We're now just one week away from the 3rd Annual RCGS Polar Plunge in support of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and the Canadian Geographic Explore Podcast, and we need your help to reach our fundraising goal.

At Canadian Geographic, we strive to make our work a springboard for thought and discussion about this country — its past, present, and possible futures — and help our audience make sense of the most complex challenges we face today. 

The Explore Podcast expands on this critical work in audio format, bringing fascinating untold stories to life in an intimate and accessible way. Our format of smart, thoughtful long-form interviews gives our guests the space needed to tell important stories.

Since Explore launched five years ago, host David McGuffin has produced more than 75 episodes, featuring notable guests such as Canadian Space Agency astronaut Chris Hadfield, explorer and bestselling author Adam Shoalts, journalist Roy MacGregor and Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner Marie Wilson. We’ve traveled to the Canadian High Arctic Research Station in Nunavut, talked with scientists studying climate change on an icebreaker along Canada’s Atlantic coast, explored the hidden world of fungi and ventured inside one of Canada’s only active volcanoes. Our hope with each episode is that listeners will learn something new about Canada and be inspired to undertake explorations of their own.

This year, I am once again going to “Be Bold and Go Cold” and jump into the icy waters of Meech Lake in support of the Explore podcast and all of the other quality made-in-Canada storytelling that takes place under the Canadian Geographic banner. Take a look at last year’s plunge:

With your help, we can continue to share impactful, engaging stories that build understanding. And every dollar that we raise together through the 2024 Polar Plunge will get us closer to achieving our goal!

Anyone who donates $100 or more to one of our plungers will receive a limited edition RCGS toque. And if you donate $1,000 or more, not only will you received a personalized shoutout on an upcoming episode of Explore, but you will also have your name featured in an issue of Canadian Geographic as a supporter. And, you can have an Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada donated to a person or school of your choice.

I hope you’ll consider supporting the Polar Plunge this year!

With thanks, 

Alexandra Pope

Editor-in-Chief,
Canadian Geographic