My name is Adam and I have been leading tours for three years now. I love to travel and being a Tour Director is the perfect opportunity to do so. I think travel is the best way to learn new things, experience a wide range of cultures, and have fun! Travel has taught me so much, however there is always more to learn, and more places to visit.
Sugar Shack in Québec is super fun! Whether it's making maple syrup popsicles in snow, listening to live music, dancing, or learning about the diverse animal and plant species at the museum, Sugar Shack is a must! The Museum of History and Civilizations in Ottawa is also interesting. It showcases the rich and diverse history of Canada and the people who have called it home for thousands of years!
My favourite destination to travel to on tour is Ottawa! Did you know that Ottawa at one point was one of the most dangerous cities in North America? That was back when it was still called Bytown. Today, it is very safe and has such a rich and diverse culture!
I'm a student at Wilfrid Laurier University studying history and English. I love talking about my pet fish and other animals, as well as geography and travel. I like meeting new people and trying new things. I want to teach in the future, so teaching students about new things while on tour is something I'm passionate about. My favourite part of the job is forming connections with creative and dedicated young people, hearing their future plans and innovative ideas.
An inspiring group of students sang while we were exploring the Abraska Lafleche caves outside of Ottawa. It was the most adventurous activity I had ever participated in, and I was proud of myself for actually being able to do it. I was also so proud of all of my students for doing it, and this pride swelled when the group gave an incredible performance while in the caves.
From 1930 to 2013, there was a group of cats officially living behind Parliament Hill in a structure made for them. They were originally introduced to the area to help with rats that carried the plague.
I am a high school math and science teacher (which means I'll understand all your Snapchat memes and slang), as well as a basketball coach! I've been lucky enough to travel to almost 10 countries in my life, and I'm excited for this tour season. I studied at McMaster University in the faculty of science and did my bachelor's in education at York University in Toronto.
Looking forward to the National Art Centre! As someone who has never been artistically gifted, I'm excited to see what the world of art talent has to offer for me and the students!
My favourite fun fact is that there are lawn chairs in the colours of the French flag in front of its embassy building!
I'm currently a full-time student pursuing a bachelor's degree in English, teaching/education, and drama at the University of Toronto. I also make time for other activities like video editing, reading, writing, spoken word poetry, and other creative storytelling mediums. I've visited over 20 countries on four continents, and I look forward to exploring more of what the world has to offer. I can also yo-yo (but not very well).
Spending a long ride on the coach bus on the way into Manhattan teaching an invested group of high schoolers about space and dinosaurs. Also generally relating to a student's interests.
Central Park is featured in more film credits than any other location in the world!
Hey, I’m Alex. I’m a recent graduate of Bishop’s University in arts administration. I’m passionate about travelling and music. I have fond memories of going on a band trip in high school with Brightspark to Boston, and now I get to share that kind of cool experience with other students!
One of my highlights on tour was getting the chance to explore the Canyon Sainte-Anne, a geological phenomenon that’s about 1.2 billion years old!
Did you know that each of Montréal’s underground metro stations were designed by different architects? Each of them feature different styles and original artwork.
I studied English and French literature at York University, which is also where I'll be attending teachers' college starting this fall. I see travel as the perfect combination of learning and fun for students. My favourite experience while on tour is helping students learn new French words/expressions in real time. My second favourite is eating toast with maple butter.
Definitely meeting Bonhomme at Carnaval de Québec! Carnaval is massive and Bonhomme can be hard to find (he's busy guarding the key to the city for ten days after all) but when you do meet him, it's impossible not to smile. His joy is infectious! I met him right next to the Chateau Frontenac on a snowy day. I hope to say hello to him many more times in the future.
Toronto City Hall, built in 1965, once made a brief appearance in Star Trek (original series) because of its unique and futuristic design!
I'm currently studying psychology at Western University. I love to travel and enjoy seeing new places and experiencing new things (especially trying new food!). I'm so grateful to be a part of the Tour Director team, where I can travel and learn with students along the way.
My favourite memory on tour would be when I was travelling with a high school music group and they were performing in the Byward Market. Everyone stopped what they were doing—whether they were walking by or eating at nearby restaurants—and watched the students, amazed by their talent. People were cheering them on, clapping, and dancing along. This was a really beautiful moment that I was so lucky to experience, as it truly showed the welcoming and supportive community of Ottawa.
Did you know that Ottawa is the seventh coldest capital city in the world? I'm glad we'll be visiting in the summer!
I have been a Tour Director since 2016 and have made so many amazing memories along the way! I love watching my groups experience a city for the first time. In my home city, Montréal, I work as a French immersion elementary teacher. I'm passionate about traveling, immersing myself in new cultures and experiences, and learning new languages!
I love the WOW moment that happens every time I take a group to the Montmorency Falls. One time, I had a student draw a sketch of the falls, and I still have the masterpiece today! It was a piece of art.
