Grace Dove and Joe Syme Race Through Challenges on The Amazing Race Canada

Grace Dove and her brother Joe Syme continue to impress viewers as they navigate the challenges of The Amazing Race Canada, which airs on CTV. The sibling duo has successfully advanced to the seventh episode of the series, which is set in Eastern Ontario. The show, hosted by Olympic gold medalist Jon Montgomery, features teams racing across the country, confronting physical and mental challenges in pursuit of a grand prize that includes $250,000, a trip around the world, and two 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS vehicles.

Dove, an acclaimed Indigenous Canadian actor known for her roles in The Revenant and Alaska Daily, has taken a personal approach to the competition. Born and raised in Prince George, she and her brother decided to audition for the show after years of being fans. “I had the idea last year, but it was a big deal to take time off work,” Dove explained. “This year, I brought it up again, and Joe was immediately on board. His excitement got me excited.”

The siblings undertook the audition process knowing they would face stiff competition. Dove recalled the extensive interviews and the need to convince the casting crew of their determination to win. “It was quite the process, and when I got the call saying we were chosen, I looped in Joe, and we were just so excited,” she said.

This season has special significance for the pair, as they are racing in memory of their older brother, Thomas, who passed away last summer. “We wanted to celebrate his life and honor him,” Dove stated. The tragic loss shifted their perspective on life, motivating them to seize the opportunity to compete together.

Preparation for the competition began just months after they learned they had been cast. “We had enough time to arrange time off work and plan our outfits,” Dove mentioned, highlighting her responsibility for their wardrobe choices. Viewers may have noticed the siblings’ matching Kookum scarves, which carry cultural significance, as “Kookum” means ‘grandmother’ in Cree. Dove shared, “It’s a nice piece of our culture that brings us together.”

Throughout the competition, the physical demands have been intense. Dove noted that the reality of the race involves more running than what is shown on television. “I’ve been lifting weights and training, but I didn’t prepare enough for the cardio,” she admitted. Her brother, a marathon runner, has been a great support, carrying their backpacks during challenging moments.

The siblings faced a significant obstacle during the second leg of the race in Lake Louise, where Dove struggled more than anticipated. “Training at sea level in Vancouver did not prepare me for the higher elevation,” she said, reflecting on the difficulty of the mountain terrain.

In a historic first for the series, episode four saw contestants reach the Arctic Ocean, stopping in the communities of Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk in the Northwest Territories. “That was the furthest North I’ve ever been, and it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Dove remarked. The episode included traditional Indigenous foods and games, providing a deep cultural experience. “Flying over the Arctic Ocean at sunset took my breath away,” she added.

The siblings have found their rhythm as the competition progresses. “We’re starting to get our communication down,” Dove noted. After not spending much time together since childhood, their bond is strengthening through the race. She explained that their strategy revolves around authenticity and playing with honor, despite encountering instances of deception from other teams.

Recently, as the race unfolded in Prince George, the siblings had the unique opportunity to compete in their hometown. “It was incredible to race around familiar places where we spent so much time growing up,” Dove shared. The excitement among local residents was palpable, as many recognized the show filming in their community.

As they prepare for the next leg of the race, Dove emphasized the challenges they face are more significant than what viewers might perceive. “It’s a lot harder than it looks on TV,” she said. “Joe and I thought it would be easy before we started, but the reality is very different.”

With episode seven airing on August 26, 2023, viewers can tune in to see how the sibling duo continues to tackle the challenges ahead. “I couldn’t have done it without him,” Dove stated about her brother. “He is a great big brother, and I am thankful for his support.”