For over 90 years, the Royal Canadian Geographical Society has been making Canada better known to Canadians and the world. We educate and inspire Canadians through a wide array of programs, including funding for expeditions and research, free classroom resources, our wildly popular giant floor maps, and Canadian Geographic magazine, which reaches millions of readers every month in print, online and through social media.
Your support is critical to helping us continue our mission, which is why we’re thrilled to announce that our 2021 virtual silent auction is now open for bids. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of taking a small-ship cruise along the central coast of British Columbia to see grizzly bears in the wild, or enjoying breathtaking views with a side of world-class service on an iconic voyage by rail through the Canadian Rockies. Or, perhaps you’d like to get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Toronto Zoo or Royal Botanical Gardens, or swap stories with a seasoned Arctic explorer and adventure writer as you hike the stunning Birdwood Traverse in Alberta’s Kananaskis Country.
And of course, our auction is timed perfectly to help you plan for the holiday season. Delight a special person in your life with a unique gift, such as a piece of original artwork, a beautiful soapstone carving or a collection of great reads.
Check out some of the amazing items up for auction below, and browse the full slate of offerings on the auction website. Bidding closes November 21, so don’t wait!
The Royal Canadian Geographical Society gratefully acknowledges the generosity of those who donated trips, experiences and items to support our fundraising efforts.
Maple Leaf Adventures Great Bear Rainforest Expedition Cruise
Rated the “Tour of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler, this boutique expedition cruise through Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest with Maple Leaf Adventures takes you deep into one of the planet’s last great wild places.
There are no roads here. Instead our weeklong odyssey explores the fjords, archipelagos and estuaries of this 6.4 million hectare region. View bears and other wildlife with our expert guides, explore the rich marine world where whales and seabirds benefit from abundant fish, and walk the ancient rainforest and beaches.
With over 25 years of trip research and operation here, our local crew and guides introduce you to the world of the Great Bear Rainforest and to life on the coast — from the guides’ knowledge of navigation and nature, to their Indigenous culture, to how to cook with local foraged food. Depending on the state of pandemic protocols in the time of this trip, we may again visit coastal Indigenous communities.
Rocky Mountaineer Rail Trip — GoldLeaf Service
Enjoy unparalleled panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies in a custom-designed, bi-level GoldLeaf coach on one of Rocky Mountaineer’s two-day rail journeys in Western Canada: First Passage to the West, between Vancouver and Banff, or Journey Through the Clouds, between Vancouver and Jasper. The journey can be taken in either direction: eastbound or westbound. This package includes interactive and captivating storytelling and personalized service from Rocky Mountaineer hosts, all-inclusive food and beverages while onboard the train, including hot gourmet breakfast and lunch options served in the elegant GoldLeaf dining room onboard the train, as well as complimentary alcoholic beverages and snacks, and overnight hotel accommodation and transfers at the end of day one in Kamloops.
Viking Ocean Voyage: Russia and the Baltic Sea
Discover Stockholm’s maze of waterways as you explore its archipelago. Marvel at St. Petersburg’s art and architecture, and enjoy more during a three-day stay. Visit the charming medieval trading ports of Tallinn and Visby, see the exquisitely beautiful Bornholm and find out why so many visitors return to the island year after year. Embrace the relaxed atmosphere of Copenhagen and experience firsthand why the Danes are considered among the world’s happiest people. This package from Viking includes a deluxe, 270-square-foot stateroom with private veranda, one complimentary shore excursion in each port of call, alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge, 24-hour room service and access to onboard spa and fitness centre.
Banff Trail Riders Sundance Lodge Explorer
Picture this: You spend an incredible day taking in rugged mountain scenery and an abundance of wildlife astride your friendly, experienced horse. Then, when the sun sets, you kick back and relax in pure backcountry comfort — cowboy style. This two-night, three-day adventure with Banff Trail Riders takes you along the glacier-fed waters of the Bow River, one of the best spots in Banff to spot elk, deer or even moose roaming along the shores. Follow the historic Erling Strom Trail, traveled by renowned explorer Erling Strom in the early 1900s, while taking in awe-inspiring views of the Sundance mountain range. At night, the cozy Sundance Lodge gives you a comfortable spot to rest your head. Snuggle by the fire, devour gourmet backcountry cuisine and swap tales about the day’s adventures with your fellow riders.
Behind the scenes at the Toronto Zoo
Enjoy a fun-filled day at the Toronto Zoo with a special view! Your package includes complimentary admission for you and one other guest, complimentary parking for one vehicle, and a one-hour, two-animal behind-the-scenes tour of the Zoo.
Guest Editor-at-Large Experience at Canadian Geographic
Get an inside look at how Canadian Geographic magazine comes together! Join Canadian Geographic’s editorial and design teams for key discussions and meetings for the production of a future issue of the magazine. Meetings will include group discussions to develop the issue lineup, determine contributors, select editorial features, select photography, review layout design, brainstorm display copy and more.
