Explore: A Canadian Geographic podcast
Episodes
Christmas at Devil’s Portage – Charles Camsell
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recalling a memorable Christmas along the trail to the Klondike in the 19th century with an annual reading of Charles Camsell’s Arctic explorations ...
The Hudson’s Bay Company charter: "Incredible and problematic"
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A look inside the Hudson’s Bay Company Royal Charter, now returning to public spotlight, and its enduring role in Canada’s colonial past and Indig...
Run Like a Girl with Catherine McKenna
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Canada’s former Environment Minister reflects on the personal challenges, political battles and moments of resilience that shaped her journey to the...
Across Quebec's Ungava Peninsula with Dave Greene
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Inspiring the next generation through education, endurance and the power of exploration
Frozen fjords and first ascents: Shira Biner’s Baffin Island odyssey
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The 2025 Nat Gillis Adventure Photography Expedition Grant recipient discusses her journey leading a groundbreaking team in Canada's North
Gales of November: John U. Bacon on the untold story of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fifty years after the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, bestselling author John U. Bacon revisits the tragedy that changed Great Lakes history
Vanished Beyond the Map: Adam Shoalts on the mystery of lost explorer Hubert Darrell
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Through extensive reporting for his new book, RCGS Explorer-in-Residence Adam Shoalts discusses the story of Hubert Darrell, the legendary Arctic expl...
The future of exploration with Richard Wiese
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From summiting Kilimanjaro 18 times to re-shaping The Explorers Club, Richard Wiese discusses inclusivity, conservation and the next era of global dis...
Water Borne: Dan Rubinstein’s 2,000-kilometre paddleboard adventure
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“On a paddleboard, you‘re vulnerable to tides and winds. You don‘t fight them—you learn to fit into natural rhythms.” Journalist and ...
Is a River Alive? with Robert Macfarlane
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The award-winning author shares his thoughts on the importance of rivers, why they deserve legal rights and the deep connection between humans and wat...
Learning from water with Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This special live episode of Explore features a thought-provoking conversation about the deep importance of our relationship with water between host D...
I Interviewed The Beaverton's Luke Gordon Field. He Replied in Headlines (Kidding! This is a fun conversation)
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Beaverton, Canada's Leading Satircal News site, is turning 15. A conversation with Editor in Chief Luke Gordon Field.
The Open Road: George Stroumboulopoulos on Music, Motorcycles, Movies and Canada
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Strombo!
Return to Ellesmere Island with Ray Zahab and Kevin Vallely
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Behind the scenes of an epic Arctic crossing as two explorers conquer the Canadian High Arctic in deep winter
Singing Back the Buffalo with Tasha Hubbard
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The award-winning filmmaker explores her new documentary and her work examining buffalo restoration, Indigenous knowledge and cultural renewal
Dam proud: How the beaver has shaped Canada's environment
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A deep dive into the world of beavers as Canada celebrates 50 years of the iconic species as the country’s national animal
Elbows Up! Hockey, politics and patriotism with Roy MacGregor
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The award-winning journalist explores the intersection of hockey, politics and patriotism, highlighting Canada's 2025 4 Nations Face-Off victory over ...
Episode 100: Diving into the Darkness with Jill Heinerth
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A breathtaking conversation with the world-renowned explorer, from the making of her award-winning documentary and diving in the Antarctic to facing l...
Exploring the depths of sperm whale communication
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Canadian whale biologist Shane Gero discusses the ambitious project attempting to communicate with sperm whales and the hope to learn more about these...
The core of the mountain with Alison Criscitiello
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Searching for clues to a changing climate on a record-breaking expedition to the top of Canada's tallest peak
Journey of resilience: Jillian Brown on water, wilderness, and healing
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The award-winning photographer and explorer highlights the importance of connecting with nature as a way to heal from PTSD, trauma and abuse
Encore Presentation: Sugarcane — the Oscar-nominated documentary of St Joseph's Mission Residential School with Julian Brave NoiseCat
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Julian Brave NoiseCat’s award-winning film Sugarcane follows a very personal investigation into abuse and missing children at St. Joseph’s Mission...
Christmas at Devil's Portage - Charles Camsell
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recalling a memorable Christmas along the trail to the Klondike in the 19th century with an annual reading of Charles Camsell’s Arctic explorations ...
Laval St. Germain’s journey to Afghanistan’s highest mountain
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The renowned Canadian adventurer immerses readers in a thought-provoking discussion about the current state of Afghanistan and his experience on Mt. N...
Running solo across Death Valley with Ray Zahab
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The acclaimed extreme adventurer recounts his gruelling solo run across one of the hottest places on earth: Death Valley, California
Manitoba's historic Dawson Trail with Pierrette Sherwood and Mimi Lamontagne
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Highlighting the new interpretive trail featuring a series of permanent art exhibits and 15 wayfinding markers showcasing traditional place names and ...
