Brooke Mitchell traded the Appalachian hills of Ohio for expeditions across the globe, using her Zoology and Biology degrees to dive headfirst into wildlife conservation through adventure travel. 

Her conservation science podcast Rewildology takes listeners on wild journeys around the world to experience conservation firsthand—including a Patagonia series that was a Jackson Wild Media Awards Finalist. 

Through her innovative three-pillar approach of Listen. Experience. Protect., she's revolutionizing conservation storytelling by combining immersive field experiences with expert conversations to inspire real-world conservation action.

Rewildology Podcast

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Dr. Alison Criscitiello is an ice core scientist and high-altitude mountaineer. She is an Assistant Professor and the Director of the Canadian Ice Core Lab at University of Alberta, and co-founder of Girls on Ice Canada. 

Criscitiello explores the history of climate and sea ice in polar and high-alpine regions using ice core chemistry. This involves long months of living in a tent and drilling ice cores in places like Antarctica, Greenland, the Yukon, and the Canadian high Arctic. Criscitiello's work also focuses on environmental contaminant histories in ice cores from the Canadian high Arctic and the water towers of the Canadian Rockies. 

She has earned the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, three American Alpine Club (AAC) climbing awards, the John Lauchlan and Mugs Stump alpine climbing awards, and the first PhD in glaciology ever conferred by MIT. 

Criscitiello and her team installed the highest weather station in North America near Mount Logan's summit in 2021, and in 2022 drilled a record-breaking 327m ice core on its summit plateau that will shed light on how climate change impacts even the world’s highest peaks. 

Most recently, in spring 2025, she drilled a new ice core on Axel Heiberg Island in the Canadian high Arctic. At 613m, this is the deepest ice core ever drilled in Canadian history, and will contain critical information about Arctic Ocean and climate variability over the Holocene.

Dr. Ali's Instagram: @alisoncriscitiello

Canadian Ice Core Lab: @ice_cicl

Girls on Ice Canada : @girlsonicecanada

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Lindsay Davies is a proud Ontario explorer, storyteller, and creative who’s been thoroughly bit by the travel bug. A graphic designer and social media marketer by trade, Lindsay travels the world while documenting her adventures on her blog I’ve Been Bit!, inspiring others to explore with curiosity, respect, and intention.

Whether she’s chasing waterfalls, exploring backcountry trails, driving ice roads, or uncovering hidden gems close to home, Lindsay believes adventure does not have to be far-flung to be meaningful. She has a deep love for local food, experiences, and accommodations, and is passionate about supporting small businesses and community-driven tourism wherever she goes.

Lindsay is also a strong advocate for learning the true history of the lands we live and travel on. She actively supports Indigenous-owned businesses and encourages travellers to engage more thoughtfully with the places they visit. Known for her colourful hair, bold tights, and infectious enthusiasm, Lindsay brings creativity, authenticity, and heart to every journey.

Her work and regional expertise are featured in the book Greenbelt Trails: The 36 Best — West of Toronto from Oakville and Hamilton to Niagara and Beyond. Find more info in her blog, Hiking the Ontario Greenbelt & Why This Area Is So Important.

Lindsay’s adventures remind us that the true heart of a destination lies in its people, its communities, and the stories we share along the way.

Lindsay's Blog

Lindsay's Instagram

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Today, we’re heading to Lanaudière-Mauricie, in the heart of Québec along the North Shore of the St. Lawrence River, perfectly positioned between Montréal and Québec City, and just a few hours from Ottawa. I was lucky enough to spend some time there over the family day long weekend.

This is a region of scale: nearly 50,000 square kilometres of forests, rivers, countryside, and over 30,000 lakes. Two national parks. Dozens of regional parks. Endless space to move (or to slow down). 

In winter, it becomes a true playground for the outdoor lover. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fatbiking, frozen lakes, quiet trails. And no shortage of hot tubs and saunas.

Check out the places we stayed and played:

Les Boisés De La Rivière Noire

Discover our unique recreational centre nestled by the river, offering private and exclusive chalets for an unforgettable nature escape. With 15 rental units—including 7 innovative Pod chalets (3 with saunas), 3 yurts, 2 standard chalets, and 3 ready-to-camp sites—every stay comes with a private spa and, for most units, direct river access plus 2 kayaks.

