Mattawa River Writer's Festival
6th Annual Earth Day Book Talk
April 21-23, 2023
with Adam Shoalts
SPONSORED BY LEFEBVRE’S SOURCE FOR ADVENTURE
Stay for the Weekend Package for the ultimate experience! Accommodations, meals and additional programs!
6th Annual Earth Day Book Talk
April 21-23, 2023
with Adam Shoalts
SPONSORED BY LEFEBVRE’S SOURCE FOR ADVENTURE
Stay for the Weekend Package for the ultimate experience! Accommodations, meals and additional programs!
Declared one of the “greatest living explorers” by Canadian Geographic, and named “Canada’s Indiana Jones” by the Toronto Star, Adam Shoalts is a professional adventurer and the author of four national bestselling books.
His career has included mapping rivers, leading expeditions sponsored by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and Mountain Equipment Co-op, archaeological digs, tracking endangered species, and completing a nearly 4,000 km solo journey across Canada’s Arctic. On his expeditions he sometimes goes months without seeing another person. In 2022, he canoed and hiked from southern Canada to the Arctic.
Shoalts grew up with a forest on his doorstep, where his father, a woodworker, taught him about trees. Together, they built birch bark canoes, paddles, and anything else that could be crafted from the forest.
Shoalts has written about edible mushrooms, deforestation, and watershed pollution in northern Canada. His writing career began with his “Reflections of a Naturalist” column on wild animals and conservation issues, which later led to his #1 national best-sellers Alone Against the North and Beyond the Trees, the award-winning story of his adventures.
Shoalts graduated from Brock University, where he was named top student in the Humanities, and then completed a Master’s degree and PhD at McMaster University, where his research combined an interest in nature, history, archaeology, and geography. He has since done archaeology in four countries.
Shoalts is a frequent guest on television, and his work has been featured in media around the world, including the BBC, CNN, CTV, CBC, Reader’s Digest, the Washington Post, The Guardian and many others. In 2016, Shoalts was named a national champion of the Trans-Canada Trail and in 2018 Explorer-in-Residence of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. In 2021, he was asked by the Writers’ Trust of Canada to serve as a judge for Canada’s largest nonfiction book award, the Weston Prize. In 2022 he was presented with the Louie Kamookak Medal, named for the famed Inuit oral historian, for his work “making Canada better known to Canadians and the world” by Chief Perry Bellegarde, former National Chief of Assembly of First Nations and President of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.
Shoalts has a particular concern for preserving wild places and has been involved with many conservation organizations. In 2008, he received the Niagara Region’s environmental award for his work preserving local watersheds. When not on expeditions, Shoalts is a popular guest speaker.
Declared one of the “greatest living explorers” by Canadian Geographic, and named “Canada’s Indiana Jones” by the Toronto Star, Adam Shoalts is a professional adventurer and the author of four national bestselling books.
His career has included mapping rivers, leading expeditions sponsored by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and Mountain Equipment Co-op, archaeological digs, tracking endangered species, and completing a nearly 4,000 km solo journey across Canada’s Arctic. On his expeditions he sometimes goes months without seeing another person. In 2022, he canoed and hiked from southern Canada to the Arctic.
Shoalts grew up with a forest on his doorstep, where his father, a woodworker, taught him about trees. Together, they built birch bark canoes, paddles, and anything else that could be crafted from the forest.
Shoalts has written about edible mushrooms, deforestation, and watershed pollution in northern Canada. His writing career began with his “Reflections of a Naturalist” column on wild animals and conservation issues, which later led to his #1 national best-sellers Alone Against the North and Beyond the Trees, the award-winning story of his adventures.
Shoalts graduated from Brock University, where he was named top student in the Humanities, and then completed a Master’s degree and PhD at McMaster University, where his research combined an interest in nature, history, archaeology, and geography. He has since done archaeology in four countries.
Shoalts is a frequent guest on television, and his work has been featured in media around the world, including the BBC, CNN, CTV, CBC, Reader’s Digest, the Washington Post, The Guardian and many others. In 2016, Shoalts was named a national champion of the Trans-Canada Trail and in 2018 Explorer-in-Residence of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. In 2021, he was asked by the Writers’ Trust of Canada to serve as a judge for Canada’s largest nonfiction book award, the Weston Prize. In 2022 he was presented with the Louie Kamookak Medal, named for the famed Inuit oral historian, for his work “making Canada better known to Canadians and the world” by Chief Perry Bellegarde, former National Chief of Assembly of First Nations and President of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.
Shoalts has a particular concern for preserving wild places and has been involved with many conservation organizations. In 2008, he received the Niagara Region’s environmental award for his work preserving local watersheds. When not on expeditions, Shoalts is a popular guest speaker.
