Paul Turner

Paul Turner

Destination Manager

Canada

Meet Paul

Every trip we design is personal, and that starts with our brilliant team of Destination Managers. They handpick every hotel, route and excursion based on their own first-hand experiences, love of the country and passion for making your holiday the very best it can be.

Paul's love for Canada started young, learning to snowboard in Whistler, and now he gets to design adventures through the country’s mountains, cities and wild spaces for a living. Over the years, he’s returned time and again, exploring Canada from coast to coast. He's caught the train from Toronto to Quebec City, felt the spray of Niagara Falls, caught a Toronto FC match and dived tastebuds first into Montréal’s food scene (poutine all the way!) Out west, he’s hopped seaplanes across the Gulf Islands, ridden Harley-Davidsons through Jasper, and soared by helicopter over Mount Assiniboine in the Rockies.

Paul's here to help you discover the country's multicultural cities, or wander into the wilderness to get up close and personal with Canada’s wildlife (not too close!). His goal will always be to help you develop the same love for Canada that he has over the years.

Why do you love travel?

Why do you love travel?

“

How long have you got?! I definitely get my love for travel from my parents. My dad is more of a sun seeker, spending years hunting down the best sun loungers and bars, while my mum has swum with dolphins in New Zealand, taken European city breaks, and driven dune buggies through the desert. So, I’ve got a healthy blend of the two!

For me, travel is incredibly enriching; it educates, it informs, and it pushes us out of our comfort zones. It gives us the chance to stand in awe of something, to be humbled, to be moved. It’s emotional in the most special way. Travel also creates opportunities to connect with people and places in ways we never would in our day-to-day lives.

Time is our most precious commodity, and I think it’s best spent seeking out new adventures!

How long have you worked in travel?

How long have you worked in travel?

“

I actually ended up working in travel by accident, it wasn’t something I'd ever considered. I had just finished school after studying performing arts and was set to enter the world of entertainment. But, like many students, I decided to take a year out to go travelling and found myself living and working in Australia.

I had never done a big solo trip before, and it really struck a chord with me. I fell completely in love with the idea of seeing the world and couldn’t stop telling people about it. That’s how I landed my first travel job when I returned, I figured if I was going to talk about my travels non-stop, I might as well make a career out of it.

That was nearly 15 years ago, and I still haven’t stopped talking about travel and all the incredible opportunities it brings. I’ve been so fortunate to help wonderful people see amazing parts of the world, which is incredibly rewarding. And best of all, I’ve managed to keep exploring myself, which was always the goal!

Off duty, where can we find you?

Off duty, where can we find you?

“

I'm a parent... what is this spare time you speak of? Joking aside, when I’m not spending time with my family, I love live theatre, whether it’s a musical, a play, or even going to see a band. I don’t get to do it as much now, but when I do, I really love it.

I’m also a big sports fan and have two teams I really support and follow. One is Tottenham, and the other is the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. Neither wins much, if anything, so it’s certainly not a pursuit of happiness, but maybe one day!

Paul's travels

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Find out a little more

I have so many wonderful memories from Canada over the years that I genuinely don’t think I can pick just one. So, I’m going to cheat and say my favourite memory from Canada is how it makes me feel every time I visit. Whether it’s sitting in a hot tub, looking up at the mountains after a day of snowboarding, walking through Whistler and spotting a black bear foraging in the bushes, whipping through the Rockies on the back of a motorbike, or taking it all in from a helicopter, I am truly spoiled for choice. And I’m so glad and thankful to be in a position where I have too many incredible memories to choose from.

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Holidays Paul recommends

Holiday

Ultimate British Columbia

Canada

An off-the-beaten-track journey along Canada’s wild west coast.

15 days
Wildlife & Nature Off-the-beaten-track + 2 more + 3 more
from £4,990 pp
Holiday

Canadian Icons

Canada

Canada's greatest hits in one self-drive holiday.

14 days
Family Classic + 2 more + 3 more
from £5,795 pp
Holiday

Canadian Cowboy Adventure

Canada

Exploring the cowboy ranches & wheat fields of Alberta.

15 days
Go Local Off-the-beaten-track + 3 more + 3 more
from £3,390 pp

Excursions Paul recommends

Excursion

Rockies Sightseeing Tour - Banff to Jasper

The road between Banff and Jasper is considered one of the most scenic drives in Canada. Skirting the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains there are spectacular vistas around every corner, as the majestic mountains loom and lakes glisten with ice-fed waters. If you are not self-driving this section then a guided coach transfer offers you the transportation along with interesting commentary to ensure you get the most out of this journey. Departing from Canmore or Banff your first stop is Lake Louise, where you can hop off to view the striking turquoise waters of this famous natural attraction. From here you make your way north along the Icefields Parkway – stopping at a number of scenic spots to take photos and enjoy the fabulous views. At the spectacular Colombia Icefields you can journey on to the ice in a specially adapted Ice Explorer vehicle and then have time to look around the Discovery Centre and take lunch. You will also have the opportunity to experience the Glacier Skywalk attraction – a glass-floored platform which stretches out over the Sunwepta Canyon, before continuing your journey to Jasper. The totally journey time is around 9.5 hours.

Excursion

Vancouver Bike Tours

There are many ways to enjoy discovering Vancouver, but one of the best is by bike, allowing you to explore the city and its various highlights at your own pace. You can hire bikes and self-guide or join a guided tour where a local guide will share insights about Vancouver’s history, culture, and landmarks. For an extra boost, you can even hop on an e-bike to help tackle the occasional hill (though there aren’t many in the city). Whether it’s cycling through Stanley Park with a coffee in hand or stopping at Granville Island for a bite to eat, there’s a cycle tour to suit every type of traveller.

Excursion

Voyage to the Falls

Possibly one of the most famous boat rides in Canada, the 15-minute Voyage to the Falls takes you up close to the breathtaking Niagara Falls. This unforgettable journey begins with stunning views of the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls before you feel the exhilarating spray as your boat – a state-of-the-art catamaran – tips her nose into the mist of the thundering Horseshoe Falls. Waterproof ponchos are provided so you can fully enjoy the spectacular views from the outdoor deck, allowing you to experience the power of the Falls firsthand. For those who prefer to stay dry, there is also a comfortable indoor viewing area, making this adventure accessible to everyone. Whether you’re on the deck or inside, the Voyage to the Falls promises a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Excursion

White-Water Rafting on the Bow River

As it passes through Banff and Yoho National Parks, the Bow River and its tributaries (including the Kananskis) create some excellent conditions for both gentle and thrilling white-water rafting. With an experienced guide you will spend time negotiating the various rapids, as well as enjoying truly spectacular scenery as you pass through canyons and gulleys which open out to breath-taking mountain vistas. Along the way your guide will comment on points of interest and talk about the natural history of the area, as well as giving expert instruction on how to manoeuvre the raft. There are a number of excursions available differing in length and grade which makes the experience suitable for both families and thrill-seekers. Your specialist will be able to advise on the best suited to you.

Chat to Paul

If you're thinking of a holiday to Canada, our Paul has you covered.

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