Episodes

1. The Dream

This episode introduces viewers to hundreds of candidates who volunteered to spend an entire year living as 1870s settlers, and profiles both the intense selection process used to select the two couples and their move onto the Manitoba prairie.

2. If Momma Ain't Happy...

The settlers struggle against illness, fatigue and self-doubt while plowing fields and caring for livestock; replacement couple.

3. Prairie Purgatory

The settlers endure an infestation of mosquitoes; isolation and close quarters cause emotional stress.

4. What Are We Doing This for?

Barn fire; strain between the two couples.

5. 101 Chopping Days 'til Christmas

Crop failure; the settlers begin to hunt and cut firewood; snowstorm.

6. No Way, We're Not Leaving

The settles try to stay warm; deer hunting; the settlers celebrate a traditional Christmas.

7. The Long Haul

During the winter months the settlers make bread, quilts, furniture and deerhide moccasins; the dentist.

8. Going Home

Spring floods threaten to spoil the frozen meats and vegetables; blizzard.

9. Survivors of the Real West

The settlers reflect on their experiences as they return to the 21st century.

Overview

Pioneer Quest: A Year in the Real West was Canadian documentary television series which aired on History Television and the Public Broadcasting Service in 2001. It is the first entry of producer Jamie Brown's "Quest series" which includes Quest for the Bay, Klondike: The Quest for Gold and Quest for the Sea. It was filmed on a site just north of Argyle, Manitoba

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