About Sentiers du Nord
Pioneering Canadian wilderness exploration since 2009, connecting adventurers with the untamed beauty of Canada's most spectacular landscapes through expertly guided hiking expeditions.
Our Story
Sentiers du Nord was born from a deep passion for Canada's wilderness and a vision to share its magnificent beauty with fellow adventurers. Founded in 2009 by wilderness enthusiasts Marc Dubois and Catherine Laurent in the heart of British Columbia, our company emerged from countless personal expeditions across Canada's diverse landscapes.
What started as weekend hiking trips with friends quickly evolved into a professional guiding service when Marc and Catherine realized the transformative power of wilderness experiences. Their first official expedition led a small group through the coastal rainforests of Vancouver Island, where participants experienced profound connections with nature that inspired them to return year after year.
Over the past fifteen years, we have grown from a two-person operation to a team of certified wilderness guides and outdoor professionals. Our commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and authentic Canadian adventure has earned us recognition as one of Canada's premier hiking tour operators, with expeditions ranging from the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic coastlines.
Today, Sentiers du Nord continues to honor our founding principles while embracing innovative technologies and sustainable practices that preserve Canada's natural heritage for future generations of adventurers.
Our Achievements
Mission & Values
Our Mission
To provide transformative wilderness experiences that foster deep connections between people and Canada's natural heritage while promoting environmental conservation and outdoor education. We believe that experiencing nature's raw beauty creates passionate advocates for wilderness preservation and sustainable tourism practices.
Core Values
- Safety First: Every expedition prioritizes participant safety through rigorous planning, certified guides, and emergency preparedness protocols.
- Environmental Stewardship: We practice Leave No Trace principles and support conservation initiatives that protect Canada's wilderness areas.
- Authentic Experiences: Our tours showcase genuine Canadian wilderness, avoiding commercialized attractions in favor of pristine natural environments.
- Educational Excellence: Every expedition includes naturalist education, helping participants understand local ecosystems and wildlife behavior.
- Inclusive Adventure: We welcome adventurers of all backgrounds and skill levels, adapting our programs to ensure everyone can experience wilderness magic.
Our Expert Team
Marc Dubois
Founder & Lead Mountain Guide
With over 20 years of wilderness guiding experience across Canada, Marc specializes in challenging mountain expeditions and alpine safety. His expertise in Rocky Mountain terrain and passion for wildlife photography have made him a sought-after guide for advanced wilderness adventures. Marc holds certifications in Wilderness First Aid, Avalanche Safety, and Mountain Rescue operations.
Catherine Laurent
Co-Founder & Operations Director
Catherine combines her Master's degree in Environmental Science with extensive field experience to create educational wilderness programs. Her specialization in coastal ecosystems and marine biology enriches every expedition with scientific insights and conservation awareness. She oversees all safety protocols and guide training programs for Sentiers du Nord.
James Riverwind
Indigenous Cultural Guide & Tracker
James brings invaluable traditional knowledge and cultural perspectives to our expeditions, sharing ancestral wisdom about land stewardship and wilderness survival. His expertise in tracking, plant identification, and indigenous history adds profound depth to every wilderness experience. James is a respected member of the Squamish Nation and certified wilderness survival instructor.
Elena Rodriguez
Safety Coordinator & Wilderness Medic
Elena oversees all safety protocols and emergency response procedures for our expeditions. With background as a paramedic and wilderness medicine specialist, she ensures every participant receives the highest level of safety support during challenging outdoor adventures. Her multilingual abilities help international participants feel secure and welcome on all expeditions.
Our Achievements & Advantages
Expert Certification
All guides hold professional certifications including Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and specialized training in Canadian mountain and forest environments.
Conservation Partnership
Official partners with Parks Canada and multiple provincial conservation organizations, contributing to wilderness preservation and research initiatives.
Industry Recognition
Winner of the Canadian Adventure Tourism Excellence Award for three consecutive years, recognized for outstanding safety standards and customer satisfaction.
Perfect Safety Record
Maintained zero serious incidents across 2,500+ expeditions through rigorous safety protocols, equipment standards, and guide training programs.
Sustainable Practices
Carbon-neutral operations through local sourcing, minimal-impact camping techniques, and financial support for reforestation projects across Canada.
Educational Excellence
Developed comprehensive naturalist education programs covering wildlife behavior, geology, botany, and indigenous cultural heritage of Canadian wilderness regions.
What Our Adventurers Say
"The Rocky Mountain expedition with Sentiers du Nord exceeded every expectation I had for a wilderness adventure. Marc's expertise and passion for the mountains made every challenging moment feel safe and rewarding. The sunrise views from the summit and wildlife encounters created memories that will last forever. This experience reignited my love for nature and pushed me beyond my comfort zone in the best possible way."
"As someone who has hiked extensively across North America, I can confidently say that Sentiers du Nord offers unparalleled wilderness experiences. Catherine's knowledge of coastal ecosystems transformed our forest expedition into an educational journey that deepened my appreciation for Canada's biodiversity. The combination of adventure, learning, and conservation awareness makes every expedition meaningful and transformative."
"The Aurora Wilderness Trek was absolutely magical! James Riverwind's cultural insights and traditional knowledge added incredible depth to our northern adventure. Learning about indigenous connections to the land while witnessing the northern lights created a profound spiritual experience. Sentiers du Nord doesn't just offer tours – they facilitate genuine connections with Canada's wild soul that transform how you see the natural world."
Our Wilderness Adventures
Ready to Explore Canada's Wilderness?
Join us for an unforgettable adventure through Canada's most spectacular landscapes. Our expert guides are ready to help you discover the transformative power of wilderness exploration while creating memories that will last a lifetime.