After retiring from my teaching career of 34 years during which I endeavored to understand teenagers (what was I thinking?!), I was definitely ready for retirement. My good friend and former tour director, Betty, encouraged me to try working for Maple Leaf Tours. At the time, I thought this might be a great way to transition into my new way of life. I could try this part time career for a bit…however, here I am, 11 years later, still transitioning!

I can’t really say that I ‘work’ for Maple Leaf, although there is a lot of preparation before the actual tour. It’s all about the people that I meet. Whether we’re on the bus, at the venue or enjoying a meal together, I’m constantly getting to know someone new. Our passengers have such a variety of personalities, interests, and backgrounds, however what’s paramount, is the kindness people show to each other during our tours. It’s heartwarming!

In the words of Dr. Seuss, “Oh, the places we will go!” : Cape Cod, Orlando, Nashville, New York City, the Caribbean, Quebec City, The Maritimes, Newfoundland & Labrador, and the list goes on! It’s been an incredible opportunity for me to travel and the Rocky Mountaineer is an excellent example. I will be embarking on this tour in August with 24 new friends!!

I have two beautiful daughters, who now have families of their own, along with four wonderful grandchildren who keep me both, entertained and exhausted! There’s nothing like seeing the world through the eyes of a child. My tours tend to be scheduled around my family life and my daughters’ social lives tend to be scheduled around my tours. It’s definitely an experience I enjoy!

Happy Trails to all of you!

Susan Bennett

Hi, my name is Erin Pincivero and I am so excited to be joining the Maple Leaf Tours family. I have recently retired from a wonderful 31 year career as an educator with the Limestone District School Board. I started my career teaching secondary school geography, business and special education. I finished my career with a great 11 years as the principal of Napanee District Secondary School.

I was born and raised in North Bay, Ontario. Each summer we would travel extensively all over North America camping in a tent and eventually in a trailer. Despite being stuck in the back seat of a station wagon with my dog, grandmother and older sister, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our vacations. These family trips instilled a love of travel in me that has only grown. My parents proved that you didn’t need to be rich to have rich experiences. We camped from PEI, to BC, to Florida and everywhere in between!

My husband Tom and I took many vacations on our own and then with our children Shannon and Mia. Wanderlust has extended to the next generation with Shannon just returning from a 3 year adventure in Australia and Mia traveling to 13 countries this past year.

Our travels as a family include many trips to the USA and the Caribbean, a trip to Europe and more recently a trip to Australia to see Shannon. So far my favourite destinations are the Cayman Islands, Savannah, Georgia and Amalfi, Italy. I am happiest when I am on a trip or planning my next trip! As an educator I believe it is important that we learn about the world around us, how people in other countries and circumstances live and the history of the places we travel. Of course, it is essential that we have lots of fun along the way!

I am excited to share my love of travel and learning with all of the people I meet on our tours with Maple Leaf Tours.

I started my travel experience like many others, travelling to sun destinations for a relaxing holiday. In 1999, I travelled internationally to New Zealand and it was here that I really was bitten by the travel bug. Upon my return from this trip, I spent the next two years enrolled into a Travel & Tourism program.

I started out assisting individual guests with all facets and details of planning their dream holidays. I was delighted to assist many couples with their dream weddings in the Caribbean and hosting Country Music bands with annual holidays with their fans.

The last 20 years have been spent working in the travel industry with The Travel Broker and Today’s Woman Traveller as a Travel & Escorted Groups Co-ordinator. I started escorting small group journeys on River Cruises in Europe. I loved that you only unpack once and then get to experience all the historical towns and villages along the water routes of the world. While experiencing many River Cruises, I fell in love with the Christmas Markets trip along the Danube, sipping mulled wine, enjoying homemade gingerbread and delicious apfel strudel.

With my passion for showing others what the world has to offer, I developed many small group tours to various countries around the world. I was pleasantly surprised with what I found in Ecuador; not only is the scenery beautiful, but the food and culture were amazing. Being invited into an artist’s home where she insists you wander her home freely as it is yours, displays her artwork and prepared a wonderful meal with her grandmother’s recipes followed by a visit to a local Kichewa family and try your luck at blow darts. Then it was off to having your soul cleansed by a shaman.

