Bernard Voyer, O.C., O.Q., M.S.M.
For his trailblazing dedication to environmental protection and today’s youth
An explorer and mountaineer, Voyer has conquered such inhospitable environments as the Arctic and Antarctic, Everest and the Sahara Desert.
He is the first Canadian to reach the North Magnetic Pole on skis. Since 2001, Voyer has been part of the select group of explorers who have completed a world tour of the highest summits on all seven continents (otherwise known as the Seven Summits), as well as both the earth’s poles — a challenge he began in 1997.
A gifted communicator, Voyer travels the world to share accounts of his adventures and the awareness they have given him about the fragility of the planet’s ecosystems. He is particularly devoted to encouraging young people to reach the heights of their greatest ambitions.
Voyer was the recipient of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s Gold Medal in 2000. Two years later, Adrienne Clarkson, then governor general, recognized him as one of the 50 greatest Canadians of the previous 50 years.
Bernard Voyer addresses the Faculty of Arts and Science on Monday, November 20 at 10 a.m.
