Dianne Whelan is an award-winning Canadian Documentary filmmaker, and accomplished photographer, artist, storyteller, author and public speaker.

Dianne has written, directed, and produced two award winning films, a three-part series for CBC, a Gemini-nominated interactive website, written two books and has exhibited her photographs in numerous art galleries in her 30-year career.

In August 2021 she completed the land and water trails of the 24,000km Trans Canada Trail and is the first person to do so. The journey is the subject of film project 500 Days in the Wild, and will be the story of her next book.

www.diannewhelan.com

www.500daysinthewild.com

www.beaconprojectfilms.com

Stay connected with Dianne on Instagram @500daysinthewild for a visual journey through the making and release of her latest feature documentary.

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Mylène Paquette has crossed the Atlantic Ocean twice in a rowboat, first in 2010 with a team of six and again in 2013 for a record-setting 129-day solo crossing that made her the first North American to ever complete the journey alone.

Her French-language book, Dépasser l’horizon, invites readers along on her journey. For her accomplishment, Paquette was awarded the Medal of Honour by the National Assembly of Quebec, as well as the Meritorious Service Cross by the Governor General — an award given to citizens who have accomplished exceptional deeds that bring honour to Canada.

Paquette began sailing and rowing in the mid-2000s and immersed herself in navigation, sailing and marine survival courses to learn the skills she would need to feed her hunger for adventure.

Also an avid ice-canoe racer, Paquette aims to bring awareness to the health of the integral waterways of Canada that she explores, whether it be the churning waves of the Atlantic, the ice-crusted currents of the St. Lawrence or the freezing floes of the Arctic Ocean, where she is planning an expedition through the Northwest Passage.

Mylène's Website: https://www.mylenepaquette.com/en/

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Paul Zizka is an award-winning mountain landscape and adventure photographer based in Banff, Canada.

From the peaks of the Canadian Rockies to iceberg-laden seas off the coast of Greenland, Paul’s journey to capture the “under-documented” is a testament to his passion for exploration, his creative vision and fierce sense of determination. These qualities, combined with his pursuit of fresh perspectives and a deep love for the landscape, have resulted in an ever-growing portfolio of cutting-edge images.

Whether it’s wading waist-deep into a glacier-fed lake or chasing auroras from dusk til dawn, Paul is known for an adventurous spirit that draws him to the extraordinary. Highlighting his collection are his signature self-portraits, epic mountaineering moments, dreamy astrophotography images, as well as a window into some of the most remote corners of the planet.

In June 2016, his passion for the craft and for teaching led him and Dave Brosha to launch OFFBEAT, a company that strives to help fellow photographers discover their creative side and develop a deep appreciation for the wilderness. He is also passionate about sharing the beauty and grandeur of his own home country and was named a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society in 2017.

Paul’s images have been featured on countless book covers and in a variety of highly regarded publications, including National Geographic, Outside Magazine, Globe and Mail, Wall Street Journal, Alpinist, Maclean’s, Canadian Geographic, Islands, and Outdoor Photographer. His client list includes leading national and global brands such as Canon, Apple, NHL, Dell, Arc’Teryx, Panasonic and MEC.

A prolific adventurer, Paul’s explorations have taken him to all seven continents, as well as to each of Canada’s provinces and territories. In the Canadian Rockies, Paul has hiked extensively in the backcountry and photographed from the summits of countless peaks. His adventures abroad include a 1400-km unsupported double-crossing of Iceland on foot, which is believed to be the first of its kind, and a 1488-km solo crossing of the South Island of New Zealand. He has also explored such destinations as Antarctica, Norway, Svalbard, Nepal, Greenland, the Caribbean, Niue, French Polynesia, Namibia, the Faroe Islands, Baffin Island and the Torngat Mountains.

Paul has published eight books (published by Rocky Mountain Books) including four coffee table style books of photography: Summits & Starlight: the Canadian Rockies (2013), The Canadian Rockies: Rediscovered (2017), Aloft: Canadian Rockies Aerial Photography and Spirits in the Sky: Northern Lights Photography (2021).

Paul lives in Banff, Alberta, with his wife, writer Meghan J. Ward, and their two daughters.

Paul's Website: https://www.zizka.ca

Cryophilia Project: https://www.zizka.ca/cryophilia

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We're thrilled to welcome Meghan J. Ward, an acclaimed outdoor, travel, and adventure writer hailing from the breathtaking landscapes of Banff, Canada (Treaty 7 territory).