Standout Features

Enjoy complimentary fresh farm eggs every morning from our on-site farm. Gather in our large communal yurt perfect for family reunions or events, and unwind at our small private beach.

Seasonal Fun

In winter, thrill seekers love our tubing slide and outdoor skating rink. Summer brings kayaking and riverside relaxation, blending comfort with authentic outdoor adventure.

Le Baluchon Éco-villégiature

Le Baluchon Éco-villégiature began in 1982 as a bold idea from seven students who wanted to create an eco-friendly destination rooted in nature and community. After years of planning and support, it officially opened in 1990 with 12 rooms and quickly gained recognition for its innovation and regional impact.

Over time, it expanded its accommodations, spa, and outdoor experiences (snowshoeing, xc skiing, hiking, dogsledding, etc.) while staying committed to sustainability. It has evolved into an internationally recognized eco-resort known for refined nature experiences and strong environmental values.

Steeve Carpentier - 2800 Du Parc

Steeve Carpentier, owner of 2800 du Parc, located right next to La Mauricie National Park.

While I was there, we hiked Lac Solitaire, an incredible trail that opens up along a ridgeline with sweeping winter views. It’s the kind of hike that reminds you how vast this region really is.

Steeve has completed 17 Ironmans, raced Ironman Mont-Tremblant, and taken on the extreme Canadaman, but what stands out most is how deeply connected he is to this place.

We went snowshoeing (Lac Solitaire) at La Mauricie National Park.

We went fatbiking at Parcs Des Chutes.

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Bernadette McDonald is an award-winning author, speaker, and one of the world’s leading voices in mountain culture.

She has written thirteen books and received many of the highest honours in mountain literature including two Boardman Tasker Prizes, the Banff Mountain Book Festival Grand Prize, Italy’s ITAS Prize, two National Outdoor Book Awards, and India’s Kekoo Naoroji Award. In 2011, the American Alpine Club awarded her its highest literary honour for excellence in mountain literature.

Bernadette was the founding Vice President of Mountain Culture at the Banff Centre and spent 20 years as director of the Banff Mountain Festivals. She is a recipient of the Alberta Order of Excellence, an honorary member of the Himalayan Club and the Polish Mountaineering Association, and a Fellow of The Explorers Club.

When she’s not writing, Bernadette can be found climbing, hiking, skiing, paddling, and growing grapes.

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Lee Nordbye is a fine art landscape photographer, speaker, and teacher based in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta. Known for his bold and soulful style, Lee captures the intimate details and hidden beauty of the natural world.

A self-described recovering accountant, Lee left a 26-year career in finance to pursue his creative passion full-time. Since then, he’s become an award-winning and published photographer, leading workshops, mentoring other artists, and inspiring people to connect more deeply with nature through his work.

When he’s not exploring wild places on foot with his camera, you’ll find him enjoying bad dad jokes, dark chocolate, and a good cup of coffee, often while watching Formula 1 or British crime dramas.

Lee's Instagram

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From Swansea to the peaks of Patagonia, Ollie Treviso is redefining what it means to live adventurously. An endurance walker and modern explorer, Ollie became the first person to walk the entire length of the Andes, a 14,000-kilometre journey across seven countries that took nearly 20 months to complete.

In this episode of Let’s Take This Outside, Ollie opens up about losing direction in his twenties, leaving behind a conventional career, and finding purpose through long-distance walking. He shares powerful stories from the road, altitude sickness, moments of isolation, and the unexpected kindness of strangers who carried him through some of South America’s most remote landscapes, including Venezuela.

More than an adventure story, this conversation explores the connection between movement, simplicity, and mental health. Ollie reflects on how walking became a form of therapy, what modern life has lost in the pursuit of comfort, and why the outdoors can be a gateway to healing, gratitude, and resilience.

This is an episode about endurance without ego, adventure without spectacle, and the quiet power of putting one foot in front of the other.