Our Green Heart - The Soul and Science of Forests with Diana Beresford-Kroeger
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The renowned botanist, biochemist and best-selling author on the wisdom of trees and her new book about the science of forests and the role trees can ...
Storm chasing with Jaclyn Whittal
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For more than a decade, meteorologist Jaclyn Whittal has been reporting on extreme weather across North America — learn about how she got into the f...
Sugarcane: the documentary of St Joseph's Mission Residential School with Julian Brave NoiseCat
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Julian Brave NoiseCat’s award-winning new film Sugarcane follows a very personal investigation into abuse and missing children at St. Joseph’s Mis...
Canoeing across the Arctic with Dave Greene
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Remote expeditions are no easy feat, especially by canoe, but this adventurer knows how to plan, execute and be prepared
Autumn paddling and northern lakes with musician Sam Polley
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Musician Sam Polley’s first canoe trip was with his dad, Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy, his mom and siblings. He doesn’t remember much about it, but he...
Paddling the Peel Watershed with Bobbi Rose Koe
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With a passion for learning and a love for teaching, the Indigenous northerner talks about her experience guiding canoe trips and paddling through lan...
A solo canoe journey across Canada with Mike Ranta
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The canoeing legend discusses his Canada-wide paddling adventures, connection with First Nations communities and a record-breaking feat
How the Quest was found
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
World-renowned shipwreck hunter David Mearns and lead researcher for the RCGS Shackleton-Quest Expedition Antoine Normandin take us behind the scenes ...
Finding Sir Ernest Shackleton's last ship with John Geiger
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The expedition leader and CEO of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society recounts the historic discovery of Quest, found hundreds of metres below the ...
How the Farmerettes helped win the Second World War with Alison Lawrence
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The actor, playwright and author discusses her upcoming play about the young women who kept Ontario's farms running during the Second World War
Gone Viking with Bill Arnott
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Bill Arnott discusses his work as a writer tracing the voyages of Vikings around the world
The new Canadian Canoe Museum with Carolyn Hyslop and Jeremy Ward
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The executive director and curator talk about canoes, kayaks and a stunning new location for The Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough, Ont.
Searching for Franklin with Ken McGoogan
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Arctic historian discusses his latest book and the famous expedition to find the elusive Northwest Passage
Polar exploration and more with geoscientist Susan R. Eaton
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Journey through the Arctic and beyond in this captivating and enlightening conversation with one of Canada’s greatest modern-day explorers
RCGS Fellow and naturalist Brian Keating on our natural world
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Journey around the planet in this Explore episode with stories and insights from one of Canada’s most well-travelled wilderness adventurers
Laval St. Germain: Mountains, oceans and the Arctic
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The RCGS Fellow and extreme adventurer talks about his epic journeys across the globe from the middle of the Atlantic Ocean to the top of Mount Everes...
Passing the Mic, Part 3 — The students of Netsilik School, Taloyoak, Nunavut
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Inuit youth from Canada’s most northerly community share their stories using their own voices and words
Passing the Mic, Part 2 — Taloyoak throat singers and hunters
14 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're back in Taloyoak, Nunavut, mainland Canada’s most northerly community, to talk with Joyce Ashevak, Martha Neeveacheak and Rog...
Passing the Mic, Part 1 — Nunavut's viral TikTok Mayor Lenny Aqigiaq Panigayak
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the first of three episodes from Taloyoak, podcast host David McGuffin speaks with Mayor Lenny Panigayak, who shares stories about embracing tradit...
The Northwest Passage: In the wake of Larsen and the St. Roch
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Veteran sailor and polar explorer Ken Burton discusses the story of RCMP’s Henry Larsen and his journey through the Arctic
Christmas at the Devil's Portage - A Canadian Geographic holiday tale
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Podcast host David McGuffin reads the story of Arctic explorer Charles Camsell, recalling a memorable Christmas along the trail to the Klondike in th...
500 Days in the Wild: Walking the Trans Canada Trail with Dianne Whelan
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The award-winning Canadian filmmaker, photographer, author and multimedia artist discusses her epic six-year journey across the world's longest hiking...
Aviqtuuq: The world's first Inuit-protected zone and conserved area with Jimmy Ullikatalik
15 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Inuit-run conservation zone is already being patrolled by locals and will provide important denning and winter habitat for Arctic mammals like pol...
Kings of their Own Ocean with Karen Pinchin
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The best-selling author and award-winning investigative journalist discusses her new book, which explores the history and complex story of the magnifi...