Did you know that the Lachine Canal in Montréal was named because of Jacques Cartier? He was convinced that if he could have sailed just a bit further, he would have reached China (la Chine in French). I’ve lived my whole life in Montréal and only found out about this recently!
I've always had an insatiable curiosity about the world, so I majored in hospitality and tourism in college to learn the ins and outs of the industry. Now that I've been working as a Tour Director for five years, I realize how much I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for travel with others. As a Tour Director, I'm kind and helpful, taking the time to explain the history and significance of the sites we see. I want everyone who travels with me to gain new insights and perspectives and to have a renewed feeling of wonder and curiosity about the world.
There's something special about each stop on our journey, but meeting students face to face has always been the highlight of the trip for me. When we're travelling to our destination, I like providing educational games for them, since I believe it helps them learn.
Hello! My name is Anastasija Avramovic, and I’m a Tour Director with Brightspark by WorldStrides. I love to travel. Getting to see new places really helps to shift your perspectives in amazing ways. I’m originally from Chicago and came to the GTA for university. I studied at the University of Toronto with a focus on psychology. Being able to show kids what else is out there aside from their own backyard is a huge passion of mine; every child deserves to see as much of the world as they possibly can!
So far, the best attraction on tour has been the Biodome in Montréal. Check out the otters! They’re very cute and will be sure to light up your day.
Many of the houses in Montréal have stairs that lead from the ground level straight to the second floor. That’s because the city mandated a certain amount of “green space” in front of the house, which posed a problem for the bottom tenants who were trying to rent out the unit above them. So the solution was to build stairs that allowed second floor tenants to have direct access to their unit and the mandated green space out front!
I’m Ante, and this is my first year working for Brightspark. I’m an English major at McMaster University, and some of my passions include gaming, writing, working out, and most definitely traveling. I'm excited to see more of the amazing world that’s out there and make lasting memories for students and teachers alike—while also learning a thing or two along the way.
Being able to recreate an identical picture from my first Brightspark trip in grade 8, eight years ago, that can be found on my Tour Director Instagram, @td_ante. It just goes to show how time flies, things change, and the world keeps evolving.
Though many people think it mimics the CN Tower, the Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls was actually made first. Also, the concrete used to make it weighs about 48 million pounds. I know I can’t bench press that much, but I would love to see someone try!
Growing up in a small town in Ontario, I've always had a desire and passion to get out into the world and explore. I believe the best way to learn and grow as an individual is to put yourself in unfamiliar situations and travel has allowed me to do just that! My travels as a student, both local and abroad, have allowed me to develop this passion into a rewarding career—I’m ready to share it with you! I want to encourage those of all ages to get out, grow, learn, and most importantly, have fun!
The experiences with the students are always the highlight of the trip. Once, while on the way to a Québec Remparts junior hockey game, the bus turned into a concert. The “We Will Rock You”, “Thunderstruck” and all the arena rock songs started to play and never have I seen a group of students so excited for a hockey game!
Did you know Québec City is the only fortified city north of Mexico? Their walls have been standing for over 400 years and have survived battles and government changes in Québec. They're a part of the culture and historical architecture in Old Québec—giving visitors a feel of Europe here in Canada!
Hi, I’m Brea! I'm studying at the University of Toronto to complete a degree in chemistry and biology. Some of my favourite parts about traveling are being able to meet new people, being submerged into new and different cultures, and creating memories that I'll never forget.
One of my favourite places to visit in Québec City is the Dufferin Terrance. You can see across the St. Laurence River and the landscape, as well as the beautiful Château Frontenac right in front of you.
My favourite fun fact about Québec City is that we don’t really know what Samuel de Champlain looked like, so any statues or paintings of him are not accurate. Rather, we think it's the face of the painter who was made to paint him.
Hello! I am very excited for all the upcoming tours. I'm a student at U Waterloo studying museums and anthropology. I love to walk around a museum, a city, or outdoors...anywhere I get to see cool things and meet cool people!
I'll always remember when it hit me how old Québec City is—and how lucky we are to be able to explore a city that's been evolving for 400 years. And poutine…that's also a highlight.
My favourite tour fact is that no one really knows what Samuel de Champlain looks like. He was too busy crossing the ocean 19 times to sit for a painting!
Hi! I’m Charles Mercure. I was born in Toronto, but both my parents are from Québec City. I grew up speaking French and English. I am studying communications and business at Laurier. I love travelling, skiing, cooking, and, of course, eating a nice meal! This travelling season, I'm most excited about meeting new people, seeing new places, and living new experiences.
My favourite fact about Montréal: The Formula 1 Notre Dame race circuit is on a man-made island.
