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The Landsby Team

Jason Sarracini

Founder

 jason@landsby.ca

Jason is Landsby’s fearless leader and champion of all places Canadian. Coming from a family of travellers, he started exploring the world at a young age. When he’s not jetting off in search of the next amazing Canadian experience to bring to Landsby, Jason can be found exploring his hometown of Toronto with his wife and three children.

Regenerative Travel Founding Agent of Change

Jason is a founding member in Regenerative Travel’s Agent of Change Program.

Read more about Jason’s regenerative principles.

What’s your dream destination?

I’ve got my eye on two incredible destinations on opposite coasts: Haida Gwaii in British Columbia and Fogo Island in Newfoundland.

Best travel advice?

As we come out of the last 2 years of the pandemic, availability for quality travel experiences will be scarce.  Book early and don’t be scared to try something new!  

Ocean or Mountains?

For me, it’s all about the water and the ocean.

Languages Spoken:

English and Italian

Izabela Jaroszynski

Managing Editor Northern Soul Magazine & Content Director

izabela@landsby.ca

Izabela is Landsby’s resident writer and editor. When she’s not putting pen to paper, she’s either exploring Canada with her husband and three children or planning her next trip. She loves road trips, train travel, camping adventures and anything that brings her closer to nature. Izabela lives in rural Ontario. 

Northern Soul Magazine

Read the Current Issue

What’s your dream destination?

I would love to spend a summer exploring Nova Scotia with my family. The fresh seafood, the ocean, the beautiful landscapes all appeal to me.

Best travel advice?

Don’t overpack! After my first back-breaking backpacking trip, I learned the value of packing light. You’ll enjoy your journey and destination much more if you’re not carting around heavy luggage or constantly rooting through bags to find something you need. 

Ocean or Mountains?

I love the ocean and the salty air that comes with it!

Languages Spoken:

English and Polish 

Aurélie Gilles

Director of Canadian Travel

aurelie@landsby.ca

No one can plan, organize and execute a trip quite like Aurélie! An intrepid traveller, she has cycled through Antigua, backpacked through Thailand and explored much of Africa. Aurélie grew up in a small fishing village in Normandy and lived in Paris before making Toronto her home. She loves to explore Canada with her twins in tow.

Regenerative Travel Founding Agent of Change

Aurélie is a founding member in Regenerative Travel’s Agent of Change Program.

Read more about Aurélie’s regenerative principles.

Did you know?

Aurélie is also an expert in creating exciting African itineraries, planning luxury villa vacation to the Caribbean and the Mediterranean and has extensive expertise in travel to Turkey, France and Spain.

What’s your dream destination?

I’d love to explore the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve in British Columbia. Flying in by seaplane and sleeping in luxury canvas tents in the wild sounds like a dream to me. 

Best travel advice?

Spend a few hours sitting quietly in a park or on a busy street just watching day-to-day life happen around you. You’ll absorb the destination this way and remember these moments long after you leave.

Ocean or Mountains?

My happy place is by the water, whether it’s a river, lake or the ocean. It clears my mind every time. 

Languages Spoken:

English and French

Aubrey Reine

Product Director

aubrey@landsby.ca

Aubrey grew up in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, lived in Europe for several years and now makes his home in Vancouver with his wife and two kids. He has explored more of Canada than all his Landsby colleagues put together, is a champion of lesser-known Canadian destinations and is always excited to head out on a new adventure. 

Regenerative Travel Founding Agent of Change

Aubrey is a founding member in Regenerative Travel’s Agent of Change Program.

Read more about Aubrey’s regenerative principles.

What’s your dream destination?

Seeing the Kermode Bears on Princess Royal Island in BC. A close second would be the Arctic. And a close third would be the Torngat Mountains of Labrador!

Best travel advice?

Take your time! My best memories are of places where I’ve had a chance to let the destination soak in and make personal connections. I’ve always regretted just trying to check things off a list.

Ocean or Mountains?

Both! I like anywhere I can have a long vista view of the landscape — even better if you throw in a sunset!

Languages Spoken:

English and German

Vanessa O'Brien

Travel & Rail Specialist

 vanessa@landsby.ca

Vanessa has been helping people plan their dream vacations for nearly two decades. An avid traveller herself, Vanessa has explored much of Canada by rail and road trip, spent a month in Costa Rica and travelled all over the Caribbean, US and Europe. She loves to be out in nature and has a passion for capturing amazing photographs.

Did you know?

Having worked for VIA Rail for many years, Vanessa is Landsby’s resident Canadian rail expert. She is also a wizard when it comes to planning a dream holiday to Disney, booking a cruise vacation or visiting Ireland.

What’s your dream destination?

There are two experiences on my bucket list in Canada: stay in a rustic cabin in the North and get to photograph the Aurora Borealis and to visit Newfoundland and Labrador.

Best travel advice?

Explore as much of your destination as possible, do things that interest you and make those lasting memories. And take lots of photos! Photos are a reminder of your travel experiences and these will be there to reminisce for years to come.

Ocean or Mountains?

I love both. Wherever I can capture a great photo and enjoy my surroundings is my happy place.

Languages Spoken:

English, French, German and Spanish

Madyson Taylor

Sales Manager/Destination Specialist

madyson@landsby.ca

As an advocate of responsible travel, Madyson is passionate about crafting experiences that connect travellers with the heart of a destination through food, culture, nature and respectful wildlife observation. Madyson has travelled extensively through South East Asia, has worked in a remote nature preserve in Costa Rica and continues to seek out meaningful travel experiences both near and far from her home in Ontario.

