A Quick Glance at the Life of a Modern Day Explorer 

Adam Shoalts was born in the rural south of Canada's Niagara Peninsula and grew up hunting, fishing, and learning woodscraft. His dream was to be an explorer. In 2004, that dream became a reality when Shoalts’ first noteworthy expedition occurred, which became the subject of his book Sense of Adventure. He has since continued exploring, which includes anything from searching for rare snakes to uncovering aboriginal artifacts, but especially exploring little known areas of the Canadian wilderness that have never been explored before.

In 2006, he became a columnist for the Welland Tribune. He also writes a monthly column, "Reflections of a Naturalist" for the Voice of Pelham.  Reflecting his interest in history, Shoalts worked for the Business Education Council of Niagara as an historian and penned a series of articles about Niagara's history for yourniagara.ca.

In addition to being an explorer, Shoalts is also an expert on the history of exploring. He graduated from Brock University at the top of his class with a B.A. (first-class Honours) in history and received a full scholarship to McMaster University to complete a Masters' degree in history. Shoalts has won numerous awards for his academic work and plans to eventually obtain a Ph.D. in history.  Fittingly, he specializes in the history of explorers, and the wilderness.

Shoalts is also a passionate environmentalist with a particular concern for preserving the Canadian wilderness, and is the founder and current chair of the Friends of Coyle Creek. In 2008, he was presented with the Niagara Region's Environmental Award. He is available as a guest speaker and often exhibits his documentary, Unexplored Territory.

Shoalts exploring a nameless island on the Otoskwin River in 2004, the subject of the book Sense of Adventure.

"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.