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, and 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 studying Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology at the University of Guelph. I like photography, frisbee, and desserts, so if anyone needs a recommendation for sweets, just let me know! I do my best to make my tours fun for everyone by anticipating what activities are on the schedule, hope to see you on my tours!
I look forward to any dynamic activity. I'm especially fond of anything sports-related, on my recent tour we did the Rideau Canal bike tour and it was so peaceful biking along the canal with the flowers in the springtime.
It was believed that at least 1000 ships sank in the St. Lawrence River over the past hundred years, but historians and experts have contradicted this believe and are proving the number to be anywhere from 2000 to 10 000 shipwrecks.
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!
Hello there! To me, travelling is a privilege that opens us up to learning, connection, and inspiration. When I’m not out sharing stories from the brilliant places you’ll see on tour with me, you’ll find me crocheting, reading, brushing up on my French, or finding a new hobby to obsess over!
A highlight would be walking through Québec City, which will always make you feel like you’re in Europe without even leaving Canada. The Château Frontenac is my favourite.
One of my absolute favourite facts about Montréal is that 1% of the construction budget for public buildings must be dedicated towards public art. That is definitely the main contributor to making it a beautiful city full of art.
I’m Ante, and this is my second 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 travelling. 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!
I'm in my second year of Teachers College specializing in Music and Social Sciences Education. I'm passionate about Music History, Anthropology, Psychology, and the intersections of art and social justice. If you're also curious about the weird and wonderful world we live in, we're going to have a great time!
The Reconciling History Walking Tour—there’s so much to learn!
The name "Ottawa" is derived from the Algonquin term "Adawe" which means "to trade."
My name is Chloé! I am currently studying biology and marketing at the University of Guelph, and I love it. Being a tour director is the best way to travel while meeting new people; two things I love! I grew up in Toronto speaking both French and English. I enjoy reading and playing the guitar during my free time. I am also very interested in sports, more specifically skiing and volleyball. I am excited to explore more of the world and to make great memories while doing so!
Going to the biosphere and going through all the different ecosystems will ALWAYS be a really cool experience for me.
Did you know Montréal is the tango capital of North America? Montréal holds the highest number of tango dance halls and dancers on the continent!
I'm a laid back and open-minded person! I'm very passionate so I have countless interests but two of my biggest ones are definitely music and video games. I have traveled to Quebec in the past and I'm excited to visit again! Other places I've been to include the USA, Ghana, Jamaica and Cuba.
One of my favorite places to visit on tour is Parliament Hill. The building is so grand and the scenery around it is so beautiful.
Fort Henry has a mascot named David the goat! He is an active and essential member of the fort.
I've been a tour director for a little over a year. I'm currently a student at York University studying film production. When I travel, I am the kind of person who wants to visit as many places as possible and learn as much as I can about the destination so this job is right up my alley. I'm looking forward to sharing my favourite fun facts and experiencing everything the world has to offer. When I'm not travelling or catching up on the latest TV shows, I'm reading or working on my latest embroidery or crochet project.
Watching the students participate in a Broadway Rehearsal Workshop in NY, and hearing the non-theatre students mention they would consider participating in the school musical the following year. Watching students discover new interests will always be a highlight!
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, located at the Lincoln Centre Plaza, holds one of the world`s largest archival collections on music, dance, theatre, and film, including live recordings of ALL Broadway and Off-Broadway productions performed in NYC that anyone from the public can watch within the library upon request! Imagine all the pro-shots! I love to travel and share my favourite places with people who haven’t visited them yet- I also love to read, plan trips and ride my bike.
Hello! My name is Elaisa and I am a first year English major at the University of Toronto. I love travelling and exploring new places, as well as meeting new people. I also enjoy baking, music, and playing sports! With that being said, I’m really looking forward to getting to explore and share new places with everyone this tour season!
My favourite place to visit is Ottawa! I have been many times, yet there is always something new and exciting to explore, especially in May when the tulip festival is going on and there are tulips everywhere! From the museums, to the shopping, to the history of the city, there are always fun things to see and learn about.
In Montreal, no building can be built higher than Mount Royal (233 metres)! This maintains a certain shape to the skyline.
Hey! My name is Eliza, I am a theatre and film lover. I am also a drummer who will never miss an opportunity to talk about my musical favourites—from Britney Spears, to Muse, to Pierce the Veil. I’m stoked to have the opportunity to travel and explore Canada with you!