Books
The True History of a Wilderness Legend. Brand new spellbinding adventure! The story of Adam’s expedition deep into the Labrador mountains to investigate a spooky old legend and solve a historic mystery about strange tracks in the woods. This is a book for anyone who likes adventure, mystery, and the great outdoors.
Reviews:
“A fantastic, fun and chilling tale.” —Canadian Geographic
“Modern-day explorer Adam Shoalts reminds us that our world is full of mystery, possibility and awe.” —CBC
“It is a spooky read, and after finishing it you might want to take a few days off before heading back into the wilderness.…a page turner for sure.” —Explore Magazine
- Named “One of the Best Books of the Year” by Chapters/Indigo
- CBC Recommended Reads List 2021
- Globe and Mail “Most Anticipated Books” List
- National Bestseller, #1 Amazon Bestseller, Globe and Mail Bestseller
- Voted Indigo’s “Staff Pick of the Month” for November 2021
- Canadian Living Books List, Mental Floss’s “Recommended Reads” List
A Journey Alone Across Canada’s Arctic.
Destined to become an adventure classic, Beyond the Trees is the story of Adam’s harrowing, nearly 4,000 kilometre canoe journey across Canada’s arctic in 2017…alone. A journey spanning nearly 4 months, the book tells the tale of weaving through ice floes, facing down snarling bears and galloping musk-ox, and paddling under the midnight sun in a land as old as time. But also why we urgently need to save vast wild places while it’s still possible.
- Named “One of the Best Books of the Year” by Indigo/Chapters/Coles
- Named “One of the Year’s Most Anticipated Books” by CBC
- National Best-Seller, #1 Bestseller on Amazon, Globe and Mail Bestseller
- Recommended by CBC Canada Reads 2021 and BuzzFeed Summer Reads
- CNN Best Canadian Books List
Reviews:
“Beyond the Trees is a remarkable tale—and a staggering feat… It’s mesmerizing to be guided through Canada’s wilderness through Shoalts’ eyes…Shoalts also wields a wicked wit.” —Atlantic Books
“Explorer Adam Shoalts’s remarkable solo foray…is the kind of incredible effort that fosters legends.” ——The Winnipeg Free Press
“Explorer Adam Shoalts’s monumental 4,000-kilometre journey
calls to mind the likes of Vilhjalmur Stefansson and Joseph Tyrrell.”-—Canadian Geographic
“Engaging”—Nature
“Adam Shoalts [has] finished an incredible journey through Canada’s Arctic.”–Global News
The Epic, Untold Story of Canada’s Maps. 10 Maps is not your grade school history; this is the violent, sweeping, spectacular history of Canada as told through 10 historic maps. From the Vikings to the battlefields of 1812, the explorers and First Nations, Shoalts’ book is Game of Thrones meets Canadian history all rolled into one epic saga. The book is a must-read for anyone who thinks Canadian history is dull!
- Winner of the Louise de Kiriline Lawrence Award for northern literature.
- Short-listed for the Edna Staebler Award
- Long-listed for the RBC Taylor Prize
- CBC “Must-Read” Books of the Year List
- Named to The Hill Times’ Top Book of the Year List
- 10 Consecutive weeks on the National Bestseller List
- #1 bestseller on Amazon, Globe and Mail bestseller
Reviews:
“Shoalts analyzes early maps in order to paint a picture of the land that would become a nation, bringing its earliest stories, voices, and battles to life. Combining geography, cartography, history and anthropology, Shoalts leaves no stone unturned.” -–CBC
“If you like maps, you’ll like this book; if you like both maps and crisply recounted Canadian history, you’ll love it. Shoalts…takes you inside their heads as they face fear, doubt and despair in tandem with cold, starvation and rebellious wanting-to-turn-back companions ….Canadian history writ well.” —Winnipeg Free Press
“One fine book perfectly written for the armchair adventurer.” —Postmedia
An Expedition into the Unknown. The story of Adam’s incredible adventures alone to some of the world’s last unexplored places. Alone Against the North was a #1 national best-seller in Canada for non-fiction.
- Winner of the Louise de Kiriline Lawrence Award for northern literature.
- Winner of the Speaker’s Book Award, for best book by an author under 30.
- #1 Bestseller on Amazon, #1 Globe and Mail Bestseller
“Adam Shoalts, 21st century explorer, calmly describes the things he has endured that would drive most people to despair, or even madness…Rare insight into the heart and mind of an explorer, and the insatiable hunger for the unknown that both inspires and drives one to the edge.” —-Col. Chris Hadfield, astronaut, International Space Station commander
“Doing things the easy way has never been my style. There is no adventure in that! In Alone Against the North, Adam Shoalts does nothing the easy way. He travels to places no one has ever seen before and as a result comes back with an amazing story. As gripping to read as it must’ve been exciting to live!” —-Les Stroud, Survivorman
“Adam Shoalts is Canada’s Indiana Jones—portaging in the north, dodging scary rapids, plunging into darkness, and surviving to tell the tale.” —–The Toronto Star
Books
The True History of a Wilderness Legend. Brand new spellbinding adventure! The story of Adam’s expedition deep into the Labrador mountains to investigate a spooky old legend and solve a historic mystery about strange tracks in the woods. This is a book for anyone who likes adventure, mystery, and the great outdoors.
