Discover Canada's Untamed Beauty

Experience authentic wilderness adventures with Canada's premier tourism company

From the rugged Rocky Mountains to the pristine Arctic tundra, Northern Trails Canada offers unparalleled access to the country's most spectacular natural wonders. Our expert guides and carefully crafted itineraries ensure every journey becomes a lifelong memory filled with breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, and authentic Canadian experiences that showcase the true spirit of the Great White North.

Our Canadian Legacy

Founded in 1985 by passionate Canadian outdoors enthusiasts, Northern Trails Canada began as a small family operation dedicated to sharing the raw beauty of Canada's wilderness with adventurous travelers. What started as weekend camping trips in Banff National Park has evolved into one of Canada's most respected tourism companies, operating across all provinces and territories. Our founders, Marie and Robert Thomson, were lifelong conservationists who believed that responsible tourism could both showcase Canada's natural heritage and contribute to its preservation.

Over nearly four decades, we've guided more than 150,000 visitors through Canada's most iconic destinations, from the Northern Lights in Yukon to whale watching in the Maritimes. Our commitment to sustainable tourism practices and deep respect for Indigenous cultures has earned us recognition from Tourism Canada and environmental organizations nationwide. Today, we continue the Thomson legacy with the same passion for authentic Canadian experiences, combining traditional knowledge with modern safety standards and comfort.

Historical photo of Northern Trails founders

Our Vision for Canadian Tourism

Sustainable tourism practices

Sustainable Excellence

We envision a future where tourism enhances rather than compromises Canada's natural beauty. Our sustainable practices ensure that future generations will experience the same untouched wilderness that captivates visitors today, through carefully managed group sizes, Leave No Trace principles, and partnerships with local conservation organizations.

Indigenous cultural experiences

Cultural Authenticity

We collaborate directly with Indigenous communities across Canada to offer genuine cultural experiences that honor traditional knowledge and storytelling. Our tours provide respectful insights into the rich heritage that has shaped Canada for thousands of years, creating meaningful connections between visitors and local communities.

Innovative tourism technology

Innovation & Safety

We continuously invest in cutting-edge technology and safety equipment to enhance our guests' experiences while maintaining the highest safety standards. From satellite communication systems in remote locations to advanced weather monitoring, we ensure every adventure is both thrilling and secure.

Our Tour Methodology

Small Group Excellence

Our intimate group sizes of maximum 12 participants ensure personalized attention and minimal environmental impact. This approach allows for flexible itineraries, authentic wildlife encounters, and meaningful connections with both nature and fellow travelers. Each guide maintains extensive knowledge of local ecosystems, weather patterns, and cultural significance of visited locations. We believe that smaller groups create more profound experiences, allowing guests to truly disconnect from urban life and immerse themselves in Canada's wilderness. This methodology has proven successful across diverse landscapes, from Arctic expeditions to coastal adventures, consistently delivering transformative experiences that exceed expectations.

Small group wilderness tour

Expert Local Guides

Our certified guides are passionate Canadians with decades of wilderness experience and deep knowledge of regional history, geology, and wildlife behavior. Each guide undergoes rigorous training in first aid, wilderness safety, and cultural sensitivity. They serve as storytellers, safety experts, and naturalists, bringing each destination to life through personal anecdotes and scientific insights. Many of our guides are former park rangers, biologists, or outdoor educators who chose to share their expertise with visitors. Their infectious enthusiasm and professional expertise ensure that every tour becomes an educational journey that fosters appreciation for Canada's natural heritage and environmental challenges.

Professional wilderness guide

Featured Canadian Adventures

Rocky Mountains glacier tour

Rocky Mountain Glacier Experience

Journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies on our signature 7-day glacier adventure. This comprehensive tour includes helicopter flights over pristine icefields, guided hikes on ancient glacial moraines, and overnight stays in eco-lodges with panoramic mountain views. Participants will learn about glacial formation, climate change impacts, and the unique alpine ecosystems that thrive in this UNESCO World Heritage region. The experience includes visits to Lake Louise, Athabasca Glacier, and hidden valleys accessible only by foot.

