Into The Hearts Of Canada

At the end of the road in Yukon: Jesse Cooke and the Klondike Experience

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +1000

In this final episode of the series for Karryon Into the Hearts of Canada, hosted by Matt Leedham, we head into the Yukon, a territory that’s 80 per cent wilderness and seven times the size of Tasmania, yet home to only around 42,000 people.

In the heart of this vast northern landscape, Dawson City sits, a Gold Rush town rich in history, character, and wide-open space.

And it’s here that today’s guest, Jesse Cooke, has built The Klondike Experience — a locally owned transport and touring company connecting travellers to the Yukon’s seasons, stories and extraordinary wilderness.

From scheduled services to Tombstone treks and Goldfields tours, Jesse has created a business deeply rooted in the land and its surrounding community.

His journey is essential listening for anyone curious about northern travel and the realities of building tourism in one of the most remote regions on Earth.

Learn more about the Klondike Experience here

Into The Hearts of Canada is presented by Karryon, in partnership with Destination Canada.

Subscribe to Into The Hearts of Canada Podcast here

Visit: www.destinationcanada.com for more on Canada

Visit: karryon.com.au for more from Karryon

Presented by Karryon, Into the Hearts of Canada takes you beyond the guidebooks and into the heart and soul of one of the world’s most progressive travel destinations. Hosted by Karryon’s Matt Leedham, this 10-part series explores the people, places, and powerful ideas shaping the future of travel through a Canadian lens. From Indigenous knowledge-keepers and local changemakers to iconic landscapes and regenerative tourism pioneers, each episode offers an intimate conversation with the people reimagining what travel can be:

For the traveller, communities, and the planet. Whether you’re a curious wanderer or a travel professional seeking fresh insights, this podcast invites you to see Canada with new eyes and an open heart.

Into the Hearts of Canada is presented by Matt Leedham.

Mentioned in this episode:

ITHC midroll updated 14/07/2025

Canoes and Culture: A Journey into Canada's Heart at the Canadian Canoe Museum

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +1000

In this episode of Karryon Into the Hearts of Canada, hosted by Matt Leedham, we head to the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough, Ontario.

The museum is just a ninety-minute drive from Toronto, where the landscape is defined by lakes, rivers and ancient canoe routes.

My guests are Carolyn Hyslop, Executive Director of the Canadian Canoe Museum, who has led the institution through a major transformation including the delivery of its new waterfront home, and Jeremy Ward, the museum's Curator, a man who started as a volunteer in 1997 and has since built birch bark canoes, curated more than ten major exhibitions and helped bring thousands of years of paddling history to life.

Together, they explore how something as simple as a canoe can expand our understanding of a country, reshape how we think about travel, and connect us to water, land and each other in ways we didn't expect.

Learn more about the Canadian Canoe Museum here

Into The Hearts of Canada is presented by Karryon, in partnership with Destination Canada.

Subscribe to Into The Hearts of Canada Podcast here

Visit: www.destinationcanada.com for more on Canada

Visit: karryon.com.au for more from Karryon

Into the Hearts of Canada is presented by Matt Leedham.

Mentioned in this episode:

ITHC midroll updated 14/07/2025

Elevating Calgary: How Alisha Reynolds is redefining tourism for a thriving city

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +1000

In this episode of Karryon Podcast's Into the Hearts of Canada hosted by Matt Leedham, we head to Calgary, Alberta — Canada’s “Blue Sky City,” where western heritage meets modern energy on the edge of the Rockies.

Shaping the city’s tourism future is proud Calgarian, Alisha Reynolds, President and CEO of Tourism Calgary.

With fresh energy and vision, Alisha is guiding Calgary into its next chapter as a vibrant year-round destination.

Alisha’s insights and perspective are a must-hear for anyone curious about visiting Calgary and discovering more about community-led tourism in Canada.

Learn more about Calgary here

Into The Hearts of Canada is presented by Karryon, in partnership with Destination Canada.

Subscribe to Into The Hearts of Canada Podcast here

Visit: www.destinationcanada.com for more on Canada

Visit: karryon.com.au for more from Karryon

For the traveller, communities, and for the planet. Whether you’re a curious wanderer or a travel professional seeking fresh insights, this podcast invites you to see Canada with new eyes and an open heart.

Into The Hearts of Canada is presented by Matt Leedham and produced by Cassie Walker.