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I am a student journalist and recent York University alum, completing my bachelor’s degree in public administration in June 2022 with a specialization in policy analysis. I enjoy traveling and photography and have a background in dance and book writing. I've travelled to three continents and plan to visit more. My passion for travel stems from my drive to create memories of the world that we have come to appreciate more profoundly. Aside from travels and my academics, I plan to actively advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, diversity, and freedom in every capacity that I can.
Turning the grounds of Old Montréal into a photographic canvas with my training group. Not only did we all bond over the aesthetics and the atmosphere, but seeing everyone support each other during our unofficial photoshoot brought us closer as friends and as Brightspark family!
McGill University—and the city of Montréal—was used as a major filming location for the horror movie Scream 6, which has become the highest-grossing film in the entire Scream franchise. The lower campus can be spotted during the first act of the film. The housing locations in the film were also used to represent a New York City aesthetic.
Hello, I am a media communications student originally from Ecuador and currently residing in Canada. I have a passion for meeting new people, experiencing different cultures, trying new foods, and exploring new places. In my free time, I enjoy taking photographs and traveling whenever I get the chance. I believe that every travel experience is a learning opportunity and a chance to broaden one's horizons.
The travel experience in Ontario with Brightspark! While we didn't leave the country, the trip was still filled with incredible sights and rich history. We visited Ottawa and Montréal, and it was amazing to witness the historical landmarks and learn about Canada's past, which is reflected in the present. But what really made this trip special was the opportunity to share time with the students, playing games and having fun together. It's these moments of connection and learning that make travel so rewarding and fulfilling.
During a recent trip to Ottawa, my coworkers introduced me to the famous Canadian dessert called BeaverTail. I was initially hesitant to try it—just hours before, we had spotted a beaver in the park, and I couldn't help but wonder if the dessert was made from real beaver tail. I was relieved to find out that it was just a type of sugar dough!
My favourite part of being a Tour Director is travelling. It has consistently provided me with the best learning and growth opportunities, as well as connections with people around the world. Ever since I was young, I remember road trips around Canada’s East Coast and the North East USA with my family. When I was old enough to travel independently and with friends, I fell in love with exploring the world. I have an honours Bachelor of Applied Sciences, and I’m currently pursuing my Masters in Applied Disability Studies. I am passionate about disability justice and social justice, and I love making new connections and exploring, learning, and growing together!
There have been so many highlights that I can't just pick one. The two that stand out the most to me are exploring the Ice Hotel in Québec City and the Huron Village breakfast—yum!
Did you know that Harriet Tubman crossed the Niagara River when helping enslaved people escape to Canada? She also lived in St. Catherines while working as an abolitionist and helped formerly enslaved people adjust to their lives in Canada.
I've been a Tour Director since 2019, and I love it! I love travelling, working with students and teachers, and learning something new on every trip. My favourite destination is Ottawa, and after my first season touring, I knew I wanted to come back. I've now lived in Ottawa for two years, and my friends definitely don’t get annoyed by my constant sharing of facts about this city!
Karaoke on bus rides! I have a great memory of driving back to the hotel on the last night of a trip and my group serenaded me with “See You Again.”
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located in the Canadian War Museum in the Memorial Chamber. The headstone is the only item displayed in the room, and the only lighting comes from a small window. The window was placed there so that every year on November 11 (Remembrance Day) at 11 a.m., the sun shines through the window to perfectly frame the headstone.
Hello there! My name is Faith, and I'm currently a nursing student with hopes to be a registered nurse one day. When I'm not studying, I'm usually on a afternoon leisurely walk or a grand adventure! I love to travel, hence why I love this job, and my favourite place I've travelled to is the Yukon.
My favourite tour memory is doing a two-hour bike tour of Niagara-on-the-Lake with the students. It was beautiful!
Did you know the first person to survive a trip over Niagara Falls in a barrel was a 60-year-old woman named Annie Edson Taylor? She was a typical school teacher who thought her life wasn’t exciting enough. Driven to do something adventurous, she grabbed her cat, hopped in a barrel, went down the falls, and survived!
My name is Gigi, and I love to explore new places. There's something so special about learning different cultures, trying new foods, and meeting interesting people from all walks of life. Whether it’s walking through bustling cities or hiking through gorgeous parks, the thrill of adventure and discovery is what keeps me coming back for more. I have a bachelor's in physical education and will soon attend teachers college in Cardiff, Wales. Cheers to more travel!
One of my tour highlights is the ByWard Market in Ottawa. I love the sense of community, cozy atmosphere, and the yummy food!
I've been a Tour Director since 2017, and getting to take thousands of students to see new places and make new memories has been one of the highlights of my life! I’ve led tours across Canada from Vancouver to Halifax and many places in between, as well as making frequent trips to New York City. I hope to have a positive impact on every student I work with and to help them find the same joy for travel that I feel on every single trip—there's nothing like getting out on the road to give you a new outlook on life!
I've seen everything from Broadway shows to tours of hockey arenas to one-man comedy acts, but I think the local ghost tours in Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto (and more), offer the perfect combination of historical intrigue and dramatic storytelling!
