A Glance at the Life of a Modern Day Explorer 

Called "a rare breed" and "an extraordinary young man" (Nature Niagara News, no. 294, Nov. 2010) and "a poised, well-spoken young naturalist" (The Peninsula Field Naturalist, vol. 219 Oct. 2008), Adam Shoalts grew up exploring the woods near his rural home and studying nature. His dream was to be an explorer. As a student, he worked for Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources, participating in field studies.  

In 2004, Shoalts and his friend Wes Crowe explored the remote and little known Otoskwin River. This trail-blazing adventure became the subject of his book, Sense of Adventure. He has continued exploring ever since, which includes searching for rare species of flora and fauna, uncovering artifacts and relics of the past, but especially exploring little known areas deep in the Canadian wilderness that have never been explored in modern times or even recorded history. In 2011, the Royal Canadian Geographical Society sponsored Shoalts' expedition to explore a nameless river flowing into Hudson Bay.

Shoalts has ventured into the jungles of the Amazon as part of a scientific expedition and holds a BTEC in biological survey techniques. An expert woodsman, he recently built a traditional birchbark canoe for a museum, and has worked as a guide and wilderness survival instructor.

Since 2007 Shoalts has written his "Reflections of a Naturalist" column for the Voice of Pelham, and from 2006-2008 also wrote for the Welland Tribune on nature, wilderness, and conservation issues. He is a contributer to Canadian Geographic and is the author of twenty published articles on the Niagara Peninsula's history.

Shoalts is an expert on the history of exploring. He has won awards for his historical work and research, graduated at the top of his class from Brock University with an Honours B.A. in history, and holds a Master's degree in history from McMaster University, where his paper on Canadian explorers took top honours for best essay. Fittingly, he specializes in the history of explorers and exploration, and brings his unique insights gleaned from his own experiences in the wilderness to bear on the subject.

Shoalts is a passionate environmentalist with a particular concern for preserving Canada's wild places, was the founder and chair of the Friends of Coyle Creek (2006-2009), and has been involved with various environmental organizations. In 2008, he was presented with the Niagara Region's environmental award.  He is available as a guest speaker and has been entertaining audiences with his tales of adventure and life as an explorer since 2004, including at the Ottawa Convention Centre's Green Expo and at Canada's largest magazine and book festival.

"Adam Shoalts, a talented and brilliant youth..." 
--Angus Scott, editor, The Welland Tribune, December 6, 2007.

"Your work as a columnist, chair of Friends of Coyle Creek and other endeavours continue to influence Niagara residents and have left a lasting mark on local conservation efforts."
--Tim Hudak, Member of Provincial Parliament, Niagara West-Glanbrook
August 1, 2008.

"Adam Shoalts... is an exceptionally articulate and compelling presenter. He brings a fresh perspective, solidly grounded in a rich historical context regarding the vital issues of our time: environmental conservation and ecological sustainability. What is most impressive is he backs up his words by actively working on tangible causes to make a difference...”
--Bruce Williamson
St. Catharines City Councillor
February 6, 2008. 

"(Adam Shoalts is) a poised, well-spoken young naturalist, who 'calls 'em as he sees 'em.' Not only an excellent speaker but also a person who shows talent as a writer, and a genuine interest in...nature."

---John Potter, President, Peninsula Field Naturalists Club, in The Peninsula Field Naturalist Vol. 219 October 2008.

"Adam Shoalts is an enthusiastic storyteller with a great story to tell. The audience was riveted as they were pulled into Adam's account based on his book, appropriately titled, Sense of Adventure."
--Elaine Anderson
Public Service Coordinator
Pelham Public Library
January 18, 2008.

 "A Modern Day Magellan."

Niagara This Week

September 12, 2011

"A rare breed...(and) an extradordinary young man."

Nature Niagara News

no. 294, November 2010