Richard Weber

A world-renowned Arctic and polar explorer, guide, author, host and story-teller, Richard has organized and led more than 50 Arctic expeditions. Together with Josee Auclair, he operates Arctic Watch Lodge in Nunavut.

He is the only person in the world to have completed seven full North Pole expeditions, and has trekked to the North Pole more than anyone in history. A born adventurer, Richard started skiing at the age of two and competing in competitions at the age of six. He became a member of Canada’s national cross country ski team in 1977, and represented Canada in the World Championships in 1977, 1979, 1982 and 1985. He has twenty national titles, and has been the first to set foot in many polar regions, including:

• In 1986, along with teammate Brent Boddy, Richard became the first Canadian to reach the North Pole on foot.
• In 1988, he became the first person to reach the North Pole from both sides of the Arctic Ocean.
• In 1989, he became the first person to accurately stand at the Geographic North Pole (first GPS to register “90” North.)
• In 1992, with companion Dr. Mikhail (Misha) Malakhov, Richard made the first attempt to reach the North Pole with no outside help.
• In 1995, Richard and Misha’s expedition became the first unsupported expedition to the North Pole and back. The achievement has not yet been repeated.
• In 2006, with Conrad Dickinson, Richard became the first person to trek to the North Pole using snowshoes exclusively.
• In 2007, he guided two British citizens to the Geographic North Pole from Ward Hunt Island.
• In 2009, he completed an on-foot trek from Hercules Inlet on the Ronne Ice Shelf to the South Pole in a record time of 33 days, 23 hours and 30 minutes.

*In 2010, Richard completed a trek from Canada to the North Pole in a record time of 41 days.

Richard’s achievements have been recognized by UNESCO, the Soviet, Russian and Canadian governments, with the following awards and citations:

1989 UNESCO “International Fairplay Award” for participation in the Polar Bridge Expedition

1989 “Order of Friendship of Nations,” presented by the Government of the Soviet Union

1992 “Confederation Medal” from the Government of Canada, presented by then Speaker of the House of Commons, the Honourable John Fraser P.C., Q.C.

1993 “Russian Medal for Personal Courage” presented by the Government of Russia, following a declaration signed by President Yeltsin

1994 “Meritorious Service Medal” presented by the Governor General of Canada

1996 “Meritorious Service Medal” presented by the Governor General of Canada. Richard is the only person to be awarded this medal twice.

1996 “Order of Friendship of Nations” presented by the Government of Russia

Richard is also the author of two books, Polar Bridge (1989) and Polar Attack (1996)