Montréal is one of my favourite cities to visit—did you know that municipal regulations forbid any building from exceeding the height of Mount Royal, or 233m (764 ft) above sea level.
I absolutely love being a Tour Director as these tours take me all around North America—most recently to Washington, D.C.. Each trip is incredibly special to me because I actually participated in a Brightspark tour as a middle school student. I had so much fun that I came back as a Tour Director! The unique food, history, culture, and entertainment of various destinations make each trip a new adventure. Spending quality time with the students is by far my favourite part—watching them get excited about learning is a rewarding experience.
I loved seeing the Capital building in Washington, D.C. on a rainy night—the entire group hopped off the bus in the rain and took some photos—it was completely empty, we were the only group there! It made for great photos and even better memories!
You can visit Darth Vader at the National Cathedral! Gargoyles are sculpted into this iconic building and at the top of the northwest tower you can find a small sculpture of the famous Star Wars character himself!
I started as a Tour Director more than 20 years ago when I was in university. What started as a summer job unlocked my passion for experiential education and travel. Now a certified teacher, I've spent most of my career beyond the four walls of a traditional classroom, including teaching high school students aboard a tall ship, running youth expeditions in the Canadian Arctic, and continuing to lead tours! When I'm not working, you can typically find me outside in a forest, on a lake or river, or reading a book under a tree.
My favourite tour destination is New York City because I get to expose youth to such a busy and vibrant city, but a close second is showing them around Ottawa—the city I've called home for the past 7 years.
Hi! I'm Judith. I've lived most of my life in Nigeria, but I did spend a chunk of my childhood in Belgium and my later teen years in Canada. I've been blessed with the opportunity to visit many countries and cities over the years, so you could say travelling is in my blood! My favourite part about being in a different city, however, is meeting new people and noting how cultures differ. Aside from travelling, I enjoy singing and making clothes.
My favourite part of tours is the adventure, so my highlights would be any time I'm with a really competitive group. Tours are just the most fun when there is genuine camaraderie and lots of games!
French speech mannerisms that will make you sound like a local. For example, "oui" = yes, but "ouais" (pronounced "whey") = yeah. Also, Québécois people sometimes add "le" at the end of their sentences—kind of like how English-speaking Canadians say "ey" at the end of a sentence. Say these while in Québec, and the native French speakers will think you're one of them.
As a new Tour Director, I'm extremely excited to be on the road this season! I am from Dubai and studying business at Brock. Besides traveling, I am also interested in cooking and reading. I love trying new cuisines and visiting new places—that’s why I find this job so enjoyable.
The training trip with the other Tour Directors is a fond memory of mine. Out of all the places we visited, Old Montréal was my personal favourite. It was beautiful in the night.
For all the ice-skating fans: Did you know that every winter, the Rideau Canal turns into the Rideau Canal Skateway, a.k.a. the world’s largest skating rink?
Hi everyone, my name is Kaylee. I'm a teacher candidate at the University of Ottawa a year away from pursuing my career as an educator. I have a passion for the arts and am so excited to share my knowledge of the artistic cultures of Brightspark's tour destinations!
As an art geek, my favourite tourist destinations are the art galleries! My favourite is the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. My tour highlights are always watching students interpret and dissect the element of different artworks.
Did you know that our nation's capital plants over 1 million tulips annually? This tradition has continued since the Second World War when the Netherlands gifted 10,000 tulip bulbs post-war for our role in that country's liberation. Now, Ottawa is recognized for having the largest public tulip display in the world. So cool!
I just finished my music degree at Wilfrid Laurier University. When I'm not practicing, I'm usually reading (I'm a huge fan of classic novels). I'm extremely passionate about all things related to the arts and want to experience art and culture all over the world. I'm a huge advocate for experiential learning, and I think that immersion is one of the best ways to study! I cannot wait to share the joy of travelling with students.
My favourite memory is probably seeing one of my fellow Tour Directors try their first BeaverTail. It is truly a life-changing experience. They got a second one the very next day!
At the Biodome in Montréal, you can see all four species of penguins!
As a Brightspark Tour Director, I have the privilege of guiding students on educational and cultural journeys that not only broaden their horizons but also leave a lasting impact on their lives. Seeing their faces light up as they discover new cultures and traditions is a truly rewarding experience. Outside of work, I love immersing myself in new environments and gaining fresh perspectives through travel. When I'm not on the road, I can usually be found curled up with a good book.
Visiting the Time Out Market at the Eaton Centre in Montréal was an absolute delight. The market offers a wide variety of unique foods to try, and each restaurant specializes in a few of their best dishes. Just thinking about the dumplings at Chanthy Yen makes my mouth water!
In addition to being located outside the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, the sculpture Maman can also be found in other major cities around the world, such as Tokyo, New York, and Copenhagen.
