Think you know Canada? Think again. Karryon’s new Into the Hearts of Canada podcast series with Destination Canada explores the people and places shaping one of the world’s most awe-inspiring travel destinations.
Into the Hearts of Canada is an engaging 10-part series that 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.
Episode 1: How to Lead Tourism for Good: Leslie Bruce, CEO of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
In this first episode of the Into the Hearts of Canada series, Leslie Bruce, CEO of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, joins Karryon founder Matt Leedham 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.
Episode 1: Top takeaways
“One word. Love.”
Leslie reveals that Banff’s transformational approach to tourism is powered by one core value: Love.
Love for place, love for people, and love for nature. This emotional anchor became the catalyst for a shared, long-term vision built with and for the entire community.
“It’s not just a feeling — it’s a connection.”
Visitors describe Banff with words like awe, wonder, and humility. Leslie says these are more than emotions; they’re about connection to nature, to travel companions, and even to yourself.
“We invited our biggest critics to help build our future.”
In a bold move, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism brought together federal agencies, locals, and regulators to co-create their vision. What followed was a year-long process of radical collaboration and a tourism model now recognised globally.
“In order to stay the same, we absolutely have to change.”
This became the aha moment for Banff’s strategy: to preserve the natural beauty and integrity of the park, the community must embrace change, from infrastructure to guest behaviours to climate action.
“We’re building five trails to tomorrow together.”
Leslie outlines the pillars of Banff’s Tourism for Good vision, grounded in shared community values:
- Elevating the visitor experience through deeper connection and storytelling
- Championing nature-positive action and climate leadership
- Prioritising community wellbeing as central to tourism’s future
- Strengthening Indigenous connections with respect, reciprocity, and inclusion
- Leading with smart tourism through innovation, data, and better systems
“Staying longer spreads impact, not pressure.”
One of the best things travel advisors can do? Encourage longer stays. “It helps us manage water, energy, staffing, and offers guests a richer, more meaningful visit,” Leslie explains, with data now backing up the benefits.
“Even our coffee cups tell a story.”
Banff’s reusable coffee cup program is a small but powerful example of community-wide innovation. “Guests don’t just want to take. They want to contribute. That’s the mindset shift,” Leslie says.
“Aussies and Canadians? We just get each other.”
From a shared sense of humour to a love of the outdoors, Australians feel right at home in Banff. “It’s that spirit of adventure, and that’s what connects us.”
Show Notes
- Subscribe to Into the Hearts of Canada here
- Visit: www.destinationcanada.com and www.keepexploring.com.au for more on Canada
- Visit: www.banfflakelouise.com for more on Banff and Lake Louise and the Lead Tourism for Good project
- Find your local Canada Specialist Travel Advisor here
- Travel Advisors: Join the Canada Specialist Program here
Into Into the Hearts of Canada is presented in partnership with Destination Canada.
