THE EXPEDITION
On July 1st, 2016 two young families will attempt to paddle the length of Canada’s largest and longest river, the mighty Mackenzie. Named "Deh Cho", or “Big River,” by the Dene people, the free-flowing Mackenzie stretches 1750 kilometers from Great Slave Lake to the Arctic Ocean and is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. A paddle journey down the Mackenzie would be a challenge for any explorer but for two young families with three kids in tow it promises to be an adventure of a lifetime.
WHY?Recent studies have found the average child spends 35 hours a week in front of the television or computer monitor. Less than 25% of school-aged children participate in daily physical activity.
The Paddle to the Arctic expedition will challenge this trend by allowing three youngsters to be fully immersed in a rugged wilderness experience while encouraging them to chronicle their experience through blogs, videos and photographs. The perspective of a child will be a refreshing change to the often monotone voice of adventure dialogue. |
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THE TEAM
VALLELY FAMILY |
Kevin Vallely is a writer, speaker and architect and was named one of Canada’s leading adventurers by the Globe and Mail. Kevin is a member of the Explorer’s Club, and is an Explorer's Club Flag recipient. He will act as the expedition leader.
Nicky Hastings has travelled with her husband Kevin and their two daughters to some of the remotest parts of the world. She is a project manager and researcher for the Geological Survey of Canada.and is an accomplished photographer. Their two daughters, Caitlin 12 and Arianna 10, are eager participants of the expedition and look forward to sharing their experiences through blogs and videos. |
FAVA FAMILY |
Craig Fava and Carole-Anne Yelle are both Intensive Care Medicine physicians practicing in the Vancouver region and have worked part time as physicians in Yellowknife. They will document their expedition experiences through the British Columbia Medical Journal. Their son Nathaniel is fluent in both French and English and, at the age of 9, hiked the infamous Vancouver Grouse Grind in a head-turning 45 minutes. He'll be 11 on this expedition and will be eager to test his athletic mettle against the mighty Mackenzie..
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