This is my very first season as a Tour Director, and I couldn't be more excited! This fall, I will be going into my second year at McMaster University studying chemistry, so I'm a pretty big math and science nerd. Despite my degree being very science heavy, I'm actually a huge musical theatre fan and was able to participate in my old high school's music theatre program! On top of that, I also play the trumpet and enjoy singing in my free time—hoping to add playing guitar to that list soon. I love traveling and am extremely excited to get the opportunity to share that love while on tour.
My favourite place to visit in Ottawa is Sussex Drive. There are tons of incredible buildings on this street, including the Prime Minister's residence, Rideau Hall, lots of different embassy buildings, and so many more!
Did you know that the Library of Parliament is the only original part of Centre Block? The 1916 Parliament Hill fire destroyed everything except the library because, luckily, someone was able to close large iron doors in time!
I have been a Tour Director since 2019 and I’ve loved every second of it! It has given me the opportunity to travel, experience new cultures and meet new people. Being a Tour Director means I get to use my love of travelling to develop new skills and teach students and teachers alike about the destinations we visit. The best part? There is always something new to learn.
There are so many memorable moments that stand out to us as Tour Directors, but my personal favourite was when I got to meet David XII—the white Saanen goat and his companion Henrietta—at Fort Henry. David XII is one of the most important members of the guard and Fort Henry’s official mascot!
During WWII, members of the Dutch royal family took refuge in Ottawa during the German occupation of the Netherlands. After the war ended and the family returned to Europe, the Dutch sent 100,000 tulips to Canada as a thank you. Every year, Ottawa hosts a Tulip Festival to commemorate, and the flower continues to be a sign of friendship and goodwill between Canada and the Netherlands.
I joined the team as a Tour Director in 2023, and it's been a privilege to merge my love for teaching and the joys of travel into one career! I am an English and history major going into my final year and excited for teachers college following university. Being on tour immerses me in different cultures, experiences, foods, and history. However, the greatest joy of all is going on adventures with the kids and working with young minds as they embark on their new journeys.
I love visiting Montréal on tour; the area is dense with culture and history! Walking through the streets of the Old Port and sharing its history with the students is my all-time favourite.
Sieur de Maisonneuve, the monument commemorating Montréal’s founder Paul de Chomedey, depicts three prominent citizens of early Montréal. Raphaël Lambert Closse, once a soldier and the mayor of Ville-Marie, is depicted in the monument with his dog, Pilote, whose bark warned the early settlers of an impending Iroquois attack.
I’ve always been passionate about travel, as it gave me the opportunity to meet people from all around the world and explore different cultures. I’ve been an active participant in cultural events for many years as a Hungarian folk dancer and love sharing these experiences with others. I have a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and am currently a first-year master’s student at the University of Toronto studying data science. Travelling is still a big part of my personal goals. I’ve visited over 10 countries, and I’m always planning the next destination. My next adventure planned is studying abroad in Amsterdam this summer!
My favourite destinations within Montréal are visiting the Notre-Dame Basilica and exploring the Old Montréal neighbourhood!
I'm Maddy! I'm a fresh psychology graduate interested in future work with youth populations. One of my hobbies is language learning, and I'm currently learning five different languages! Travelling allows me to meet new people and take some of my language skills for a spin.
Vieux Port (the Old Port) in Montréal is a little slice of Europe in Canada! It has amazing cobblestone alleys and lots of old history in the founding of Montréal.
Montréal changed its flag in 2017 to pay homage to the Indigenous peoples and settler groups that contributed to modern-day Montréal.
I love to travel and have been touring since 2018. I’ve spent the last year living in Québec City—one of my favourite tour destinations. After a month in Guatemala, I’ve returned to Toronto where I'll be studying to become a lawyer at York University.
A highlight of mine would have to be visiting the Canyon Sainte-Anne in Québec City. The trail offers amazing views as you walk across three bridges overlooking the canyon carved into the 1.2-billion-year-old bedrock!
I’ve been a Tour Director since 2019 and I love giving students the experience to learn about new places. My favourite destination is Ottawa because of all the cool and interesting museums. I also enjoy spending time outside and exploring—whether that’s through travel or in my own backyard.
Meeting Jagmeet Singh on Parliament Hill! His niece was on our tour, so he came out to speak to the group and take some photos with us!
Ottawa wasn’t always Canada’s capital! In fact, at one point the capital moved between Québec and Toronto every four years. This wasn’t very practical however, and finally Ottawa was given the official title because it balanced English and French cultures, was easily accessible along transportation routes, and had lots of land available for parliament buildings.
I'm a linguistics major with a passion for tourism and translation. Every tour with new students is a fun experience, and that's the reason why I love Brightspark. I enjoy having the opportunity to take students to discover new attractions. It also allows me to learn from them about their hometowns.
I love seeing how students are amazed by the cave tour.
