Who We Are
A company built on trails, relationships, and the belief that travel can change how we see the world.
How Painted Brick Began
The company started in 2011 when founder Sarah McKenzie returned from five years of guiding wilderness expeditions across Western Canada. She'd seen how powerful it could be when travelers moved slowly enough to truly connect with a place, and how rare those experiences were becoming in an industry racing toward efficiency.
The name came from a conversation with an elder in Haida Gwaii who described traditional stories as "painted bricks"—individual pieces that, when placed together thoughtfully, build something meaningful and lasting. That became our approach: we don't collect destinations, we build understanding through carefully chosen experiences.
What started as Sarah leading small groups into the Rockies grew into a team of specialized guides, partnerships with Indigenous communities and conservation groups, and a network spanning from Pacific shores to Arctic tundra.
What Drives Our Work
Our Purpose
We create travel experiences that deepen understanding of Canada's landscapes, cultures, and ecosystems while supporting the communities and conservation efforts that protect them.
Our Commitment
Every tour we run honors the land and people who make it possible. We operate with transparency, pay fair wages, minimize environmental impact, and invest in long-term relationships rather than transactional tourism.
Meet Our Guides
Our guides aren't just knowledgeable—they're passionate specialists who've spent years in the regions they lead. Many hold wilderness first aid certifications, naturalist credentials, and deep connections to local communities.
Sarah McKenzie
Founder & Lead Guide
Former Parks Canada naturalist with expertise in Rocky Mountain ecology and Indigenous history. Sarah has led over 300 expeditions and trains all new guides in our approach to responsible travel.
Marcus Whitehorse
Cultural Heritage Guide
Cree knowledge keeper and educator who leads our cultural immersion tours. Marcus bridges traditional teachings with contemporary travel, creating experiences grounded in respect and reciprocity.
Elena Rousseau
Maritime & Coastal Guide
Marine biologist turned guide with two decades studying Atlantic and Pacific ecosystems. Elena's tours reveal the intricate relationships between ocean, forest, and human communities.
David Okonkwo
Wildlife & Photography Guide
Conservation photographer whose work appears in national publications. David combines wildlife tracking skills with photographic instruction, helping travelers capture meaningful images while respecting animal behavior.
Operating Principles
Small Groups, Big Impact
We limit groups to eight participants. This reduces our environmental footprint, allows for deeper guide-traveler interaction, and creates space for the spontaneous moments that define great travel. You're never competing for a guide's attention or waiting in line for experiences.
Local Partnerships
We work exclusively with Indigenous-owned outfitters, locally-run accommodations, and regional guides who know their territories intimately. Tourism revenue stays in communities rather than flowing to distant corporations.
Seasonal Mindfulness
Our calendar follows natural cycles. We schedule tours when wildlife is most visible, weather is favorable, and our presence least disruptive to animal breeding seasons and local community rhythms.
Carbon Responsibility
We offset 100% of tour-related carbon emissions through verified reforestation projects in Canada. Where possible, we choose rail over air travel and design itineraries that minimize unnecessary transportation.
Continuous Learning
Our guides participate in annual training covering wilderness safety, cultural competency, accessibility practices, and emerging conservation science. We're always improving how we operate.
Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees or surprise costs. Our pricing reflects the true cost of responsible travel: fair guide wages, quality accommodations, proper permits, and community contributions.
Conservation & Community Support
Beyond carbon offsetting, we contribute 5% of annual revenue to conservation and community initiatives in regions where we operate.
Habitat Protection
We support land trusts and conservation groups working to protect critical wildlife corridors, old-growth forests, and coastal ecosystems from development pressure.
Indigenous-Led Conservation
We partner with First Nations communities implementing guardian programs that combine traditional knowledge with modern conservation practice.
Youth Education
Annual scholarships fund wilderness education programs that connect young Canadians with their natural heritage, particularly in communities with limited outdoor access.
Journey So Far
Foundation
Sarah McKenzie leads first small-group tour through Banff and Jasper, establishing the template for all future journeys.
Cultural Partnerships
First Indigenous-led tour launched in partnership with Haida Gwaii communities, opening new cultural immersion programs.
Conservation Commitment
Implemented carbon offset program and established 5% revenue contribution to conservation initiatives.
Expansion
Added Maritime and Arctic itineraries, growing guide team to cover Canada's full geographic diversity.
Recognition
Earned B Corporation certification, validating our commitment to balancing purpose and profit.
Present Day
Now guiding over 400 travelers annually across 15 distinct itineraries, with 98% guest satisfaction rate.
What Matters to Us
Respect for Place
Every landscape has limits. We honor them by following Leave No Trace ethics, respecting wildlife boundaries, and never allowing our presence to degrade the places we love.
Cultural Humility
We approach Indigenous territories as guests, not consumers. Our cultural tours exist only where communities have invited us, and we follow their protocols for sharing knowledge and accessing sacred sites.
Honest Communication
We're transparent about tour difficulty, weather variables, and what you can realistically expect. Our marketing shows real moments from actual tours, not staged imagery.
Inclusive Access
While wilderness travel has physical demands, we work to make our tours accessible to diverse abilities and backgrounds. We provide detailed preparation information and adapt where possible to accommodate different needs.
Travel With Purpose
If our approach resonates with you, we'd be honored to welcome you on a journey.