The Biodôme is a (surprising) favourite! Stepping into a tropical rainforest and seeing a massive tank filled with all kinds of fish makes me so happy.
“Ottawa” comes from the Algonquin word “Adawe” which means “to trade,” and refers to the transportation of furs and other commodities and supplies across the Ottawa river.
Hi, I’m Elizabeth! I just completed my first year studying Biology at Queen’s University. I’m passionate about nature, and I spend my free time painting, taking photos, and going outside whenever I can. I’m looking forward to this tour season and can’t wait to meet everyone!
I really love the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montréal—the architecture is breathtaking, and it’s a place that makes you stop and take everything in. No matter how many times I visit, I always notice something new.
For years, a bunch of stray cats made their home near Parliament Hill and were looked after by local volunteers. The cats had tiny painted and decorated wooden houses and were even given names!
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.
Hi, I’m Emma-Rose! I’m currently studying political science at Glendon College where I am also learning French as a second language. In my free time I love learning about other cultures, exploring the great outdoors and doing photography. I’m so excited to share Brightspark adventures with you this summer!
As a nature-enthusiast I love visiting the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa. They have an exhibit with live insects as well as aquariums and a fossil gallery.
As a nature-enthusiast I love visiting the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa. They have an exhibit with live insects as well as aquariums and a fossil gallery.
Hi, my name is Eyobel. I’m currently studying electrical engineering, and I’ve always been fascinated by how things work. Outside of school, I enjoy strength training and am always looking for opportunities to travel and experience new environments, cultures, and perspectives. I love learning, but I also enjoy sharing knowledge with others through teaching.
One stop I’m super excited about is the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. It’s packed with incredible stories, and the tanks and old aircraft make you feel like you’re stepping right into history!
Ottawa is the home of Canada’s National Museums! It has over 10 awesome museums, including the Canadian Museum of Nature where you can see giant dinosaur skeletons and explore a cool underwater world.
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 am a university student specializing in the sciences. I love nature and every aspect that has a picturesque view such as sunsets, rivers, trails, flowers etc. I think it's very peaceful and has such a calming effect. I love learning new things, especially about history and teaching others in a fun manner about it too!
My favourite place on tour to visit is Boldt Castle on Heart Island, in New York, because you have to take the ferry to get there and the ride is super scenic. The castle also has such an amazing origin story.
Did you know that the words "lest we forget" are printed in Morse code as viewed in the patterns of the windows in the Canada War Museum?
I’ll be starting my second year of Teacher’s College soon, and I have a passion for teaching and education. I love being outdoors—whether it’s travelling, exploring new areas, hiking, camping, or finding a nice walk on a trail. I’m excited to share adventures with students and look forward to helping them have fun and learn.
I am most excited about learning the different histories of each destination—I believe that the unique history and story of each place we visit contributes to the diversity of Canada! The more we learn, the more we can appreciate.
Ontario used to have its very own spy training camp called Camp X. It was located in Whitby, and it was where agents would train like we see in the movies. Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond books, trained in the camp and it influenced his writing.
Hi! My name is Julia, and I’m completing my Bachelor of Science at McMaster University. I love dancing, singing, performing, and exploring the outdoors! Travelling has been a passion of mine since I was little, and I’ve been very fortunate to have explored so many awesome destinations—I love getting to experience new cultures and discovering new places!
I am super excited to meet new people and make lots of new memories!
I'm a grad student at the University of Toronto nearly finished my Master of Information degree in Museum Studies and Archives Records Management. I am a huge history nerd with a passion for collecting books and vinyl records. I love to travel and learn about new places!
My favourite place to visit on tour is New York City! I love exploring the city and retreating to one of the many green spaces like Central Park, Bryant Park, or the High Line. Best of all, I’ve been lucky enough to witness many students becoming inspired after watching their first Broadway musical.
Quebec supplies 90% of the maple syrup sold in Canada (and 71% worldwide)!
Hello! My name is Katya, I am a Social Psychology student at McMaster University! I love to travel and explore new places with my friends and family. I also love learning about different destinations and seeing all the sites they have to offer! This is my first year at Brightspark and I can’t wait to travel as a Tour Director this year!