What drives my passion for travel is seeing the joy my guests experience when they see elephants, lions and Giraffe’s on Safari in East Africa or a visit to a Maasi village to dance with the locals. Truly unique experiences all over the world!

Now my journey continues! As part of Kristine Geary’s Maple Leaf Tours family, I am excited to continue to offer exclusive Journey’s for small group Women’s tours. Our group size will vary between 6 to 14 guests. Our Ladies’ Journey’s will be mostly inclusive but still allow for personal exploration.

My easy going, adventurous spirit coupled with years of experience ensures I’m ready to step in to deal with any issues that can arise, therefore making sure the guests who travel with me are safe while enjoying a wonderful experience. This has given me the privilege of having repeat guest travel with me over the years.

Now Maple Leaf Tours can help you with any of your travel needs: River Cruises, Ocean voyages, European vacation packages, Exotic destinations, Outback holidays and more!

Call us at 613-384-0012 or email me at Denise@MapleLeafTours.com

I’d love to help you with any of your travel needs! I look forward to having you join me on a Maple Leaf Journey soon!

Denise Johnson

Maple Leaf Tours, is a social enterprise, and is deeply rooted in our community, driven by a steadfast commitment to make a positive impact.  Our team is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of women by extending our support to a local women’s shelter, Lennox and Addington Interval House.  

We have implemented a new impactful initiative, “Toiletrees” where clients collect hotel toiletries while on their travels and return them to us to donate to Lennox and Addington Interval House a local women’s shelter.  The collection and donation of items such as shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, soap, sewing kits, and more is greatly needed. 

We understand the tremendous courage it takes for women to leave behind abusive or unstable environments and start anew.  Our aim is to instill hope in the hearts of these brave women, showing them that they are not alone in their journey towards healing and independence.

As a woman who has experienced domestic abuse, Kristine launched this initiative that is very close to her heart, to support women and children in our area. “We firmly believe in creating a safe and nurturing environment for women and children who have experienced hardships and are seeking refuge.  By partnering with women’s shelters, we strive to create a supportive network that empowers women to reclaim their strength, find their voice, and envision a future filled with possibilities.” says Kristine Geary

By collaborating with the women’s shelter, we aim to empower women, offer them a sense of security, and help them rebuild their lives. Together, we strive to make a lasting impact and promote a society where every woman feels valued and protected.  

We have aligned our business goals with the betterment of society and we strive to uplift and empower individuals and communities.

With every endeavor, we aim to foster inclusivity, inspire change and ultimately create a brighter future for all. Together, we are shaping a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and flourish.  Through our contributions, material and financial, we strive to create a supportive network that empowers women to reclaim their strength, find their voice, and envision a future filled with possibilities

“Lennox & Addington Interval House provides safe shelter, transitional housing, 24 hour crisis line and ongoing counselling services for abused women and their children. Services are provided to those who have been physically, sexually, emotionally or financially abused or those who fear they will be assaulted. Trained and committed staff offer supportive counseling, referrals and advocacy, crisis intervention and safety planning. Lennox & Addington Interval House also has a Youth in Transitional Housing program which provides short-term housing and supports for youth ages 16-29.

Ending domestic violence against women requires a collaborative, multi-faceted approach, involving all levels of the community. With support from the community LAIH is able to provide places of safety for women to live free of violence. Moving our communities one step closer to a  world where all women and children live in homes free of violence and fear.” – Lennox & Addington Interval House

Items can be donated at Maple Leaf Tours in Kingston: 2937 Princess Street, Belleville: 45 Wilson Avenue, Unit 4 or the Maple Leaf Lounge at the Kingston Shrine Club 3260 Princess Street when you return from a tour!

Kristine Geary’s Maple Leaf Tours are proud to be the sponsors of Molly in Denali!

