Ken Burton has led a fascinating life filled with travel, adventure, and exploration. Throughout his various occupations and interests, he has managed to visit many places around the globe. While he has had many experiences, the high Arctic has always been his true calling. In 2000, Burton captained the St. Roch II, retracing the voyage of the first ship to circumnavigate North America. Despite the original journey lasting two-and-a-half years, Burton’s trip only took 169 days and reached 50 ports in seven countries, reaching an audience of approximately 17 million people worldwide.
One of Burton’s Arctic expeditions had him on the hunt for the long-lost Franklin expedition ships. Although they came close to discovering them, they were unable to locate the ships until 14 years later when the Erebus was finally discovered. Throughout his career, Burton has been a captain, diver, photographer, and expedition leader. He has made connections with Arctic communities and always makes an effort to give back to them in some way, whether through economic support or donations. Burton has also worked with various organizations, including the Vancouver Maritime Museum and the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue.
Burton’s mantra of “trust the journey” has guided him through his various adventures and allowed him to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. He encourages others not to be afraid to step through the door when opportunities present themselves. By trusting the journey and being open to new experiences, Burton has been able to have a fulfilling and exciting career that has taken him from one pole to the other and many places in between. His willingness to explore and engage with different communities has enriched his experiences and allowed him to connect with people from all walks of life.
Throughout his numerous expeditions and travels, Burton has met a diverse range of people and visited many unique places. His passion for the Arctic and exploration has led him on many exciting adventures, including retracing historical voyages and searching for lost expedition ships. By sharing his experiences with others, Burton has been able to reach a wide audience and inspire others to explore the world around them. His dedication to giving back to the communities he visits and his work with various organizations demonstrate his commitment to making a positive impact wherever he goes.
Ken Burton’s career is a testimony to the power of trusting the journey and being open to new opportunities. His ability to navigate diverse environments and connect with people from different backgrounds has enriched his life and allowed him to constantly grow and learn. By following his passion for the high Arctic and exploration, Burton has been able to leave a lasting impact on the communities he has visited and inspire others to embrace adventure and discovery. His mantra serves as a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination, and by trusting in the process, great adventures and connections can be made.