I am really excited to visit the Sugar Shack in Montreal this year! That was my favourite place when I went to Quebec for the first time! The music, food, and maple syrup on a stick are staples for me in that city!
A fun fact I really like is that the name "Ottawa" comes from the Algonquin word "Adawe" which means to trade. I think it is incredibly important to highlight Indigenous histories and influences on these cities as we visit them!
I am a fourth year student at Queen’s University in the Concurrent Education program, entering Teacher’s College in the fall. I’m passionate about “learning by doing” and am excited to connect students with opportunities outside of the classroom. I love to be outside hiking, exploring new places, meeting new people, and soaking up the sunshine!
I always love people watching at Parliament in Ottawa! I think it’s so neat to see people from around the world come to learn more about Canada’s capital, and explore the beautiful city.
The Canadian flag on the Peace Tower is changed every day, and are donated to a Canadian resident. But, the waiting list to receive a flag is over 100 years long!
My name is Keira and I'm a cultural studies major at Trent University! In my spare time, I enjoy swimming, drawing, making music, crocheting, and reading. I always love going on adventures to places I've never been and sharing those experiences with others. My travel dream is that one day I can say I've been to every continent!
I absolutely love the Biodome in Montreal! It is such a fun and unique experience that you should definitely check out at least once.
Ottawa is home to the oldest amateur theatre group in Canada, Ottawa Little Theatre (originally called the Ottawa Drama League), which was founded in 1913!
Hi, I’m Koko. I'm studying public relations at Humber College. I am a very musical and creative person and I love making music for people to enjoy. I also LOVE travelling and exploring new places, cultures, and trying new foods!
My favourite place I have ever been on tour was the "Oh Crap!" exhibition at the science and technology museum in Ottawa. The entire exhibition was shocking and surprisingly educational as I learned all about poop and the evolution of toilets. If you get the chance to visit, I'd suggest trying the fart meter!
Fun fact, there is intact a real GHOST inside the Bytown Museum, who has been haunting Ottawa and is known as a trickster!
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.
Hi there, my name is Lauren! I’m entering my final year of Teacher’s College at the University of Ottawa. I’m enthusiastic about travelling and learning and I believe in the invaluable educational experiences that students gain while on tour. I’m fluent in English and French and I am excited to be your Tour Director!
Learning about the rich history of Canada and its capital city is as exciting to me as all the fun games we’ll play on the coach bus.
Do you know about the huge ice block inside the Canadian Museum of Nature that never melts?
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’m a post-secondary student interested in English, nature, and having a career in teaching. I know that a graduation trip can be the highlight of a student’s time in school and I’m committed to giving every student a positive and memorable travel experience!
I was amazed by the variety of wildlife in The Biodôme.
The Maman sculpture carries 26 eggs in her sac to represent the 26 letters of the alphabet.
I am passionate about travel and sharing it with other people! I studied Math/Financial Analysis and Risk Management at the University of Waterloo and subsequently worked in Finance. In 2023, I decided to follow my passion for travel and pursue a career in tourism. I travelled across Europe and the Middle East and gained experience as a tour guide in Munich. I look forward to stepping into the Tour Director role and sharing my passion for travel with our guests! Fun fact: I can juggle, a skill I will definitely demonstrate on tour!
My favourite place to visit in Montreal has to be the Barbie Expo! It is the largest permanent exhibition of Barbie dolls with over 500 on display. Best of all, it is free admission!
My favourite fun fact about Montreal is that so many Hollywood movies were set/filmed there, including: Blades of Glory, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Once Upon a Time in America, and Catch Me if You Can.
Hi! I'm Mahek, a commerce and economics student at the University of Toronto. Being a Tour Director allows me to share my passion for storytelling—every tour is a chance to connect with people and inspire them through the history and culture of new places. It's exciting to learn something new with each destination and create unforgettable experiences for and with others.
One of my favourite moments was visiting Old Montréal and stepping inside the breathtaking Notre-Dame Basilica. The stunning stained glass and rich history made it feel like I had been transported to another era. I’m so excited for this travel season and to keep exploring new places!
Hello, my name is Mara! I’m a student at the University of Guelph and hope to one day be a French teacher. I enjoy camping, playing basketball and tennis, and I love meeting new people and discovering new places and things. These are only a few of the many reasons I’m looking forward to being a Tour Director. I’m excited for this tour season and can’t wait to help create fun and memorable adventures for everyone.
