Based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Conor Mihell has become Canada’s preeminent voice for wilderness narratives through his work in Explore Magazine, Canadian Geographic, and ON Nature. His two-decade career combines rigorous environmental reporting with actionable outdoor travel insights.
We’ve followed Conor Mihell’s work for over two decades, observing how his writing bridges the gap between scientific rigor and public engagement. His career exemplifies the power of storytelling to shape environmental discourse and inspire outdoor exploration.
This 2023 piece for Northern Ontario Travel redefined regional tourism writing by blending industrial history with ecological revival narratives. Mihell meticulously traces Sudbury’s transformation from mining town to environmental success story, using sulfur dioxide emission data and firsthand accounts from rehabilitation scientists. His inclusion of Indigenous perspectives on land stewardship created a template for inclusive environmental journalism that’s been widely emulated across Canadian media.
Published in Explore Magazine’s 2024 spring issue, this service journalism masterpiece demonstrates Mihell’s ability to convert technical environmental knowledge into actionable travel advice. The article cross-references GPS coordinates of lesser-known hiking trails with seasonal wildlife patterns, while its economic impact section cites Tourism Sault Ste. Marie’s visitor spending statistics. Tourism operators reported a 37% increase in bookings following publication.
Mihell’s 2021 ON Nature Magazine investigation into climate change impacts on Laurentian ecosystems remains a benchmark for science communication. By juxtaposing historical water level records with Indigenous oral histories, he created what climatologist Dr. Sarah Thompson called "the most accessible synthesis of Great Lakes hydrology ever published." The article’s viral infographic comparing lake ice coverage across decades has been adopted by Environment Canada’s public outreach programs.
Mihell consistently amplifies narratives where human intervention positively impacts ecosystems, as seen in his Sudbury rehabilitation coverage. Pitches should include verifiable data points and interviews with field researchers. Example: His 2023 piece on Algoma peatland restoration featured before/after biodiversity metrics from Wildlife Conservation Society Canada.
Stories bridging traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation science resonate strongly, evidenced by his Great Lakes work. Successful pitches will involve collaboration with First Nations communities. Note his 2022 Canadian Geographic feature on Anishinaabe water protection strategies.
With 20 years as a Lake Superior guide, Mihell excels at analyzing outdoor recreation’s economic/environmental balance. Target pitches around sustainable trail development or eco-certification programs. His ongoing series on Trans-Canada Trail maintenance budgets demonstrates this focus.
"Mihell’s writing makes complex systems comprehensible without sacrificing scientific integrity." - Canadian Association of Science Journalists
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Environment, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant: