2025
Greg Horne
Ski mountaineering, canyoneering, cave exploration and high altitude climbing are only some of the methods Greg Horne has used in his exploration of the Arctic.
2024
Karsten Heuer and Leanne Allison
Heuer was a wildlife biologist, writer and conservationist before his death in 2024. Allison was recognized as an award-winning documentary filmmaker who draws inspiration from long wilderness journeys in Canada in support of conservation.
2023
Ray Zahab
Zahab is a Canadian long-distance runner and public speaker as well as our RCGS Explorer-in-Residence.
2022
John Baldwin
John Baldwin, a ski pioneer who has explored and documented the landscape of the Coast Mountains of B.C., increasing international awareness of the area through his writing.
2021
Jacqueline Windh
Jacqueline Windh, a geoscientist, athlete, photographer and author.
2020
David Jones
David Jones, mountaineer, explorer, climber, photographer, writer and mentor; for his prowess in exploration of, and education about, Canada’s mountain ranges.
2019
Dr. Charles “Chas” Yonge
Chas Yonge has made significant contributions in Canada and internationally as a climber, cave explorer, scientist, entrepreneur and author for over forty years.
2018
Chic Scott
Chic Scott is an adventurer, mentor, historian and writer, whose unwavering dedication to the pursuit, exploration, and enjoyment of mountaineering has led him to influence generations of Canadians through his work.
2017
Pat and Baiba Morrow
Mountaineers, photojournalists and filmmakers; Pat was the first climber in history to reach the Seven Summits.
Wade Davis
Anthropologist, “plant explorer” and prolific author; has studied Indigenous cultures around the globe.
2016
Richard Weber
Richard Weber is an Arctic explorer and first Canadian to reach the North Pole on foot.
2015
Jean Lemire
Jean Lemire was leader of the expeditions Arctic Mission (2002), Whale Mission (2003), Antarctic Mission (2005) and The Last Continent (2007), all four carried aboard the Sedna IV. He has over 20 years of experience in marine biology and his filmography work includes 18 films.
2014
George Hobson
George Hobson is a geophysicist and seismic explorer. In his position as Director of the Polar Continental Shelf Project, Hobson’s logistical support contributed enormously to scientific and exploratory work in Canada’s Arctic.
2013
Jill Heinerth
Jill Heinerth is a Canadian cave diver, underwater explorer, writer, photographer and film-maker.