The clock on Peace Tower is 5 metres tall, and the flags in Parliament Hill change daily. You can sign up and get a used flag for free (after waiting 100-140 years!).
I’m a university student who’s always loved to travel! The highlight of my university experience was spending a semester in Germany, where I had the opportunity to travel all over Europe. It really opened my eyes to the world and is one of the reasons I decided to become a Tour Director! I have great memories of the Brightspark trip I took in middle school and now love watching students make their own.
One of my on-tour highlights is visiting sugar shacks while in Québec City! From live music during dinner to sampling maple taffy on a stick, it’s always a great experience.
Did you know that the Guinness Book of World Records named the Château Frontenac the most photographed hotel in the world?
I have been a Tour Director for three years and I have enjoyed meeting new students and teachers from across Canada. Joining the team in 2019 has been a great privilege as I recall how memorable my grade 8 trip to Ottawa was and I want to give other students that same experience. One of my favourite things about being a Tour Director is that I get to do the two things I'm most passionate about—working with young people and travelling!
While on the bus during a tour in Ottawa, we saw Justin Trudeau walking by. He ended up stopping to talk to all of us and the kids were stunned! It was a moment I will never forget.
Though it appears that Toronto is a concrete jungle, it actually has over 10 million trees. Also, Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run in Toronto!
I'm a student at the University of Western Ontario studying kinesiology and history in the hopes of becoming a teacher. I'm very interested in all kinds of sports, including figure skating and track & field. I love to travel around the world. I especially love Europe because of their vast history and beautiful architecture.
My favourite memory on tour was completing a photo challenge with my adventure group to take the most photos of moments in Ottawa. The group was so competitive that we ended up running over four kilometres to win the challenge!
My favourite fact about a part of Montréal is that the weather of the Biodome's ecosystems actually changes with the seasons.
I've been a Tour Director for one season and enjoyed every second of it! Being able to experience the sights and sounds of various cities and cultures makes every trip wonderful. I was born and raised in Toronto but recently moved to Thunder Bay, Ontario, where I just completed my first year of law school. I'm a huge sports fan—talk to me about any sport, and I'll always have something to say! Some of my favourite places I've visited in my life have been Barcelona, London, Rome, New York, and Los Angeles.
On tour in Washington, D.C., I was able to take the elevator to the top of the Washington Monument! From the top of the monument, I was able to see just about everything D.C. had to offer, including the White House, the Capitol, and the Jefferson Monument!
The city of Toronto has a much cooler sports history than most people realize. The first-ever NBA game was played in Toronto, and baseball legend Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run in Toronto way back in 1914!
I have been a Tour Director for a year, and I have loved every opportunity to travel and educate students along the way. I’ve always found that the best way to learn is with hands-on experience, which is why I love what I do! I always enjoy bringing out the fun in history and culture so that my students can see the value in learning about the world around them. That being said, it’s hard not to have fun on these tours! Between beautiful destinations, exciting activities, playing fun games on the road, and finding delicious spots to eat, I can never get enough of being on tour!
There’s something great about every location we visit on tour, but I honestly love getting to know my students. Also, I get a kick out of hosting “Name that Tune” and other trivia games while we’re travelling to our destination.
Niagara Falls generates enough hydroelectricity that it could charge 360,000,000 phones at once! Although, they don’t exclusively use that power for phones—it’s also used to power millions of homes and buildings in the Niagara region.
I’m Nya and I’m a recent History (honours) graduate from Brock University! For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, so once I got the opportunity to work as a Tour Director, it was an easy ‘yes’ for me! Since my first job at fifteen, I’ve worked with young people, but I have to say, there’s not been an experience as fun or enriching as being a Tour Director!!
One of my favourite parts of being a Tour Director has been sharing information with students and each time—even if I'm sharing the same information—there is always something different the group takes away. It’s amazing to see which parts of the story resonates the most with them.
One of my favourite facts about Québec City, outside of its rich history, is that you can tell who lived where based on the exterior of their house. If you wanted to know if the house inhabited French or English families, look at the layout of the exterior brick. Want to know which region of France the house’s design was inspired by? Just look at the colour—blue, red, or green represents the colour of their town back home.
Hey, I’m Phoebe. I’m currently studying social psychology at McMaster. I love travelling, and my favourite place that I've visited is Osaka, Japan. Aside from travelling, I also enjoy singing, reading, writing, and hanging out with my cat. Being a Tour Director is so much fun, and I can’t wait to embark on more exciting adventures!
I love visiting the cave at Arbraska Lafleche in Ottawa. It's so cool how pitch black it gets when everyone turns off their headlamp and listens to the cave. I also enjoy seeing my fellow Tour Directors and sharing stories about our trips!
The Royal Canadian Mint made solid gold tokens for the 25th anniversary of Chuck E. Cheese.