Ollie's Instagram

Article from BBC

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Born in Calabria, Italy, and raised in Ottawa after immigrating to Canada in 1959, Angelo Fulco’s life is a powerful reminder that discovery does not have an expiration date. After building long careers in retail, finance, insurance, and real estate, Angelo stepped into retirement and found himself not slowing down, but beginning again.

In his sixties, Angelo took up long-distance running, progressing from 5Ks to half marathons and completing his first full marathon at age 66. Around the same time, he joined the Ottawa Independent Writers, where his storytelling flourished. He has since contributed seven published short stories and poetry, including the poem “The Path,” featured in his book Searching for Serenity: Finding My Way on the Camino de Santiago.

In 2023, Angelo walked the Camino de Santiago, a deeply transformative experience that inspired both his memoir and a documentary chronicling not only his own journey, but the shared humanity of people from around the world.

Today, Angelo spends his time with family, cooking, travelling, photographing the world around him, and writing stories rooted in resilience, reflection, and lifelong curiosity.

Angelo's Youtube

Buy his book now

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Today I’m joined by Adam Kourakis: lifelong athlete, race director, and co-owner of Somersault Events. Adam’s been part of Somersault for over 20 years. First as a volunteer, then an athlete, and now as the person leading one of Ontario’s most iconic race series.

We talk about the Winterlude Triathlon, a one-of-a-kind event that could only happen in Ottawa, where athletes skate, ski, and run as part of the city’s Winterlude Festival.

Adam shares how this 40-year-old tradition brings the community together, and what it means to celebrate sport in every season.

BIO - Adam Kourakis

I've been with Somersault for 22 years (and I'm only 34 years old now!). I was hooked on Somersault from my very first event. For over two decades, I've been at every Somersault race - as a volunteer, a participant, a sponsor (with my other business Velofix Ottawa), and now as the owner & Race Director. 

I'm a lifelong athlete who loves to swim, bike, run, ski, snowshoe, rock climb, ice skate, etc. I love being outdoors and I'm very grateful to have the opportunity to give others chances to enjoy outdoor events. 

I'm also a father to an energetic 18-month-old girl. Ellie might be young, but she's already done a multisport race and is already training to take over the family business. 

About the Winterlude Triathlon

An event so unique that it could really only be hosted in Ottawa! Here's your chance to participate in the World's Oldest Winter Triathlons. 

This event has been going on since 1984 and it's part of the annual Winterlude Festival. This winter triathlon is made up of skating, running, and cross-country skiing. 

Watch dedicated winter enthusiasts ice skate for 7-8 km, cross-country ski for 6 km, and run for 5 km.

About Somersault Events

​​Somersault is a race series, based in Ontario, Canada, that specializes in multisport and running events. Somersault has been producing events for over 35 years and has grown to now host thousands of athletes each year.

Now under new ownership, co-owners and husband and wife, Adam Kourakis and Elizabeth Krause are committed to continuing the Somersault legacy of putting on incredible events in the National Capital Region.

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Meet Jeff Douglas, a Canmore-based mountain guide who recently completed a three-year quest to hike every single one of Banff National Park’s 2,000-plus kilometres of trails… all in hopes of seeing the park’s elusive bison herd.

As the owner of Mountain Goat Adventures and a certified guide, Jeff has spent more than 15 years exploring the Bow Valley, Banff, and beyond, turning his passion for the outdoors into a way of life.

From long trail runs in remote corners of the Rockies to technical backcountry ski traverses, Jeff’s story is about curiosity, endurance, and what it means to truly know the mountains.

ABOUT JEFF

Jeff has lived and guided in the Bow Valley for over 15 years. As a certified ACMG Hiking Guide, Professional Interpretive Guide, and instructor of both flatwater canoeing and nordic skiing, Jeff has made his passions into his profession.

Having worked at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for the last 15 years, Jeff has been able to explore and connect with the endless trails surrounding Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and beyond. If there is a trail that you want to check out Jeff has most likely planted a hiking pole on it.

Currently, Jeff’s pursuits revolve around trail running in remote areas of the National Parks as well as long and technical backcountry skiing traverses.

Article that started it all:https://www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/article/canmore-man-hiked-every-trail-in-banff-national-park-on-quest-to-see-the-elusive-bison-herd/

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