Polar exploring in the age of climate change with Dr. Mark Terry
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The scholar, filmmaker, author and explorer discusses his documentary work, experience in the polar regions, climate change and more
Setting the South Pole speed record with Caroline Coté
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The polar explorer and endurance athlete discusses what kept her going during her record-breaking expedition, challenges she faced, and her favourite ...
Jeannie Ehaloak: An Inuit survivor of Residential Schools
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The former Mayor of Cambridge Bay and Canadian politician speaks about her experience being taken away from her home at four years old and the impact ...
Joanie and Gary McGuffin, Canada’s First Couple of canoeing
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're thrilled that Gary and Joanie McGuffin are joining us for this last episode of our 2023 Summer Canoe series. Be sure to check out the previous t...
Adam Shoalts on his epic canoe journey from Lake Erie to the Arctic
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Westaway Explorer-in-Residence discusses his newest book "Where the Falcon Flies: A 3,400 Kilometre Odyssey From My Doorstep to the Arctic" and mo...
A canoe conversation with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Podcast host David McGuffin sits down with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss his passion and history with canoeing, including childhood trips a...
James Cameron and Joe MacInnis on exploring the ocean and the magic of mentoring
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The lifelong friends sat down for a fireside chat at the RCGS headquarters to discuss exploration, how the two undersea explorers met and more
Photographing Vancouver Island with Ryan Tidman
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Breaking into the business of wildlife photography is no easy task, but Ryan Tidman has experienced great success through his work photographing Vanco...
Arctic Awe with Pascale Marceau
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The accomplished winter and cold weather explorer discusses her latest High Arctic expedition covering 650 kilometres in seven weeks
Diving Newfoundland's World War Two wrecks with Jill Heinerth
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
RCGS Explorer-in-Residence Jill Heinerth discusses the discovery of a Second World War-era bomber 50 metres below the surface in Gander Lake, Newfound...
Ray Zahab - Pushing the limits
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Canadian adventurer discusses his experience battling cancer and traversing across the Paalik Valley in February
Inside Canada's most active volcano with Christian Stenner
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Take a step inside Mount Meager to learn all about this volcano that last erupted 2400 years ago, plus testing space probes that could be used in the ...
Explorer-in-Residence George Kourounis - On top of icebergs and into volcanoes
12 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Set off on some incredible adventures with George Kourounis as we explore icebergs in the North Atlantic, Africa's most active volcano and more
Crossing Africa on foot with Mario Rigby
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
“If you want to understand what it means to be fully human, go to Africa.” Mario Rigby’s claim to fame is an impressive one. The RCGS Fel...
Passing the Mic, Part 3 — A foot in two worlds
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Inuit Knowledge Keeper George Angohiatok explores stories from his unique childhood and shares his life mission of teaching the skills and traditions ...
Passing the Mic, Part 2 — The goose hunt with Tyler Agligoetok and Sinclair Lyall
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Students Tyler Agligoetok and Sinclair Lyall from the Canadian Geographic Podcast Worksop discuss favourite hunting memories and time spent on the tun...
Passing the Mic, Part 1 — the Canadian High Arctic Research Station
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join podcast host David McGuffin in the first of three episodes exploring the Inuit Community of Cambridge Bay, Nunavut and the new Canadian High Arct...
The Boreal, Biodiversity and Indigenous Guardians with Valérie Courtois
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Director of the Indigenous Leadership Initiative discusses COP15, the importance of the boreal forest and the vital role of Indigenous-led conserv...
The Bay of Fundy: Sea and skies
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hop aboard the Polar Prince with David McGuffin as he sails Atlantic Canada's Bay of Fundy with the scientists, students and researchers that make up ...
Fundy Salmon - Back from the Brink
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
John Robinson of Parks Canada talks about the work being done to help bring back Fundy Atlantic salmon populations from the brink of extinction
What Does the Ocean Mean to You? Geoff Green - Students on Ice
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join Students on Ice President Geoff Green aboard the Polar Prince as he discusses his experience as an expedition leader and how he built Students on...
The hidden kingdom of fungi - An autumn mushroom walk with Keith Seifert
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join fungi expert Keith Seifert and podcast host David McGuffin on an educational mushroom and fungi walk through Ottawa's Gatineau Hills
Kimberly Murray - Honour and justice for the missing children
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As Canada’s first Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children, Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with former Residential Schools...
The Greatest Comeback - Remembering the '72 Summit Series
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Best-selling author and American journalist, John U. Bacon discusses the 1972 Summit Series and how Team Canada radically changed the game
The expulsion of Ugandan Asians and their new life in Canada - Senator Mobina Jaffer
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Senator Mobina Jaffer discusses the lead-up to the expulsion, the difficulties and benefits of starting a new life in Canada and the important lessons...
Michelle Valberg on the Magic of Photographing Canada's North
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Award-winning Canadian wildlife photographer, Michelle Valberg joins the podcast to discuss her new appointment to the Order of Canada, philanthropic ...
Roy MacGregor - No Canoe, No Canada
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Award-winning journalist and best-selling author, Roy MacGregor discusses the history of the canoe and how it continues to capture the imaginations of...
Wally Schaber and the Last of the Wild Rivers
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Canoeing legend Wally Schaber talks about his lifelong love of the Dumoine River, the last of the wild rivers in the Ottawa river watershed
Training Lunar Explorers in Labrador
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As NASA and the world’s space agencies prepare to return to the moon, geologist Dr. Gordon "Oz" Osinsky helps train potential lunar explorers in rem...
Connie Walker - Surviving St Michael's
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Connie Walker discusses her late father’s experience of abuse as a First Nations child at St Michael's Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan
Sunniva Sorby’s Arctic isolation
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
During the pandemic, it’s safe to say most of us spent some time self-isolating, but not quite in the way our guest today did. Polar explorer and...
How South Sudanese child soldiers found a new life in Alberta
17 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is about the incredible journey of a group of new Canadians. Former child soldiers who fought in Sudan during Africa's bloodiest civil wa...
Exploring Canada’s deepest cave with Christian Stenner
04 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I'm thrilled to have Christian Stenner, one of Canada’s leading cave explorers and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, as our guest...
Crossing Ellesmere Island with Ray Zahab
20 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We’re thrilled to have Ray Zahab back on the podcast. He was our very first guest back in 2019. Give that one a listen if you want a great overview ...
Leroy and Leroy: There’s always something to do
05 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When Moose Jaw, Sask. comedy duo “Leroy and Leroy” began posting their short video hot-takes on Instagram and TikTok in 2021, their hope was to ge...
Jill Heinerth on spending the pandemic underwater
22 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s always fun when one of our RCGS Explorers-in-Residence comes on the podcast; they’re always up to the most fascinating things. That’s espec...
Severn Cullis-Suzuki on a path forward for the environment
08 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Severn Cullis-Suzuki, the new Executive Director of the David Suzuki Foundation, has been an environmental activist for almost as long as she can reme...
Lisa Koperqualuk on fighting for an Arctic future
22 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
“To protect the Arctic is to protect the rest of the world.” So says Lisa Koperqualuk, Vice-President of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, in ...
Charlie Angus on Cobalt and the legacy of a mining boom
08 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Musician and politician Charlie Angus is our guest this episode, talking about his new book, Cobalt: Cradle of the Demon Metals, Birth of a Mining Sup...
Perry Bellegarde on reconnecting with language and ceremony
25 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We’re thrilled to have Perry Bellegarde on the podcast, the new Honorary President of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society You likely also kn...
Dave Bidini on the West End Phoenix and reviving local news
11 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s hard to think of a person who has written with more passion about Canada, and in as many different mediums, as Dave Bidini. You might know him ...
Daniel Pauly on preventing the end of fish
28 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re lucky to be talking to Dr. Daniel Pauly, professor of marine biology at the University of British Columbia, the leading expert on the de...
Catherine McKenna on being a woman in politics
14 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With this December marking the 100th anniversary of Agnes Macphail becoming the first woman elected to the Canadian Parliament, Explore welcomes one o...
Emily Choy on climate change in the Arctic
30 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We're thrilled to welcome Emily Choy, the newest RCGS Explorer-in-Residence, to the Explore Podcast. Based out of McGill University, Emily is an award...
A journey to Africadia with George Elliott Clarke
16 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Viola Desmond was arrested 75 years ago this month for refusing to leave her seat in the “whites only” section of a movie theatre in New Glasgow, ...
Harvey Locke on COP26 and why “nature needs half”
02 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The UN Climate Change Summit in Glasgow is being described as a critical moment in human history, as our ability to reverse global warming reaches a p...
What we learn from birds with Patrick Nadeau
19 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's bird migration season. Geese are flying south, loons making their last mournful cries on northern lakes and bird feeders are getting set up in ba...
Spooky storytime with Adam Shoalts
05 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
October ... The nights grow longer and darker. It's time for Hallowe'en, time to gather around fires and tell ghost stories. And that is exactly what ...
How Marie Wilson will mark the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
21 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
September 30, 2021 marks the first ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. It's a federal statutory holiday, a time to reflect about...
Chris Hadfield’s Space Race thriller
07 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Commander Chris Hadfield is arguably Canada’s most famous astronaut. There was even a time, during his 2013 mission aboard the International Space S...