I’ve spent several years leading groups of travellers to some of the most fascinating destinations around the world. My goal is to provide a safe, enjoyable, and enriching experience to every student under my guidance. Every tour has been special to me. With different travellers and interests, it's always a new experience. Overall, as a Tour Director, I'm dedicated to delivering a unique and memorable journey that will exceed expectations and create memories to last a lifetime.
On tour in Ottawa, my students and I got the opportunity to do the bicycle tour of Ottawa. All the students had a great time as they were riding through the heart of the capital city of the country.
The Hotel de Glace in Québec is built every year using 400 tons of ice and 12,000 tons of snow. Every summer it melts away, and every winter it's rebuilt.
I am a recent grad from Brock University as I just completed a Bachelor of Arts in French Studies and Social Geography. I start teacher's college in the fall and am looking forward to starting my career as an educator! For now, I am living it up as a tour director and enjoying all that comes with each trip. I love meeting new people, seeing new sights, and learning new facts: aka everything to do with Brightspark! Being able to travel for work is a treat, but the connections I make on each trip make the experience even sweeter.
From my many visits to Quebec, I quickly became familiar with all of the lookout points in the area... like the bridge of Canyon Sainte-Anne or the balcony of Dufferin Terrance, there are so many to choose from! The landscape of this province always takes my breath away. C'est une province impressionnante!
My favourite part of Quebec is that no other province appreciates having breakfast for dinner like they do. Whether its a delicious ham & cheese crepe, or a family style meal at the Sugar Shack, tradtional Quebec dinners never dissapoint!
As a student, I went to Ottawa, Chicago, and New York on Brightspark trips. Now a Tour Director after graduating with my bachelor's in psych and neuroscience from McMaster University, I love sharing the joy of discovering a new place.
Seeing Cirque du Soleil in Montréal!
I love working with students and travelling, both of which are encompassed by tour directing! I have always wanted to be a teacher and am passionate about giving students the opportunity to have real-world experiences. Getting the opportunity to travel lets me explore new places and try new things.
I'm excited to hopefully get to visit the Biodome in Montréal and see all of the different ecosystems that it has!
The soldier who lies in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa holds dirt from every province and territory in Canada to represent the piece of home that every unidentified soldier has with them.
I am so excited to be a Brightspark Tour Director, as I love exploring new cities. As an aspiring teacher, I can't wait to work with kids and help them create lifelong memories on their trip. I also have several fond memories of my school trip with Brightspark! I’m also an avid pin collector, so I can’t wait to collect some cool pins from all of the awesome places we visit.
My favourite memory on tour so far would have to be the Canadian Nature Museum in Ottawa. I loved seeing the animal replicas in the mammal galleries and the giant ice blocks in the Arctic gallery. This travel season, I would also love to see the four ecosystems of the Biodome in Montréal.
My favourite fact is that the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa made the 25th-anniversary gold coins for Chuck E. Cheese. Also, the medals they made for one of the Canadian-held Olympics form a puzzle of sorts—if you put all of them together, they would create an image.
I have been a Tour Director since 2019. I started working here while I was in university studying education. On top of seeing how students build lifelong friendships, the things I appreciate the most about being a Tour Director is that every day is different, we do so many fun and unique activities, and I get to travel for work.
One of my all-time favourite activities on tour was the ghost hunt in Montréal. Our group went hunting for ghosts while learning about the history of the city. We all had a great time exploring while laughing—and screaming—together.
Did you know that the flag on top of the Peace Tower in Ottawa is the size of a canoe? They change it every day and you can put yourself on the waitlist to get one... you only have to wait 100 years or so!
I'm a post-secondary student who is looking at pursuing a career in teaching. I have always been passionate about educational travel and am grateful to have a job that provides me with an opportunity to do just that. I'm so excited to adventure around North America with some cool students and provide them with a graduation trip they'll remember!
I'm most excited to explore Montréal with the students. Not only is the city beautiful, but there is also so much to learn there!
Did you know the Connaught building in Ottawa got its name because once money goes in there, it can NOT come back? Just kidding! But that joke always makes me (and the students) laugh.
My name is Sarah. I joined the team in 2020 and can gladly say, it was one of the best decisions I've made as a young adult. I’m a university student who loves a great adventure, travelling, trying new things, and speaking on subjects I'm passionate about. I’m known to be an extrovert and enjoy meeting new students and teachers on each of our fun-filled tours. Something I've recently learned is that no matter where you’ve come from, commonality, compassion, and creativity can always be conjured on an educational tour!
Touring is always a great time with the students and although all experiences are beyond enjoyable, one of my favourite moments was partaking in a two-hour singalong with students while enroute to our destination. Seeing the comradery exhibited by the students was incredibly special.
