Special Guests Appearence

Dan Wong

Dan grew up in Yellowknife, where he lives today with his partner Caitlyn & cat Minou. He is grateful for true wilderness access and is a proud northerner.

Dan is an experienced guide and paddling instructor, who will always get excited to explore a new remote route by canoe and kayak.

As the owner of Jackpine Paddle, Dan dedicated his early career to public service and politics. He has a masters degree in Political Science, first ran for territorial legislature at the age of 18, and served as a Yellowknife City Councillor from 2012-2015.

Smart enough to get out of politics, Dan founded Jackpine Paddle in 2016. Since then the business has grown to the adventure of his life (and full-time preoccupation).

Dan is blessed with mixed ancestry and a forever youthful appearance. Believe it or not, he is almost 40. Life is short, go for a paddle!

Kalin Pallett

Kalin’s passion for the outdoors began as a child, but things really took off in 1991, when his oldest
friend introduced him to the magic of Ontario’s Algonquin Provincial Park. That first canoe trip sparked a commitment to spending as much time as possible outdoors that continues to this day.

An experienced paddler, Kalin is just as likely to spend the day catching eddies and surfing river waves in his whitewater solo canoe, as he is to explore by SUP or touring kayak. He’s also been known to cast a line from his fishing kayak or introduce non-paddling friends to the magic of moving water from the safety of his raft. And over 30 years later, Kalin still enjoys long canoe trips, as they’re the perfect opportunity to truly spend time in nature. Kalin actively works in Yukon’s wilderness tourism industry through his company Eddyline. He is President of the Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon (WTAY), Co-Chair of the Yukon Wild Marketing Committee and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon (TIA Yukon). Kalin is both proud of, and passionate about, his Yukon home and embraces every opportunity to promote it.

Although paddling is his primary area of expertise, Kalin enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities from cycling, to alpine and nordic skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and hiking. But he doesn’t run. For any reason.

Cara Matthews

Cara Matthew was born in British Columbia but now calls Toronto, Ontario, home. Her journey in small ship expeditions is one fueled by an unwavering passion for people, the thrill of exploration, and an unshakeable commitment to our planet’s wellbeing. Cara’s experience in the travel industry spans 16 years, with a professional voyage that began with a polar expedition company and is now the Regional Sales Director, Canada, for National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. When she’s not sharing her passion for small ship expeditions, you’ll find her making music, walking, and hiking in nature, and cherishing every moment with her Bernese Mountain dog. Fun fact – her husband proposed to her at 90 degrees north, under the midnight sun – the North Pole!

Jackie Storry

Jackie Storry is the Vice President of Business Development at Churchill Wild, with over 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry. She began her career as a server at a small local restaurant and has since managed restaurants, developed food service programs for schools, and held senior sales and business development roles with Lakeview Hotels & Resorts and Alt Hotels. Her enthusiasm, adventurous nature, and genuine love for connecting with people have helped her build strong relationships and a wide network of friends and colleagues.

Jackie has a deep love for nature and feels most at home when she’s gardening, spending time with animals, or exploring the outdoors. Whether she’s on a challenging hike or relaxing on a dock with friends, she finds joy in being surrounded by the natural world. A dedicated family woman and an avid cook, she’s known for hosting unforgettable dinners that bring people together.

Jackie is passionate about Canadian and Manitoban tourism and is always encouraging others to experience the beauty and adventures her home has to offer. When she’s not exploring locally, she’s traveling the world, discovering new cultures and experiences. Jackie’s warmth, energy, and outlook on life leave a lasting impression on everyone she meets.

Grant Breidenbach

Grant Breidenbach is a passionate outdoor enthusiast and a bear safety expert with BearVault, where his work focuses on bear research and education. His work often involves working directly with black and grizzly bears as well as other bear experts and land managers. Based in Boulder, Colorado, Grant combines his passion for wildlife with a love for outdoor adventure. He volunteers his time to lead backpacking trips for first time backpackers, and when not working with BearVault, can usually be found backpacking, climbing, backcountry skiing, or exploring the wilderness.