I love the Biodôme in Montréal—it’s so cool seeing all the different species and ecosystems in one place, there’s no need to travel anywhere else!
Did you know Maman, the giant spider outside of the National Gallery of Canada, has exactly 26 eggs to represent the 26 letters in the alphabet—so no matter which letter your name starts with, Maman is a mother to all.
Hello, Hello! My name is Mar, I'm a 4th year sociology student at McMaster University. I’m lucky that I’ve been able to travel throughout my life, and one of my favourite things to do is exchange travel stories with others! It’s the best way to get to know people and share our experiences about the world around us. At home, I love spending time with my two rabbits.
Old Montréal is one of the most unique places to visit in Canada. Its blend of old and historical French and English architecture creates such a unique atmosphere that really differs from other big cities.
The Carleton University campus is a great place to spot groundhogs. Those fuzzy little creatures happen to be well-known residents of the area and are lovingly referred to as "chonkers" by students, staff, and even the university’s official twitter account.
I study health sciences and psychology at the University of Toronto. I like to spend my free time painting while basking in nature and meeting new people!
I’m most excited for all the beautiful scenery we’ll see, even while just riding the bus! There’s so much to look at and enjoy from the big windows.
My favourite place to fact-check my bird skills is the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa.
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?
After finishing my degree, I spent years travelling and living in as many countries and continents as I could with my family. I became a teacher and organized two exchange trips for my students, which sparked my love for tour-guiding.
The days are long but there’s nothing more energizing than exploring beautiful destinations with true travel lovers. After all, if I can successfully lead tour groups of 12-year-olds across Canada, I can do and lead anything!
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.
Hi, I’m Nada! I’m a student at McMaster University and I love bird watching, reading fiction, and listening to folk music. I love getting to know the history of the places I travel to and learning about local ways of life around the world.
My favourite place to visit on tour is the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa—I love the Canadian and Indigenous art, specifically the landscape paintings.
The Maman statue in Ottawa is home to twenty-six eggs—one for each letter of the alphabet, meaning that no matter what your name is, Maman is a mother to all.
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.
I love to travel and share my favourite places with people who haven’t visited them yet- I also love to read, plan trips and bike ride.
I once travelled with 88 girl guides to PEI for an Anne of Green Gables themed tour!! Or the time I walked with a group across the Brooklyn Bridge and then had fantastic pizza in Brooklyn
Did you know that the structure holding up the Statue of Liberty was made by Gustave Eiffel? So there is technically an Eiffel Tower hidden in New York.
My favourite activities are: travelling, playing soccer, camping, and listening to classic country music. I particularly love road trips in the United States and Canada, and have visited 34 US States and 7 Canadian Provinces so far. My favourites are: Alberta, British Columbia, Florida, Maine, Montana, and Wyoming. I always try to make my tours educational while also including lots of fun activities to keep students engaged.
My favourite Brightspark destination is Ottawa. I love all the government buildings as well as the great food (Zak's Diner and Tuckers Marketplace are my favourites). I also really enjoy Byward Market and the mix of English and French culture in our capital.
Ottawa is actually Canada's 5th capital. Our former capitals were: Kingston, Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City.
My name is Rachael Elia, and I’m a media and communications student at Western University. I have been singing and dancing for most of my life, and my other passions include Pilates, spending time with family and friends, and of course, travelling! My favorite destinations so far have been Montreal (with an amazing group of kids) and Los Angeles, and I look forward to exploring more of the world!
My favorite place to visit on tour so far has been the Montréal Biodôme! I absolutely love seeing the tropical forest and the Antarctic exhibits, the penguins are a MUST SEE!
The Notre-Dame Basilica in Montréal was built by New York architect James O'Donnell, who loved the church so much that he wanted to be buried inside it! But he was a Protestant—so he converted to Catholicism on his deathbed so he could claim the one and only spot in the church's crypt.
With one year left of teachers' college, I 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, trying new food, seeing new sights, and learning new facts; so 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 it's a delicious ham & cheese crepe, or a family style meal at the Sugar Shack, traditional Quebec dinners never disappoint!
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 students 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 interested in 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.
Hello! My name is Sam, and this is my first year as a Tour Director with Brightspark. I am a recent business graduate from St. Francis Xavier University with a knack for knowledge. I enjoy travelling, trivia, history, movies and consider myself a lifelong sports fan. I am excited to explore and learn while making some great connections along the way!