Every tour destination has unique and interesting facts, however, my love for food always had me interested in the St. Lawrence Market—located in Downtown Toronto. Did you know that the St. Lawrence Market was named the World's Best Food Market by National Geographic in 2012? That is a huge title to hold and goes to show why the St. Lawrence Market has been the culinary focal point of the community since 1803.
Most of my university education was virtual due to the pandemic, and it taught me the importance of being able to apply our knowledge to the rest of the world. I recently finished my degree, where I majored in psychology and I will be continuing my education in user experience. Exploring new places is something I have always been a fan of. My goal is that every time I go to a place, I try to see something new! Usually this ends up being related to music, Formula 1, or food.
Trying maple taffy for the first time! I have a sweet tooth, so learning about the history of maple syrup and then getting to try it at the sugar shack was a combination of my favourite things: learning and sweets.
The wooden statue of St. Anne was the only part of the St. Anne Basilica that didn't burn down in the 1922 fire. The gold leaf that covered it saved it from the fire. You can still see it today at the top of the Basilica!
I have been a Tour Director since 2016 and loved every moment of it. I love experiencing new destinations, trying new things, and meeting new people. One of my favourite things about tour directing is teaching students about the cities we’re in and the life skills that come from travelling. Years later, I still remember tree trekking in Gatineau, having dinner at a live jazz restaurant in Cleveland, and seeing Come from Away on Broadway, twice! I strongly believe that travelling creates lasting experiences. In my personal travels, I am quite adventurous, and most recently, I bungee jumped off a bridge in Whistler BC.
On a tour to Ottawa, my students and I ran into the Amazing Race Canada. The production team was very friendly, they let us sit on the mat, and even took professional photos for us. It was so cool!!
Did you know that the term “The Big Apple” was used to refer to horse racing. Big Apple was used to describe big money prizes at important horse races held in the city. The term was used in a local newspaper and only much later was adopted as a city nickname.
Since 2018, I’ve been a Tour Director and my decision to join the team was and continues to be one of the best choices I’ve ever made. Every new group that I get to travel with is a unique chance to experience a destination and explore Canada’s history right where it happened. There’s no better way to learn about Canadian government than visiting the House of Commons or experiencing the Battle of the Plains of Abraham than right on the hills of Québec City. My love of travel started from a Brightspark trip in 2010 and I hope to ignite that spark for all my students today.
While on tour in Ottawa, 2022, we heard that the Prime Minister was raising the Pride Flag on Parliament Hill to kick off Pride Month. After a few small changes to the schedule, we ended up listening to speeches from Members of Parliament and the PM—he even took a selfie with the group and stayed to chat! I will never forget the faces of the students as they met these government figures—a once in a lifetime experience!
While the history of Ottawa traditionally begins with Samuel de Champlain’s arrival in the 1600’s–the nation's capital has been inhabited by Indigenous Peoples for at least 8,000 years prior to the arrival of European settlers. The name Ottawa comes from the Algonquin word “adawe”, which means “to trade”. Algonquin people continue to inhabit the land and carry on their traditions and language.
I am a psychology student with a keen interest in child psychology. I love working with children, which is why I love this job so much. I enjoy travelling to new places, learning about the history and people, and sharing my knowledge with kids so that they can love a place as much as I do.
I still remember when the kids in one of my tours cheered for me and told me they loved me after my goodbye spiel. It showed how big of an impact I made on their tour, and it warms my heart to know that they enjoyed the trip and it was a memorable experience for them.
Charles Melville Hays, who commissioned the Château Laurier, went all the way to England for furniture for the hotel. But he never made it back to Canada, as the ship he was on unfortunately encountered an iceberg. Yes, he was on the Titanic!
I am a third-year physical education student at McGill University who loves exercise and getting outside. On tour, I challenge myself and my groups to fitness challenges and encourage everyone to explore the city as much as possible. When I was younger, I travelled around Europe, which (Bright)sparked my love for travel and exploring. The best thing about travel is that there's always something new to explore and learn about. The fun never ends!
My favourite memory on tour is definitely running around downtown Ottawa and making it to 50 major landmarks in one hour. My teammates and I were absolutely wiped by the end.
Fun fact about Montréal: It's the birthplace of hockey and played a major role in developing modern football. The first indoor hockey game was played in Montréal between the McGill University Hockey Club and the Royal Victoria Skating Club. The first game of football as we know it today was played between McGill and Harvard University.
Hi everyone, I’m Ziya Zerin. I’m a second-year psychology student, and I absolutely geek out on it! I moved from Dubai and go to Brock University. I’ve loved traveling ever since I was a kid, and I can’t wait to join others in their traveling experiences.
My favourite part of the trips were all the on the road games we played with my groups. Singing with my colleagues and trying to come up with any song we could think of was fun.
Did you know that the tulips from the Ottawa Tulip Festival come from the Netherlands as a thank you to Canadian war politicians? They declared a Canadian hospital to be on Dutch soil so the princess could have her child here and the child would remain in line for the throne.
