaway
The documentary highlights the logistical difficulty of navigating a major river system modified by dams. Viewers interested in conservation and adventure can observe the human effort required to document such vast watersheds.
Further reading
For more on recent independent film releases, explore the Documentary section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Castlegar News.
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