Mentioned in this episode:

Softer take

14/07/2025 edit

Softer take

14/07/2025 edit

ITHC midroll updated 14/07/2025

500 Days in the Wild: What Dianne Whelan’s epic journey across Canada can teach us about life

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 05:30:00 +1000

In this episode of Karryon Podcast's Into the Hearts of Canada hosted by Matt Leedham, our journey today takes us onto the epic Trans-Canada Trail – the longest trail in the world, stretching 24,000 kilometres across Canada’s vast mountains, forests, lakes, and three different ocean coastlines.

Filmmaker, author, and explorer, Dianne Whelan walked, paddled, biked, and snow shoed every step of the trail, filming her experience all the way.

Her remarkable six-year solo journey became the documentary 500 Days in the Wild, a phenomenal story that goes far beyond the distance to serve up life lessons on embracing fear, connection to nature, and rediscovering what it means to belong.

Learn more about 500 Days In The Wild here

Into The Hearts of Canada is presented by Karryon, in partnership with Destination Canada.

Subscribe to Into The Hearts of Canada Podcast here

Visit: www.destinationcanada.com for more on Canada

Visit: karryon.com.au for more from Karryon

Into The Hearts of Canada is presented by Matt Leedham and produced by Cassie Walker.

Mentioned in this episode:

ITHC midroll updated 14/07/2025

Softer take

14/07/2025 edit

Tasting Ottawa: Stefanie Siska on how food unlocks culture and connection in Canada’s capital

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 05:30:00 +1000

In this episode of Karryon Podcast's Into the Hearts of Canada hosted by Matt Leedham, our journey today takes us to Ottawa in Ontario — Canada’s capital, where flavours, cultures, and stories come together in the historic ByWard Market, one of the country’s oldest and most iconic markets, just steps from Parliament Hill.

At its heart is Stefanie Siska, co-owner and president of C’est Bon Ottawa, the city’s leading culinary experience company. An entrepreneur and foodie at heart as well as a former Chair of Ottawa Tourism, Stefanie has transformed C’est Bon into a hub for discovery and connection

Through her work, Stefanie shares how the story of food can open doors to culture and redefine what it means to explore a destination.

Learn more about C'est Bon Ottawa: https://cestbonottawa.ca/

Into The Hearts of Canada is presented by Karryon, in partnership with Destination Canada.

Subscribe to Into The Hearts of Canada Podcast here

Visit: www.destinationcanada.com for more on Canada

Visit: karryon.com.au for more from Karryon

Into The Hearts of Canada is presented by Matt Leedham and produced by Cassie Walker.

Mentioned in this episode:

Softer take

14/07/2025 edit

Softer take

14/07/2025 edit

ITHC midroll updated 14/07/2025

Guardians of the Grizzlies: Protecting the Great Bear Rainforest through responsible tourism with Marg Leehane

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +1000

Our journey in this episode of Karryon Podcast's Into the Hearts of Canada, I’m delighted to welcome Marg Leehane, co-owner of The Great Bear Lodge in British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest on Vancouver Island- An ecosystem, home to ancient trees, wild salmon, and… grizzly bears.

Originally from Melbourne, Marg co-created an off-grid floating lodge that has become a model of conservation tourism. Her story shows how travel can protect fragile places while creating life-changing encounters for those who visit.

Learn more about The Great Bear Lodge here

Into The Hearts of Canada is presented by Karryon, in partnership with Destination Canada.

Subscribe to Into The Hearts of Canada Podcast here

Visit: www.destinationcanada.com for more on Canada

Visit: karryon.com.au for more from Karryon

Into The Hearts of Canada is presented by Matt Leedham and produced by Cassie Walker, with audio production by Rebecca Lewis.

Karryon acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands on which Karryon Media is made and the lands you are listening from today.

How storytelling is shaping Canada’s tourism future: Gloria Loree, Destination Canada

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:15:00 +1000

In this episode of Karryon' Into the Hearts of Canada, I’m delighted to welcome Gloria Loree, Destination Canada's Senior Vice President of Marketing Strategy and Chief Marketing Officer.

Gloria has been a key architect of Destination Canada’s ‘A World of Opportunity’ strategy, a bold vision to position Canada as one of the top seven global tourism destinations by 2030.

For our travel professionals tuning in, Gloria’s insights will provide actionable strategies for marketing Canada as a must-visit destination.

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Into The Hearts of Canada is presented by Karryon, in partnership with Destination Canada.

