The Narwhal

Our dedicated team of investigative reporters explores Canada's natural environment, uncovering unique stories that you won't find elsewhere. We adhere to two fundamental principles: 1) Stick to the truth. 2) Be straightforward. We're frustrated with misleading narratives and the usual way of thinking. We proudly believe that Canada’s greatest treasures are our communities, lakes, rivers, and forests. Our mission is to highlight the stories overlooked by major Canadian media, helping our readers understand complicated (and often messy) issues. As a non-profit publication, our focus isn't on generating ad revenue or catering to corporations — it's about delivering fact-based news and insights for all Canadians. In 2018, The Narwhal was honored with four Canadian Online Publishing Awards, earning silver for best news website and best publication, along with gold and silver for outstanding photojournalism.

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Watch: Trouble in the Headwaters

1 week ago | thenarwhal.ca | Jacqueline Ronson

The Narwhal has once again received national — and international — recognition for stunning storytelling and photography, with four awards last week. Our latest honours include a first-place finish at the Indigenous Media Awards, a gold and a silver at the Digital Publishing Awards and a silver at the National Magazine Awards.
Alex Hutchinson on finding adventure, anywhere

1 week ago | thenarwhal.ca | Denise Balkissoon

Alex Hutchinson likes to keep busy. He’s been a physicist and a competitive runner on Canada’s national team. Now, he’s a journalist considering the neuroscience of fitness, endurance sports and outdoor adventure, with a couple of bestsellers under his belt. He also plays saxophone for fun. In his latest book, The Explorer’s Gene, Hutchinson weaves his wide-ranging interests into a celebration of far-flung corners, whether on Earth or inside the human mind.
Trouble in the Headwaters: new film links clearcuts to B.C. floods

1 week ago | thenarwhal.ca | Jacqueline Ronson

Trouble in the Headwaters, a powerful 25-minute documentary by filmmaker Daniel J. Pierce, explores the root causes behind the devastating 2018 floods in Grand Forks, B.C. More than 100 families were displaced and millions of dollars were spent on flood infrastructure — yet floods continue to threaten the region. So what’s going on?
The Canadian company pushing deep sea mining

1 week ago | thenarwhal.ca | Elyse Hauser

Explainer The bottom of the ocean is rich with minerals — as well as life forms scientists haven’t even named yet. Vancouver-based The Metals Company is asking for American permission to mine in international waters Far off Canada’s Pacific coast, and in oceans around the world, mining companies are exploring the bottom of the sea. There, rocky formations contain in-demand minerals like copper, nickel and cobalt.
What’s going on with Ontario’s Highway 413?

1 week ago | thenarwhal.ca | Rebecca Gao

Early work has begun on Highway 413 — a megaproject that would cut through endangered species habitat, including the protected Greenbelt — in the northwestern parts of the Greater Toronto Area.
In-depth storytelling by The Narwhal wins four major awards

1 week ago | thenarwhal.ca | Jacqueline Ronson

The Narwhal has once again received national — and international — recognition for stunning storytelling and photography, with four awards last week. The recognition includes a first-place finish at the Indigenous Media Awards, a gold and a silver at the Digital Publishing Awards and a silver at the National Magazine Awards.
Will making Canada’s national parks free hurt nature?

1 week ago | thenarwhal.ca | Ainslie Cruickshank

For us humans, there are plenty of benefits to spending time in nature. It can reduce our stress levels and our risk of chronic disease, boost our creativity and our overall happiness. There can be benefits for nature too. The more people who care about the health of all the plants and animals we share this planet with, the easier it may be to protect vulnerable ecosystems from harm. But when too many of us descend on popular parks all at once there can be unintended consequences for wildlife.
First Nation burns Ring of Fire files over Ontario’s Bill 5

2 weeks ago | thenarwhal.ca | Carl Meyer

Leadership at a Treaty 9 First Nation set fire to documents about a proposed road to the Ring of Fire this week, sending a message of resistance to the Doug Ford government about its plans to kickstart mining in the region by pushing through Bill 5 without Indigenous consultation.
Jeremy Dutcher misses the Atlantic Ocean

2 weeks ago | thenarwhal.ca | Denise Balkissoon

Onstage, Jeremy Dutcher sings in a deep, yearning tenor. On the phone, he giggles as he attempts to choose his favourite of Canada’s natural sites, considering options around the country before giving up. “I’m very, very fortunate as a musician. We get to see a lot of the country that I don’t think a lot of people always get to,” Dutcher says.
Can Canada’s fast-tracking laws avoid the mistakes of the past?

2 weeks ago | thenarwhal.ca | Carl Meyer

It’s been two decades since the Supreme Court issued a pair of judgements that affirmed Canada’s “duty to consult” Indigenous Peoples beyond giving them a chance to “blow off steam.” Since then, Canada’s courts have continued to sketch out the legal contours of Indigenous Rights, one decision at a time — like when they found government consultants must act as more than mere “note-takers” in a case involving the Trans Mountain oil pipeline, or must respect the principle of “free, prior and...