Adam Shoalts is a professional explorer and national bestselling author. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society for “extraordinary contributions to geography” and in 2017 completed a nearly 4,000 km solo journey across Canada’s Arctic.

A geographer and historian, he holds a Ph.D. from McMaster University, has participated in numerous archaeological digs, and undertakes solo expeditions in the most remote wilderness areas. He is the Westaway Explorer-in-Residence of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and in 2016 was named a national champion of the Trans-Canada Trail.

Adam will recount his most recent expedition and have his new book available.

Jill Heinerth, Explorer-in-Residence at The Royal Canadian Geographical Society, is a pioneering underwater explorer and documentarian whose career has redefined the boundaries of underwater exploration and scientific discovery. Jill has consistently displayed an unwavering commitment to understanding the hidden depths of our planet.

She is a fellow of numerous international organizations including the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame, Underwater Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Explorers Club, which further honored her with the distinguished William Beebe Award for ocean exploration.

Jill will be speaking and screening her documentary, “Diving into the Darkness”

Ken McGoogan is an award-winning author, globetrotting adventurer, journalist and songwriter.

He is the author of seventeen books, among them six bestselling histories about Arctic exploration. His numerous awards include the Pierre Berton Award for History, the University of British Columbia Medal for Biography, and an American Christopher Award for “a work of artistic excellence that affirms the highest values of the human spirit.”

In 2025 he has been awarded the prestigious Explorers Club Stephanson Medal, recognizing outstanding contributions to the cause of exploration and field sciences in Canada and internationally.