We are happy to announce that Maple Leaf Tours will be the proud sponsor of WPBS’ Molly of Denali.

Molly is an Indigenous girl who lives in Alaska and shares stories of her cultural heritage with the world.

A step towards reconciliation with education offers a powerful avenue for hope and pride as she fosters understanding, empathy and respect for Indigenous histories, knowledge systems and contributions.

It is with the support of our wonderful customers that this initiative is possible.

Mahsi cho.

Contest ends July 31, 2023 at 12:00 pm

In the 1970s and 80s, I was raised in a teetotalling household. My parents had friends from different cultures. We were invited into their homes for such treats as Swedish smorgasbord, Aboriginal bear stew and West Indian curries served with flatbread and rice. I couldn’t get enough of these exotic foods. I imagined myself travelling to the countries where these recipes originated.

In my teens, I saved my money to travel, going to Florida (Oh, the joys of a March Break sunburn!) and the United Kingdom. In addition to seeing the sights of England, Scotland and Wales, I fell in love with cream teas and succulent prawns in paper cones fresh from the ocean.

In 1985, I attended Queen’s to pursue my BScH in Geology and Geography. While there, I met my husband. Eleven days after our wedding we moved to a small village in Germany. Our home was across the laneway from a vineyard and down the street from a winery. My fascination with wine had begun. We travelled Europe chasing as many wine and food experiences as we could afford. This included gruyeres and kirsch in Gruyere, wild boar and Riesling in Strasbourg and paella and cava on the Spanish Riviera. We came back to Canada in 1991, penniless but with of 200 bottles of European wine and incredible memories. By this time, I had become a pretty fair cook but had no clue what to serve with the dishes I made. In 1999, I enrolled in Algonquin college for an Introduction to Wine course and the rest was history. I found my calling. I completed my diploma in wine studies.

In 2002, our Family moved to Australia for three and a half years, once again travelling as much as we could. I joined the Slow Food Movement, an international cooking group and began my career in teaching wine classes. While there, I was fortunate to travel to the wine regions of Murray River, the Hunter Valley, the Barossa, Victoria and NSW. I also travelled abroad enjoying lovo and cava in Fiji and street food in Thailand. It was in Thailand I fell in love with dried sweet chili squid after purchasing my first taste from the fishermen drying it on the racks by the ocean.

Upon my return to Canada in 2006, I decided to embark on my WSET studies (Wine and Spirit Education Trust). I achieved my level three, Canadian wine Scholar and Tasting Masterclass Certificates. I continued to teach wine classes while working for Peller then the LCBO. In 2019, I became a Product Consultant with the LCBO, first in Picton then in downtown Kingston. I loved what I did but retired in 2022 in order to travel more. Three weeks of travel a year was not enough for me.

I have been fortunate to have snorkeled in the waters of Mexico, Hawaii and Australia. I have tasted pineapple wine, macadamia nuts and sipped coffee in various tropical locations, sampled tapas and Rioja in Spain, Champagne and oysters in France and visited the souks of Jerusalem.

Join me with Maple Leaf Tours as we explore the world of food and wine together. Try a day in our own backyard, Prince Edward County as we sip Pinot Noir with charcuterie. Perhaps you would like to go further afield and sip your Pinot Noir with Beef Bourguignon in France? Discover with me how food, beverage, history and culture come together in various regions of the world.

I look forward to meeting you and sharing new experiences together. Juanita

I have always wanted to travel, saving all my allowances and part time job earnings throughout my early years. My travel goal was to do Canada and North America first and then branch out, best to know Canada first I thought since I was born here.

I started my career as an outdoor educator at Project Dare in Northern Ontario teaching male and female troubled youth in a high adventure, wilderness setting (ropes courses, winter camping, canoe tripping, sailing on Georgian Bay, rock climbing instruction, kayaking and backpacking). From there I split my professional career between social work and teaching positions.

During my time as a social worker and family therapist, I worked in the Muskoka area for many years before moving to the Kingston area. I helped open the first women’s shelter in Napanee, Ontario and designed and developed Lennox and Addington Resources for Children, LARC, also in Napanee. I then went on to be the first Executive Director of LARC and the first Chairperson of the Board of Directors for Lennox and Addington Interval House.