As a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and the author behind "Lights to Guide Me Home," Meghan brings a wealth of experience and insight. Her diverse portfolio spans books, films, anthologies, blogs, and contributions to North America's premier outdoor, fitness, and adventure publications--and now the LTTO podcast, where she shares her captivating stories of exploration.

Meghan's Website: https://www.meghanjoyward.com

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Jennifer Williams is a community-minded and forward-thinking educator and facilitator who is committed to helping people uncover passions, build confidence, and explore what it means to be human. After spending four pivotal years teaching high school aboard a tall ship, followed by an additional five years managing educational programs for ship-based youth expeditions to the Polar regions, Jennifer has devoted herself to community and outdoor education. 

She firmly believes that learning in community in nature-based spaces provides pathways to self-discovery, interpersonal understanding, and a profound connection to the world at large. Now grounded on land (at least most of the time), Jennifer focuses on designing and hosting transformative learning experiences for both youth and adults.

Since 2022, one of her key projects has been the development of Camp WILD, a summer-camp style wellness retreat for women centered around the principles of Wonder, Ignite, Let Go, and Discover. Camp WILD is a space for women to rejuvenate, reconnect, and rediscover themselves through the power of play and community. When not working you can often find Jennifer floating in her unicorn, Peggy, outside playing in the woods, or at home baking or making soap.

About Camp WILD

Our story began in 2019, with the all too common story of burnout. Part of the burnout self-care plan for Camp WILD founder Jenn was attending a women’s camp in Portland, Oregon, which ultimately led to the birth of this WILD community. After returning home rejuvenated and inspired, Jenn kept asking herself, what becomes possible when a group of badass women gather in the woods, play and experience the power of community? Following the pandemic this question became riper than ever and in 2022 it officially began.

https://www.campwild.ca

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Dr. Daniel Scott is a Professor and Research Chair in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Waterloo (Canada). He has worked extensively on sustainable tourism for 25 years, with a focus on the transition to a low carbon tourism economy and adaptation to the complex impacts of a changing climate.

In 2021, he was ranked in the world top 300 climate change scientists by Reuters. In 2023, he was recognized as one of Canada’s top scholars when he was inducted as a Fellow the Royal Society of Canada.

He has advised a wide range of governments and tourism organizations around the world, including the United Nations World Tourism Organization, United Nations Environment Programme, World Bank, European Tourism Commission, World Travel and Tourism Council, International Olympic Committee, OECD, the Caribbean Tourism Organization. He has also been a contributor to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Third, Fourth, Fifth Assessments and their 1.5°C special report.

His tourism research publications have been downloaded over a half million times and have been featured in many leading media outlets, including The Economist, New York Times, Guardian, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, BBC, Time, Scientific American, Sports Illustrated, National Geographic and many other others.

Article: Ski resorts’ era of plentiful snow may be over due to climate crisis, study finds

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This episode is all about triathlons and learning how to get started.

Register and find out more at their website https://multisportcanada.com.

About MultiSport Canada

MultiSport Canada is an event management company that produces Triathlon, Duathlon, Running and Cycling events in Ontario. Since it's inception in 2002, the MultiSport Canada Triathlon Series has been the fastest growing Triathlon Series in North America. In 2010, MultiSport Canada became the largest 100% Canadian owned Triathlon Series in the world. MultiSport Canada also produces over forty (40) events under contract to various profit and not-for-profit corporations with a very simply philosophy; create events with superior race execution and safety standards where the customer’s experience is the top priority.

About Carolynne Simons

Carolynne joins Multisport Canada with a passion for growing the fitness community. Since 2013, you may have seen her on the race course or engaging with participants as a Triathlon Series Ambassador. She believes that customers and communications are key in her role during events and behind the scenes.

Carolynne brings 14 years of health and wellness industry experience as director of Stay Fit Plans Inc, where she partnered with reputable organizations such as Curves for Women, The Cleveland Clinic, and Novo Nordisk Canada. Her focus on building organizational wellness strategies and specialized healthcare networks helped develop her ability to connect people.

Carolynne was formerly a certified strength and conditioning specialist and NCCP coach. Her background in varsity athletics and combined studies in business operations management and health science from The University of Western Ontario fueled an entrepreneurial mindset.

About Jason Vurma

Jason combines a unique ability to see the interdependent aspects of an event and how they all need to come together. This ability, combined with his firm commitment to lead by example from the front, truly sets him apart in the world of Event Management.

