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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
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People File • Adventurer

Mylène Paquette

Mylène Paquette is a Quebec-based Canadian adventurer, sailor, communicator, and author best known for rowing solo across the North Atlantic in 2013.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Mylène Paquette is a Canadian adventurer and sailor from Quebec who became the first person from the Americas to row solo across the North Atlantic in 2013.

What it is

Mylène Paquette is a Quebec-based Canadian adventurer, sailor, communicator, and author. She is best known for rowing solo across the North Atlantic from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Lorient, France, covering about 5,000 km in 129 days. Her journey made her the first person from the Americas to complete that crossing alone.

Key details

Paquette departed Halifax in 2013 and arrived in Lorient after 129 days, facing storms, hurricanes, and capsizes. After the crossing, she continued as a public speaker, author, and advocate for ocean conservation and protection of the St. Lawrence River. She received honours including the Medal of Honour from the National Assembly of Quebec and the Meritorious Service Cross.

Why it matters

Paquette's solo row set a record for the Americas and brought national recognition to Canadian adventure and resilience. Her later work in environmental advocacy and public speaking extends her impact beyond sport, highlighting ocean and river conservation.

In short

  • First person from the Americas to row solo across the North Atlantic.
  • Crossed from Halifax to Lorient in 129 days over about 5,000 km.
  • Received Quebec and national honours, including the Meritorious Service Cross.
  • Advocates for ocean conservation and protection of the St. Lawrence River.
Canadian angle

She is a Canadian from Quebec whose Atlantic crossing brought national recognition and honours, including awards linked to Quebec and the Governor General.[12][14]

Quick questions

Who is Mylène Paquette?
Mylène Paquette is a Canadian adventurer, sailor, communicator, and author from Quebec, best known for rowing solo across the North Atlantic.
What did Mylène Paquette do?
She rowed solo across the North Atlantic from Halifax to Lorient and became the first person from the Americas to complete that journey alone.
How long did Mylène Paquette row across the Atlantic?
Her solo crossing took 129 days.

Sources

  1. Mylène Paquette — https://www.mylenepaquette.com/en/
    Supports: Describes her as the first person in the Americas to solo row the North Atlantic and notes her environmental and communication work.
  2. Mylène Paquette — https://www.mylenepaquette.com/en/about/
    Supports: States the 129-day, 5,000 km solo North Atlantic crossing and route context.
  3. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/montrealer-myl%C3%A8ne-paquette-finishes-solo-row-across-atlantic-1.2423327
    Supports: Reports that she finished her solo Atlantic row in 2013 and identifies her as the first North American to row solo west to east across the North Atlantic.
  4. Canadian Geographic — https://canadiangeographic.ca/articles/meet-the-rcgs-newest-explorer-in-residence-mylene-paquette/
    Supports: Provides background on her crossing, duration, route, and later conservation-related work.
  5. Canada C3 — https://canadac3.ca/en/expedition/the-people/mylene-paquette/
    Supports: Describes her as an adventurer and speaker and confirms the 129-day solo row from Canada to France.
  6. Royal Canadian Geographical Society — https://rcgs.org/programs/explorers-in-residence/mylene-paquette/
    Supports: Confirms her solo crossing, honours, and Explorer-in-Residence status.