A Journey Alone Across Canada’s Arctic.
Destined to become an adventure classic, Beyond the Trees is the story of Adam’s harrowing, nearly 4,000 kilometre canoe journey across Canada’s arctic in 2017…alone. A journey spanning nearly 4 months, the book tells the tale of weaving through ice floes, facing down snarling bears and galloping musk-ox, and paddling under the midnight sun in a land as old as time. But also why we urgently need to save vast wild places while it’s still possible.
The Epic, Untold Story of Canada’s Maps. 10 Maps is not your grade school history; this is the violent, sweeping, spectacular history of Canada as told through 10 historic maps. From the Vikings to the battlefields of 1812, the explorers and First Nations, Shoalts’ book is Game of Thrones meets Canadian history all rolled into one epic saga. The book is a must-read for anyone who thinks Canadian history is dull!
Book Talk Event
- Saturday Cocktails, Dinner and Book talk with Adam (4 to 9pm)
- Purchase a table:
- $500* for a table of 4 (discounted to $125/per person)
- $600* for a table of 6 (discounted to $100/per person)
- CHARITABLE TAX RECEIPT FOR FULL AMOUNT PROVIDED.
- *plus HST
FULL Weekend
BEST VALUE- Single occupancy
- Additional participants to package $200* each (max 3 extra)
- Friday and Saturday night private accommodations
- Saturday Breakfast & Lunch/Sunday Brunch
- Saturday Book Talk Ticket (incl. dinner)
- Friday/Saturday special programs (see schedule below)
- CHARITABLE TAX RECEIPT FOR FULL AMOUNT WILL BE PROVIDED
- *plus HST
FULL Weekend
BEST VALUE- Single occupancy
- Additional participants to package $200* each (max 3 extra)
- Friday and Saturday night private accommodations
- Saturday Breakfast & Lunch/Sunday Brunch
- Saturday Book Talk Ticket (incl. dinner)
- Friday/Saturday special programs (see schedule below)
- CHARITABLE TAX RECEIPT FOR FULL AMOUNT WILL BE PROVIDED
- *plus HST
Book Talk Event
- Saturday Cocktails, Dinner and Book talk with Adam (4 to 9pm)
- Purchase a table:
- $500* for a table of 4 (discounted to $125/per person)
- $600* for a table of 6 (discounted to $100/per person)
- CHARITABLE TAX RECEIPT FOR FULL AMOUNT PROVIDED.
- *plus HST
Weekend Package Schedule
Weekend Package Schedule
Laura Kielpinski
Laura works full time as the Director of Education and Operations at the Canadian Ecology Centre (CEC). She has recently completed her training as a certified Forest Therapy Guide with ANFT (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy) and looks forward to sharing this practice with guests as the CEC.
Laura is also a qualified OCT teacher, GPS Instructor and Instructor Trainer for the National Green Check GPS Certification program, Instructor for the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s “Project Wild” and “Below Zero” programs. She holds an honours degree in Physical and Health Education (specializing in Outdoor Adventure Leadership) and a diploma in Environmental Science from Laurentian University, as well as her Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University in Outdoor Experiential Education. Laura holds certifications in Standard First Aid and CPR, Wilderness First Aid (80 hour WFR), ORKCA (canoe training) as well as risk management and safety planning. Her passions and interests include sharing her love of the natural world with all those around her and helping others to find comfort and enjoyment from spending time in the outdoors. She enjoys being active in a variety of outdoor activities (mountain biking, running, canoeing, hiking, and cross country skiing) with her friends, family and two children.
Backroads Bill
Bill Steer a.k.a. “Back Roads Bill” is the General Manager and the “originator” of the Canadian Ecology Centre. He holds degrees and diplomas from Laurentian University, Nipissing College, McMaster University and Durham College. Most of his work experience is within the field of environmental education and special education with the Near North District School Board and the Simcoe County Board of Education. He is also the Director of the National Green Check GPS Certification Program (www.greencheckgps.ca), which administers three levels of geomatics certification.
Bill also has a variety of research interests. He studies “lost person” behaviour and spatial awareness as it pertains to human behaviour in the outdoors, and has worked with Dr. John and Mary Theberge on wolf research in Algonquin Park. He has also authored a variety of natural and cultural books and thematic maps.
He is a Trustee with the Near North District School Board. He teaches senior geography for Nipissing University’s Faculty of Education. Additionally, he teaches a geomatics (GIS/GPS/imagery) course within the Environmental Technician Program at Canadore College.