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SUMMITS OF CANADA EXPEDITION
June, 2024 This year’s trip will be the final expedition in the quest to summit each of Canada’s provincial and territorial high-points as the team shares the journey and the experience along the way. This is also Canada’s 150th birthday (Happy Birthday Canada!!), so tune in to follow the team and enjoy the activities of an adventure learning expedition that is uniquely Canadian, eh! June & July, 2024 July & August, 2023 May, 2022 July & August, 2022 July & August, 2022 May, 2022 June 3, 2022 May 25, 2021 May, 2021 |
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How it all began … With Mount Everest next on my climbing goals, I was caught in a storm soloing Europe’s highest mountain in Russia, Mount Elbrus. Little did I know at the time that seeking shelter and comfort in a tent at 15,500 feet with a climbing team from the Ukraine, there would be a bigger mountain to climb in my future! It was here on Mount Elbrus, where 4 climbers with very little English and a passion in their eyes, did not want to hear about my adventures to Kilimanjaro in Africa or about my climb to the top of North America on Mount McKinley in Alaska. They did not ask or wonder about the beauty of South America … no, they simply wanted to hear about Canada. They listened for hours as I told them about the mountains in our Canadian Rockies, the beauty of our Maritimes, and the spectacular uniqueness of our Arctic. I described the maple trees in Central Canada changing colour in the fall and the rugged beauty of the West Coast. It was late that night, alone in my tent, and even over a period of months after that climb that I regained an appreciation of our Country. All along, I was looking outside of Canada, at the quest of climbing the ‘Seven Summits’ and Mount Everest and, in doing so, looked past the very country where I was born – Canada. There in a tent on a stormy night in Russia, the ‘Summits of Canada’ was born. On behalf of our team, sponsors, and supporters, I want to welcome you to an adventure in one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world, a place we call home and a country we call Canada. Welcome to an historic Expedition to tell Canadians and the world about Canada, “One Step at a Time.” James Coleridge |
CanaTREK, the Summits of Canada Expedition is a journey that explores Canada by looking at the people, culture, geography, climate and environment as we climb the highest points of all 13 Provinces and Territories.
This remarkable journey began as the expedition team prepared in early June, 2006 to summit Mount Columbia – the highest peak in Alberta, also the second highest peak in the Rockies. After an aborted first attempt due to the unsafe avalanche conditions brought on by unusually extended high temperatures, the team made another attempt (this time successful) in mid-August.
The next summit, the Ishpatina Ridge in Ontario, included a long canoe and portage section. Also, the team delivered their first Live Virtual Forum presentation from the summit to Schools and Science Centers across the country and around the world. This was an exciting opportunity for students and followers of the Expedition to learn from and interact with the team using the latest satellite and online video-conferencing technologies. Also, a special guest was able to take part in the event: the Ontario Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable David Ramsay.
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CanaTREK, the Summits of Canada Expedition is also a major interactive educational initiative providing a large resource of material for kids (and adults) on topics covering Health & Fitness, the Environment, Geography, Science and more. Teachers can register and gain access into this unique program to enrich the learning experience of students. Register your school today to take part and share the next adventure with your students! CanaTREK is fortunate to have a close working relationship with governments throughout Canada as we collectively work to increase awareness about Canada, our environment, health & fitness and education. With the support of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and others, we are able to bring our historic Expedition to Canadians and the world. It is with the kind support of sponsors that we are able to reach out to millions of people, hundreds of schools and corporations both in Canada and around the world. The team acknowledges our supporters who have graciously contributed to this amazing journey. As the Expedition progresses, we will require new and continued support. Shoud you or your organization be interested in a sponsorship position, or if you would like to contribute funds, technology, or manpower, please contact us here. We thank you and encourage you to explore the many resources on our site as we continue to Revolutionize Education through Technology and Adventure … “One Step At A Time”. Focusing on health & fitness, education, and our environment, CanaTREK welcomes you to an adventure of a lifetime.
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