I have taught both elementary and secondary classes for 25 years in the Toronto District School Board and the Limestone District School Board and completed my retirement as a Principal. I also taught several college and university courses during my teaching career.

I married my best friend, Don, 44 years ago and we live together on our farm where we raised our 3 children along with horses, chickens and Stella, our dog. We have 6 wonderful grandchildren, 4 within walking distance of our farm and 2 up in the Yukon. I just spent the month of January with the Yukon grandchildren.

I have spent my entire life pursuing adventures and guiding others in doing the same. People say I am best known for my uplifting optimism and the high energy I bring to everything I am passionate about. I have spent time in Mexico, Vancouver, the Maritime provinces, Cuba, Costa Rica, Alaska, the North West Territories, the Yukon and the Caribbean, to name only a few of my travels.

Every March you can find Don and I solo canoeing class 3, 4 & 5 whitewater rapids down in Tennessee and South Carolina in my little 8 foot canoe (not a kayak, haha). Every summer my family embarks on a 2 to 3 week wilderness canoe trip, while in the winter, I kite ski on the local frozen lakes, cross-country ski or kicksled with my grandchildren and husband, Don. We are currently boiling off maple syrup as the season began already this year.

In the darkest months of the winter and during the midnight sun of the summer, I spend extensive time in the Arctic going on canoeing and dog sledding adventures with my grandchildren or enjoying our tiny home outside of Whitehorse, Yukon.

My personal philosophy is “Life is too short not to be happy” and I try to put that into practice with all of my adventures with Maple Leaf Tours. Some of my favourite places to travel with Maple Leaf guests include: Nashville at any time of year, Quebec City and area – all seasons, Caribbean cruising, Maritime Canada, New York City tours, the Stratford Festival series and of course, Niagara Falls at all times of the year.

I look forward to meeting new adventurers and welcome all of you to come and create new memories with me and share a “glass half full” philosophy.

I was born outside of Detroit, Michigan, but grew up mostly in a rural area north east of Toronto. Living in the country with 4 siblings, we were always outside playing and exploring the countryside. I moved to Thunder Bay to attend Lakehead University as a student in the Outdoor Recreation program – the perfect spot to continue camping, hiking, canoeing, and skiing, all while completing an Honours degree program. I then completed my Bachelor of Education program and returned to southern Ontario, making Kingston my new home.

I began as an occasional teacher in the northern parts of the Limestone District School Board, but there were not many full-time positions available so I ended up working as a Literacy Coordinator with Frontier College. I trained community and inmate tutors for literacy and math in the federal prisons in our area – an eye-opening experience that had me joyously returning to teaching in elementary schools! I taught all grades from K to 8 and even did a stint teaching core French. I moved into administration and completed a Masters of Education degree. I worked 21 years as a Vice-Principal and Principle and retired in June, 2021.

My wife, Melanie and I, have three children (each 12 years apart!) and two grandsons. While the youngest is still at home, we like to spend time in Squamish, BC with one daughter and Milton, ON with the other. To round it out, we have two adorable golden doodles named Duke and Ella who keep us active.

Joining the Maple Leaf Tours team was an exciting prospect. I have travelled extensively to see new things, experience new cultures and especially, find great food! But I have to say, that meeting people along the way has always been the best part. As a Tour Director, I have the best of all worlds. Cape Cod, Nashville, Agawa Canyon, Niagara Falls, Montreal … so many places … and always with a bus load of interesting, fun and excited people who are getting away on vacation and living their best lives! I have always been known for my “big laugh” that echoed throughout the hallways in schools, now it travels with me on the bus, where I enjoy so many new people who always teach me new things.

Come travel with us – Maple Leaf Tours – adventure awaits, in beautiful Ontario, across Canada, in the US and overseas!

“Life is simple, life is complex, life is short. Your only real currency is time – use it wisely.” (Michelle Richmond)