Subscribe to Into The Hearts of Canada Podcast here

Find your local Canada Specialist Travel Advisor here

Visit: www.destinationcanada.com for more on Canada

Visit: karryon.com.au for more from Karryon

– – – –

Presented by Karryon, Into the Hearts of Canada takes you beyond the guidebooks and into the heart and soul of one of the world’s most progressive travel destinations.

Hosted by Karryon founder Matt Leedham, this interview series explores the people, places, and powerful ideas shaping the future of travel through a Canadian lens. From Indigenous knowledge-keepers and local changemakers to iconic landscapes and regenerative tourism pioneers, each episode offers an intimate conversation with the people reimagining what travel can be:

Whether you’re a curious wanderer or a travel professional seeking fresh insights, this podcast invites you to see Canada with new eyes and an open heart.

Into The Hearts of Canada is presented by Matt Leedham and produced by Cassie Walker, with audio production by Rebecca Lewis.

Karryon acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands on which Karryon Media is made and the lands on which you are listening to this podcast today.

Mentioned in this episode:

ITHC midroll updated 14/07/2025

Softer take

14/07/2025 edit

How Fogo Island is redefining luxury with community at its heart: Zita Cobb, Fogo Island Inn

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +1000

In this captivating episode of Karryon Into the Hearts of Canada, hosted by Matt Leedham, we delve into the remarkable narrative of Zita Cobb, an eighth-generation Fogo Islander and the visionary behind the Fogo Island Inn.

Located at the confluence of the vast North Atlantic and the rugged landscapes of Newfoundland and Labrador, Fogo Island serves as a poignant testament to the potential of community-led tourism that harmonises cultural immersion with environmental stewardship.

Through her pioneering endeavours, Zita exemplifies how luxury can be redefined, not merely as opulence, but as a meaningful engagement with place, heritage, and community.

Our discussion reveals the deep-rooted connections between the island's unique geography and its vibrant culture, as well as the dynamic interplay between hospitality and local identity.

Whether you’re a curious traveller or a travel professional, prepare to be inspired as we explore how Zita's journey and the Fogo Island Inn have transformed not only the local economy but the very essence of what it means to travel with intention.

For travel professionals, Zita's work highlights the importance of sharing these values with your clients to ensure everyone benefits from tourism.

- - - -

Into The Hearts of Canada is presented by Karryon, in partnership with Destination Canada.

Subscribe to Into The Hearts of Canada Podcast here

Visit: www.destinationcanada.com for more on Canada

Find your local Canada Specialist Travel Advisor here

Visit: karryon.com.au for more from Karryon

Learn more about the Fogo Island Inn: https://fogoislandinn.ca/

Learn more about Shorefast: https://shorefast.org/

- - - -

Presented by Karryon, Into the Hearts of Canada takes you beyond the guidebooks and into the heart and soul of one of the world’s most progressive travel destinations.

Hosted by Karryon’s Matt Leedham, this interview series explores the people, places, and powerful ideas shaping the future of travel through a Canadian lens. From Indigenous knowledge-keepers and local changemakers to iconic landscapes and regenerative tourism pioneers, each episode offers an intimate conversation with the people reimagining what travel can be:

Whether you’re a curious wanderer or a travel professional seeking fresh insights, this podcast invites you to see Canada with new eyes and an open heart.

Into The Hearts of Canada is presented by Matt Leedham and produced by Cassie Walker, with audio production by Rebecca Lewis.

Karryon acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands on which Karryon Media is made and the lands on which you are listening to this podcast today.

Mentioned in this episode:

ITHC midroll updated 14/07/2025

Softer take

14/07/2025 edit

Exploring Churchill: The Polar Bear Capital with John Gunter from Frontiers North Adventures

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +1000

In this episode of Into the Hearts of Canada, we’re joined by John Gunter, President and CEO of Frontiers North Adventures, based in Churchill, Manitoba — a remote subarctic community perched on the edge of Canada’s vast tundra and known as the polar bear capital of the world.

Churchill is one of the few places on Earth where you can experience the raw beauty of the Arctic — from the spectacular Northern Lights and roaming polar bears to thousands of migrating beluga whales each summer. It’s a place where climate, culture, and conservation intersect.

Under John’s leadership of this proud 35-year-old family-owned business, Frontiers North Adventures has become a Certified B Corp and a shining example of how tourism can operate as a force for good. Through community partnerships, environmental stewardship, and unforgettable wildlife experiences, the company is helping lead Canada’s shift toward more sustainable and regenerative travel.

