Canoeing 1,000 miles across the Barren Lands of Northern Canada - Michał Łukaszewicz and Karolina Gawonicz

The Barren Lands of Canada constitute the second largest area of uninhabited wilderness in the world. During their 60-day long unsupported canoe crossing that straddles over 1,000 miles, the team connected Great Slave Lake with rivers Lockhart, Hanbury and Thelon through a series of portages.

On top of that geographical challenge, the expedition filmed local fauna as well as their own proceedings to produce a documentary highlighting the importance of preservation of these lands in their natural state.

About the speakers

Michał is an explorer, writer and photographer with an environmental science background who has spent over two years on expeditions. His adventures include tracking snow leopards in the Himalayas, crossing Papua New Guinea's Blucher Range, and paddling remote areas of Subarctic Canada.

Building on years of experience in remote expeditions, Michał’s passion for wilderness exploration is deeply intertwined with his mission to document the world's most fragile ecosystems.

As a naturalist he focuses on shifts occurring in these pristine areas due to human-induced climate change. His adventures, such as paddling the length of the MacKenzie River, reveal his dedication to connecting with landscapes rarely seen by others.

Michał's work is a quest to tell the stories of places and species on the frontlines of environmental change. As a public speaker and writer, he shares these stories to inspire action and awareness, inviting others to reflect on humanity's impact on the planet’s last wild places.

Karolina is a yoga teacher, coach, and IT professional driven by a thirst for adventure. She has explored remote wildernesses from subarctic Canada to the jungles of New Guinea.

Her diverse passions allow her to connect deeply with both nature and people, inspiring her to share her journey with the world. Karolina’s expeditions helped her to deepen her understanding of the world and its people.

Her role as a yoga teacher and coach allows her to integrate mindfulness and personal growth into her travels, while her background in IT offers a modern perspective on problem-solving and adaptability. Karolina seeks connection, whether it’s through the natural world or the diverse individuals she meets along the way.

Her travels are not just about discovery but about fostering meaningful relationships, exchanging stories, and inspiring others to embark on their own journeys of growth and exploration.

Booking information

• Advance booking for this event is not required.

This event has been organised by the South West regional committee.

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