7 Days All Seasons Small Groups
Arctic Northern Lights experience

Arctic Aurora Expedition

Experience the magic of the Aurora Borealis during our exclusive Arctic expedition to Canada's remote northern territories. This 5-day winter adventure combines traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern aurora science, featuring dog sledding with championship mushers, ice fishing instruction, and heated aurora viewing domes for optimal comfort. Guests stay in authentic wilderness lodges and enjoy traditional northern cuisine while learning about Inuit culture and Arctic wildlife adaptation strategies. Professional photographers provide aurora photography workshops.

5 Days Winter Only Photography Focus
Maritime whale watching tour

Maritime Whale Discovery

Explore Canada's Atlantic coast during peak whale migration season with our expert marine biologists. This 4-day coastal adventure includes zodiac whale watching excursions, visits to traditional fishing villages, and educational sessions about marine conservation efforts. Participants may encounter humpback whales, minke whales, and occasionally rare North Atlantic right whales. The tour also features lighthouse tours, sea kayaking in protected bays, and sampling authentic Maritime cuisine including fresh lobster and scallops prepared by local chefs.

4 Days Summer Season Marine Focus
Forest wildlife photography tour

Wilderness Wildlife Photography

Perfect your wildlife photography skills during our intensive 6-day workshop led by award-winning nature photographers. This specialized tour focuses on ethical wildlife observation and photography techniques while exploring diverse Canadian ecosystems. Participants learn advanced camera settings, composition principles, and patient observation methods necessary for capturing stunning wildlife images. The experience includes early morning and evening sessions when wildlife is most active, portable photography blinds, and post-processing instruction using professional editing software.

6 Days Multi-Season Photography Workshop

Helpful Travel Resources

Planning your Canadian adventure requires reliable information from trusted sources. We've carefully selected these valuable resources to help you prepare for your journey and discover more about Canada's incredible destinations, wildlife, and cultural experiences.

Parks Canada Official

Comprehensive information about Canada's national parks, historic sites, and conservation areas with current conditions and regulations.

Visit Resource

Canadian Wildlife Service

Essential wildlife information, migration patterns, and conservation status of species you might encounter during your Canadian adventure.

Explore Wildlife

Environment Canada Weather

Real-time weather conditions, forecasts, and seasonal information crucial for planning outdoor activities across Canadian regions.

Check Weather

Industry Recognition

🏆

Tourism Canada Excellence Award

2023 - Outstanding contribution to sustainable Canadian tourism and exceptional guest experiences across multiple provinces and territories.

🌿

Green Tourism Certification

2022 - Recognized for environmental stewardship and innovative conservation practices in wilderness tourism operations.

TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice

2023 - Top 1% of tourism companies worldwide based on excellent reviews and consistent guest satisfaction ratings.

Our Global Community

150,000+

Happy Travelers

45

Countries Represented

98%

Satisfaction Rate

Join Our Adventure Team

Northern Trails Canada is always seeking passionate individuals who share our love for Canadian wilderness and commitment to exceptional guest experiences. We offer rewarding careers in one of Canada's most beautiful office spaces - the great outdoors. Our team members enjoy competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to share Canada's natural wonders with visitors from around the world. Whether you're an experienced guide, hospitality professional, or adventure enthusiast looking to start a new career path, we provide extensive training and ongoing professional development opportunities.

Current opportunities include wilderness guides, tour coordinators, wildlife specialists, and seasonal positions across Canada. We particularly value candidates with outdoor leadership experience, language skills, and cultural knowledge. Our company culture emphasizes teamwork, environmental stewardship, and continuous learning. Join us in creating unforgettable experiences while building a meaningful career in Canada's thriving adventure tourism industry.

Apply Now
Northern Trails team in wilderness

Start Your Canadian Adventure

Get in Touch

Address:

1275 Mountain View Drive
Banff, Alberta T1L 1B3
Canada

Phone:

+1 (403) 555-TRAIL (8724)

Office Hours:

Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM MST
Saturday - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM MST