About Us

Dedicated to showcasing Canada's most breathtaking lakes and promoting sustainable tourism since 2005.

Team members by Lake Louise

Our Story

Lakes of Canada was born from the passion of two childhood friends, Jennifer McKenzie and Michael Thompson, who grew up exploring the shorelines of Lake Superior. After university, they embarked on a cross-country journey, camping beside dozens of lakes across all ten Canadian provinces. What began as a personal adventure blog documenting their experiences became a mission to share Canada's spectacular lake landscapes with the world.

In 2005, with just a small office in Halifax and two canoes, they officially established Lakes of Canada as a specialized tour company. They focused initially on guided trips to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, bringing small groups of visitors to experience these jewels of the Canadian Rockies with minimal environmental impact.

As interest grew, so did their team and offerings. By 2010, they had expanded to include educational workshops, photography tours, and conservation initiatives. Today, Lakes of Canada has grown into a respected organization that balances tourism with environmental stewardship, working closely with national parks and indigenous communities to promote sustainable visitation practices.

Original founders on first expedition

Our Mission & Values

Conservation efforts at Lake Superior

Our Mission

To inspire appreciation for Canada's lake ecosystems through immersive, educational experiences while promoting conservation practices that ensure these natural treasures remain pristine for future generations.

Our Core Values

  • Environmental Stewardship

    We operate with minimal ecological footprint and invest in conservation initiatives for the lakes we visit.

  • Educational Excellence

    We combine scientific knowledge with storytelling to create memorable learning experiences about lake ecosystems.

  • Cultural Respect

    We honor and incorporate indigenous perspectives and traditional knowledge in our understanding of lake environments.

  • Accessibility

    We strive to make Canada's lakes accessible to diverse visitors while protecting their natural integrity.

Meet Our Leadership Team

Jennifer McKenzie, Co-founder & CEO

Jennifer McKenzie

Co-founder & CEO

With a background in Environmental Science, Jennifer leads our company vision and partnerships with national parks. She has been recognized by Canadian Geographic for her conservation leadership.

Michael Thompson, Co-founder & Operations Director

Michael Thompson

Co-founder & Operations Director

A certified wilderness guide with an MBA, Michael oversees our tour operations and sustainability initiatives. He pioneered our zero-waste approach to lake tours.

Dr. Aisha Patel, Research & Education Director

Dr. Aisha Patel

Research & Education Director

Joining us in 2012, Aisha holds a PhD in Limnology and leads our educational programs and citizen science initiatives, helping visitors understand the complex ecosystems of Canada's lakes.

Robert Standing Bear, Indigenous Relations Director

Robert Standing Bear

Indigenous Relations Director

A respected elder from the Stoney Nakoda Nation, Robert ensures our programs respectfully incorporate indigenous perspectives and traditional knowledge about the sacred waters of Canada.

Our Achievements

  • 🏆

    Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Award (2018)

    Recognized by Tourism Canada for our low-impact approach to lake visitation and educational programs.

  • 🌿

    Banff National Park Conservation Partner (2015-Present)

    Official partner in lake water quality monitoring and visitor education initiatives.

  • 📸

    National Geographic Feature (2019)

    Our photography workshops were highlighted in National Geographic's "Best of Canada" special edition.

  • 📊

    50,000+ Visitors Educated

    Since our founding, we've introduced over fifty thousand visitors to Canada's lake ecosystems through guided experiences.

  • 🔬

    Research Contributions

    Our data collection has contributed to 8 published scientific papers on lake ecosystem health and climate impacts.

  • 🌎

    Carbon-Neutral Operations Since 2017

    We've achieved and maintained carbon-neutral status for all our tour operations through offsets and renewable energy.

What People Say About Us

Catherine Wilson from Vancouver

"The photography workshop at Moraine Lake exceeded all expectations. Our guide knew exactly when and where to position us for the most spectacular light. I came away with not only stunning images but a deeper appreciation for the fragility of these ecosystems."

Catherine Wilson, Vancouver

Photography Workshop Participant

Dr. James Rodriguez from University of Toronto

"I brought my environmental science students on Lakes of Canada's Lake Superior expedition as part of our field studies. The depth of knowledge displayed by the guides was impressive, and the hands-on research activities were perfectly tailored to undergraduate education. A remarkable learning experience."

Dr. James Rodriguez, Toronto

University Professor & Research Partner

The Nakamura Family from Tokyo

"Our family tour to Lake Louise was the highlight of our Canadian vacation. Our children (ages 8 and 10) were completely engaged thanks to the kid-friendly activities and passionate guides. We especially appreciated learning about the indigenous history of the region alongside the natural science. Truly unforgettable!"

The Nakamura Family, Tokyo

Family Tour Participants

Ready to Experience Canada's Magnificent Lakes?

Join us for guided tours, photography workshops, or educational programs at Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Lake Superior, and other breathtaking destinations.