After racing his first Olympic Distance Triathlon at age 16 and his first Half Ironman at age 19, Jason competed as a top age-group racer into his mid-twenties with three Ironman finishes to his credit. Jason then turned to off-road events such as Adventure Racing, 24hr Solo Mountain Biking and long-distance Cross Country Skiing.

It was during this time that Jason joined John Salt at MultiSport Canada and jumped head-first into the world of event management. Now, nearly 15 years later, John and Jason have built-up MultiSport Canada into the largest Triathlon Series in the country with a reputation for unmatched logistics while always putting their customer’s needs first.

Jason has also had the pleasure of working-on some other large-scale events acting as the: Race Director for the Joe’s Team Triathlon; Event Director for Tough Mudder (Toronto 2013); Course Director for Centurion Cycling & EGames (2013 & 2014); Course Director for the Sporting Life 10K; Course Director for the RBC Race for the Kids and, most recently, Event Director for the Highway of Heroes Ride supporting Wounded Warriors Canada. Through these experiences, Jason has come to work with some amazing colleagues, staff, suppliers and volunteers.

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Kevin Callan is the author of 18 books, including the best-selling The Happy Camper and his incredibly popular series of paddling guides. He’s a notable public speaker and frequent guest on radio and television. Kevin is also a regular contributor, blogger and columnist for explore Magazine and Paddling Magazine, and has won several National Magazine Awards. He was made Patron Paddler for Paddle Canada and has recently won several filmmaking awards. Kevin was listed one of the top 100 modern day explorers by the Canadian Geographical Society.

https://kevincallan.com

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Canadians! Use promo code #CanadaLove to get a 10% discount on your reservation at NewVida Preserve now until May 31, 2024. Must book directly through https://www.newvidapreserve.com.

Rick Vidal is the owner of NewVida Preserve, a 2000-acre resort in the Adirondack High Peaks with a rich history as a former ski mountain and only minutes to Whiteface. He also founded Cascada Farm in the Hudson Valley, a historic 400 acre farm with incredible waterfalls in its 5th year of operations with 2000+ 5-star reviews. Prior to this, Rick was a senior data scientist at Google for 10 years, tech entrepreneur, consultant and physician. He is married to Matt Vidal and they have 3 beautiful children. He and his family are passionate about bringing new life to properties with a rich history and vast natural environment, creating gathering places where both the local community and tourists can come together for diverse wellness, outdoor recreation and culinary experiences.

Cover art photo by Jamie McGiver of Due West Photos.

Check out this great article in the National Post: https://nationalpost.com/travel/hotel-intel-newvida-channels-pure-adirondack-mountain-life

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Use code outside2024 to get a $20 discount off any two day ride on the Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour at https://ottawabicycleclub.ca/rlct/.

ABOUT RIDEAU LAKES CYCLE TOUR:

The Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour (RLCT) is a two-day cycle tour organised by the Ottawa Bicycle Club that takes its riders from Ottawa (or Perth) to Kingston and back. The first tour took place in 1972, and this year it will be its 51st edition on June 8-9, 2024. On Saturday, the tour will take cyclists through the scenic countryside of the Rideau Valley passing many picturesque lakes and historic towns on the way to Kingston, where participants will spend the evening fueling and resting at Queens University before making the return trip home on Sunday. There are four routes to choose from with one-way lengths ranging from 118km to 220km. Registration is now open for 2024 and more information can be found here: https://ottawabicycleclub.ca/rlct/

ABOUT OBC:

The Ottawa Bicycle Club (OBC) has been predominant in Ottawa's cycling scene for the past 50 years. The original OBC started in 1882 and ran until the late 1920s before It was re-established as a club in 1971. Over the years, the OBC has established a broad spectrum of programs and activities and is dedicated to providing high quality recreational and competitive cycling opportunities for cyclists of all ages.

The OBC has something for everyone! Check out www.ottawabicycleclub.ca for more information on how to join the club and take part in club activities that interest you.

ABOUT CRISTINA:

Cristina Inglis is an outdoor enthusiast who has a passion for all forms of cycling - whether it be riding the tarmac, quiet gravel roads or on the mountain bike trails. She has been a member of the Ottawa Bicycle Club since 2010 and now plays an active role on its board as the communications director as well as on the Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour organization committee. Cristina participated in the RLCT in 2022 and 2023, as both a rider and a volunteer route marshal. When she's not on her bike, Cristina works as an environmental scientist for the federal government.

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