CALGARY (CBC) - More than 20 Calgarians paddled and portaged their way to work Wednesday morning to raise awareness about protecting the Canadian wilderness.

The canoe commute down the Bow River was part of a joint initiative, by Mountain Equipment Co-op, and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), called The Big Wild.

"We are trying to raise awareness to try and protect 50 per cent, or at least 50 per cent, of Canada's wilderness area," said Mountain Equipment Co-op employee Craig Binch.

Stephanie Ferguson, with CPAWS, said canoeing to work is an innovative way to raise awareness.

"It gets attention in the morning, gets people somewhat out of their routines and looking the other way," she said. "Every once in awhile we get a few smiles, and a few honks from the cars, so it's been fun."

The group also gave out flyers, stickers and green shoelaces during their canoe commute to educate people about their cause.

"Hopefully people will be visiting thebigwild.org and adding their voices," she said. "It's so important because we need 50 per cent to maintain ecological integrity and ensure that ecosystems do not collapse, which are important for all of us."

The group said 50 per cent protection should be attainable, as the government owns roughly 90 per cent of Canada's land and coastal waters. Currently, the group said, about 10 per cent of that area is protected.

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