Edmonton Community

Meet the four Albertans set to take on Canada's Ultimate Challenge

Four Albertans will compete in Season 3 of Canada's Ultimate Challenge, the original reality competition series that transforms Canada into a giant obstacle course.

Season 3 competition begins Feb. 27

Cast gather around. Brandon on the field at Rogers Arena with a Canada's Ultimate Challenge sign behind them.
Season 3 cast pose with host Brandon Gonez at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. (Jag Photography)
Four Albertans will compete in Season 3 of Canada's Ultimate Challenge, the original reality competition series that transforms Canada into a giant obstacle course.

 

Canada's Ultimate Challenge returns to CBC and CBC Gem on Thursday, March 6 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT).

Host Brandon Gonez returns to guide audiences through another electrifying season that begins in Tofino, B.C., where players dive into the water and emerge on the beach to complete a high-flying puzzle.

It continues in Vancouver, Drumheller, Alta., Saskatoon, Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., Mont Tremblant, Que., and finally Halifax for a mind-bending finale.

Season 3's top team will win a trip to the Olympic Winter Games in Milano-Cortina, Italy, in February 2026.

Meet the Albertans:

Ashlyn Gunderson
Ashlyn flexs her biceps for the camera wearing a green tank top.
Ashlyn Gunderson appears on Season 3 of Canada's Ultimate Challenge. (Jag Photography)

Ashlyn is a podcaster, entrepreneur and mom of two from Lethbridge who believes that elite fitness and family can go hand in hand. A former fitness model and a bikini competition coach, she's used to juggling big responsibilities and thriving under pressure.
Age: 33
Hometown: Lethbridge

Santina Carlson
Santina flexes her biceps for the camera in a red tank top.
Santina Carlson appears on Season 3 of Canada's Ultimate Challenge. (Jag Photography)

Santina describes herself as an "average Joe" who thrives through grit and determination rather than raw athleticism. After raising herself since she was a teenager, Santina developed the resilience to face life's toughest challenges head-on.
Age: 31
Hometown: Edmonton

Mark Manysiak
Mark flexes his biceps for the camera in a red shirt.
Mark Manysiak appears on Season 3 of Canada's Ultimate Challenge. (Jag Photography)

Mark is a self-described Swiss Army knife of skills and positive energy. Born and raised in Alberta, he currently lives in Canmore, where he works as a solid-waste service operator — "a glorified garbage man," as he puts it.
Age: 35
Hometown: Canmore

Ene Mwadi
Ene flexes his bicep for the camera in a yellow tank top.
Ene Mwadi appears on Season 3 of Canada's Ultimate Challenge. (Jag Photography)

Ene, from Edmonton, is the oldest of nine siblings and a natural-born leader. Born in the Congo, his family fled to Zambia before settling in Canada, a journey that shaped his passion for helping others who are new to the country.
Age: 27
Hometown: Edmonton