I really enjoy visiting the many museums that Ottawa has to offer, especially the Canadian War Museum & the Museum of Natural History. Every time I visit, I always find myself learning something new!
Parliament Hill is home to one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, and it’s also home to some of Ottawa’s oldest and most prehistoric fossils. These fossils date back to the Cambrian Period, over 500 million years ago!
Hi, I'm Sasha! I'm currently studying psychology at University of Guelph. I have been travelling since before I can remember, my favourites parts of travel are learning about different cultures and trying different foods. I'm so excited to join the Tour Director team! In my free time, I like watching movies, and enjoy drawing and painting.
I'm really excited to visit Old Quebec (the famous slice of Europe in Canada)
Did you know that Montreal has the largest underground complex in the world? Known as the RÉSO or “Montreals Underground City”, filled with shops, museums, banks and even hotels.
I am a university student studying business commerce with a specific interest in entrepreneurship. Outside of school, I enjoy playing and producing music. I play over 10 different instruments and have been playing since I was five years old. I have also been to four different countries and hope to see many more in the coming years.
Camp X, a camp that trained World War 2 spies on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario between Whitby and Oshawa, was the inspiration for the James Bond 007 novels and movies.
I’m a fourth-year student at York University majoring in educational studies. However, I do not wish to become a teacher and am mostly interested in exploring the different ways in which education can become a tool for collective social change, rather than prioritizing academic achievements. It is also my fourth year living here in Canada, so be prepared for my thick Persian accent. I’m a real nerd when it comes to philosophy and politics, so you can always find me having passionate and lengthy conversations with someone about the endless possibilities of how we can live a new, alternative kind of social and political life. Additionally, I’m a huge film lover and know my way around a camera.
While I do not advise you to do the same, I love spontaneous travels when you just suddenly decide to go somewhere with no plans whatsoever. One of my favourite travel memories dates back to three years ago when suddenly, as my friend and I were driving down the 401, we decided to go straight to Ottawa on the spot, and five hours later we were in the city and came back in the middle of the night. I guess this story also reveals a bit about my love for road trips.
I do not know if this is completely true, but I’ve heard somewhere that Montréal is the tango capital of North America due to its huge number of venues and performers. I think this fact ultimately explains why Montréal is my favourite travel destination in Canada, because it’s apparently the city of love and dance within North America.
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 recent graduate of physical education at McGill University who loves exercising and getting outside. On tour, I like to challenge myself and my groups and always encourage everyone to explore our city as much as possible. When I was younger, I travelled around Europe, which (Bright)Sparked my love for travel and exploration. The best thing about travel is that there is always something new to explore and learn about, the fun never ends!
My favourite memory on tour is running around downtown Ottawa and making it to 50 major landmarks in one hour. My teammates and I were absolutely wiped by the end.
The first ever indoor hockey game was played in Montréal between McGill University and the Royal Victoria Skating Club.
Hello! I’m originally from Kenya and I am currently completing a double major in Computer Science and Economics at York University. I love watching and playing basketball, some may even call me the next Michael Jordan! I’m a proud math nerd (yes, I always have a math joke ready), and I LOVE travelling, especially making new friends and trying new food!
One of my favorite places to visit is the Biodôme in Montréal. Everything about it is stunning, but the tropical rainforest section always stands out to me—it instantly teleports you to a hot summer day, and it always reminds me of home. I love how the space feels alive and full of wonder.
At the Supreme Court of Canada, the two flagpoles tell a story. The flag on the left is hoisted daily, but the one on the right is only raised when the court is in session. And here's the cool part—both flags are raised at exactly the same height to symbolize that in Canada, no one is above the law.
Hi, my name is Whitney. I have a passion for inspiring young minds and luckily, I get to do that through BrightSpark—I love bringing energy, knowledge, and fun to every tour I lead. In my free time, l enjoy fitness and discovering hidden gems around the world.
This season I'm most excited to explore Ottawa's Rideau Canal with students, whether it's seeing the locks in action or just walking along the historic waterway, it's such a perfect spot to blend nature, history, and Canadian pride all in one place.
The Rideau Canal in Ottawa becomes the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink in the winter. It’s so big, it’s equivalent to 90 Olympic-sized hockey rinks!