Whether you’re a curious traveller or a travel professional, you’re in for an inspiring conversation as John shares his story on how to connect with the magic and meaning of Manitoba.

For travel professionals, John's work highlights the importance of sharing these values with your clients to ensure everyone benefits from tourism.

- - - -

Into The Hearts of Canada is presented by Karryon, in partnership with Destination Canada.

Subscribe to Into The Hearts of Canada Podcast here

Visit: www.destinationcanada.com for more on Canada

Find your local Canada Specialist Travel Advisor here

Visit: karryon.com.au for more from Karryon

Learn more about the Tundra Buggy here: https://frontiersnorth.com/experience/tundra-buggy

Visit: frontiersnorth.com for more on Frontiers North

- - - -

Presented by Karryon, Into the Hearts of Canada takes you beyond the guidebooks and into the heart and soul of one of the world’s most progressive travel destinations.

Whether you’re a curious wanderer or a travel professional seeking fresh insights, this podcast invites you to see Canada with new eyes and an open heart.

Into The Hearts of Canada is presented by Matt Leedham and produced by Cassie Walker, with audio production by Rebecca Lewis.

Karryon acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands on which Karryon Media is made and the lands on which you are listening to this podcast today.

Mentioned in this episode:

Softer take

14/07/2025 edit

ITHC midroll updated 14/07/2025

How to Lead Tourism for Good: Leslie Bruce, CEO of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 07:00:00 +1000

In this episode of the Into The Hearts of Canada series, Karryon's Matt Leedham joins Leslie Bruce, CEO of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, for an inspiring and uplifting conversation where Leslie shares the success story of leading tourism for good.

Leslie’s leadership at Banff & Lake Louise Tourism reminds us of the profound impact sustainable and regenerative tourism can have on our communities, environments, and economy.

For travel professionals, Leslie's work highlights the importance of sharing these values with your clients to ensure everyone benefits from tourism.

– – – –

Into The Hearts of Canada is presented by Karryon, in partnership with Destination Canada.

Subscribe to Into The Hearts of Canada Podcast here

Visit: www.destinationcanada.com for more on Canada and www.keepexploring.com.au

Visit: www.banfflakelouise.com for more on Banff and Lake Louise

Watch the Tourism For Good with Leslie Bruce video here

Find your local Canada Specialist Travel Advisor here

Read more about Into The Hearts Of Canada episode 1 here

Visit: karryon.com.au for the latest travel news and trends

– – – –

Presented by Karryon, Into the Hearts of Canada takes you beyond the guidebooks and into the heart and soul of one of the world’s most progressive travel destinations.

Whether you’re a curious wanderer or a travel professional seeking fresh insights, this podcast invites you to see Canada with new eyes and an open heart.

Into The Hearts of Canada is presented by Matt Leedham and produced by Cassie Walker, with audio production by Rebecca Lewis.

Karryon acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands on which Karryon Media is made and the lands on which you are listening to this podcast today.

Mentioned in this episode:

ITHC midroll updated 14/07/2025

Softer take

14/07/2025 edit

Welcome to Into The Hearts Of Canada with Matt Leedham

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +1000

Karryon: Into the Hearts of Canada takes you beyond the guidebooks and into the heart and soul of one of the world’s most progressive travel destinations.

This 10-part series explores the people, places, and powerful ideas shaping the future of travel through a Canadian lens. From Indigenous knowledge-keepers and local changemakers to iconic landscapes and regenerative tourism pioneers, each episode offers an intimate conversation with the people reimagining what travel can be.

Whether you’re a curious wanderer or a travel professional seeking fresh insights, this podcast invites you to see Canada with new eyes and an open heart.

Into The Hearts of Canada is presented by Matt Leedham and produced by Cassie Walker.

Karryon Media acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands on which Karryon Media is made and the lands from which you are listening today.

– – – –

Into The Hearts of Canada is presented by Karryon, in partnership with Destination Canada.

Subscribe to Into The Hearts of Canada Podcast here

Visit: www.destinationcanada.com for more on Canada

Visit: www.banfflakelouise.com for more on Banff and Lake Louise

Watch the Tourism For Good with Leslie Bruce video here

Find your local Canada Specialist Travel Advisor here

Visit: karryon.com.au for the latest travel news and trends