Did you know?

I have a Master’s Degree in responsible travel and the intersection of tourism and wildlife is my sweet spot. I believe it is our duty to be intentional when interacting with wildlife and ensure they are being actively protected with our tourist dollars.

What’s your dream destination?

I have been dreaming of seeing the Polar Bears in Churchill, Manitoba. With the progression of climate change, this feels like a vital time to book that trip, support conservation efforts and witness them while we still can.

Best travel advice?

Don’t overpack! Travel is a wonderful exercise to remind ourselves how little we really need.

Ocean or Mountains?

Mountains! There is something so humbling about being amongst such giants. There is nothing better.

Languages Spoken:

English



Dalia Martinez

Operations Manager

dalia@landsby.ca

As a teenager, Dalia visited Cuba and the trip not only opened her eyes to the beauty of travel but ignited a passion to learn from the many cultures around the world. She has since explored more than 30 countries – and counting! – and is always looking for ways to contribute to the communities that have hosted her. She lives in Toronto with her husband and two children, with whom she is sharing her love of travel.

Did you know?

Dalia was born in El Salvador and moved to Canada when she was very young, “I feel I got the best of both world: I got to experience a very humble life as a child and learned not to take anything for granted, and then when I came to live in Canada it provided me with endless opportunities, and most importantly it helped me achieve my biggest dream: to be able to travel.”

What’s your dream destination?

My top wish list includes a visit to Lake Louise, exploring Prince Edward Island and experiencing the Aurora Borealis.

Best travel advice?

Travel can be one of our best teachers in life, and also one of our best investments. Immerse yourself and be open minded to trying and learning new things: meet new people, try new food, learn about a new culture or language, and simply get out of your comfort zone. You will be surprised at the personal growth that you can make just by visiting a new place and the positive impact you can leave.  

Ocean or Mountains?

The Ocean! Being close to the ocean brings me a sense of peace, and makes me feel more connected to the earth.  

Languages Spoken:

English & Spanish



Elise Ponsonnet

Product Manager

elise@landsby.ca

Elise grew up in Provence, in the south of France, and gained a love of travel when she had the opportunity to visit Quebec with her family and subsequently study throughout Europe. She has since travelled extensively, exploring four of the world’s continents. Elise worked in both London and Paris before moving to Canada. She  lives in Vancouver with her partner and their daughter. 

Favourite Canadian Travel Memory?

Seeing the incredible fall Aurora Borealis in the Yukon and exploring BC’s Clayoquot Sound in the winter, with its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

What’s your dream destination?

Gros Morne National Park, the Magdalen Islands, the Great Bear Rainforest and the Arctic. 

Best travel advice?

Connect with locals. Engaging with the people who live in a destination can provide unique experiences. Locals can recommend hidden gems, share authentic stories and offer a genuine perspective on their culture and way of life.

Ocean or Mountains?

I love both, which is why I picked Vancouver as my Canadian home.

Languages Spoken:

English & French



Cathy Berger

Sales Support Specialist

cathy@landsby.ca

Ask Cathy to craft you a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Canada and you’ll see her face light up with excitement. Not only does she love to share her passion for the country, but travel planning allows her to unleash her creativity and apply her intimate knowledge of the place. Cathy has travelled extensively around the world and knows that the best trips are those that leave you with lasting memories. She currently lives in Vancouver.

Favourite Canadian Travel Memory?

Sailing in Haida Gwaii was a life changing experience. The old growth rainforest took my breath away. The giant red cedars, the thick moss and extravagant ferns combined with the remains of the massive totem poles of the ancient Haida Villages was a sight I will never forget. The energy of the place is like no other and I feel very fortunate to have explored such a sacred land.

What’s your dream destination?

 I’d love to go see the polar bears, muskoxen, arctic foxes and beluga whales on Somerset Island in Nunavut

Best travel advice?

Plan in advance then get lost. I always find it very rewarding to stay curious when travelling and not follow the main roads but rather, get out of my comfort zone, connect with the locals and find some hidden gems.

Ocean or Mountains?

Both! On a sunny day, I can’t decide if I should go hiking on one of our beautiful coastal trails in BC or if I should go paddle in the Pacific Ocean. Spoiled I hear you say? Absolutely!!

Languages Spoken:

English & French



April Psiharis

Senior Travel Professional

 april@landsby.ca

A travel professional extraordinaire, April has been planning trips and supporting travellers for more than 30 years. She fell in love with travel at a young age and decided to make a career out of her passion. She has travelled extensively on three continents and is always excited to plan an amazing trip for her clients.

Did you know?

April is a certified Rocky Mountaineer Specialist, making her an expert in booking the luxury rail tours. She has also completed the Vancouver Specialist Program.

What’s your dream destination?

I would love to experience the Aurora Borealis. I dream of sitting by a warm bonfire and watching the lights dance in the sky. It all seems so magical. I also want to continue exploring the stunning BC coast and go whale watching in the Bay of Fundy!

Best travel advice?

Plan ahead, familiarize yourself with your destination before travelling, soak it all in and have an open mind in exploring new surroundings, as well as capturing those memorable moments. Travel motivates us to see, taste and try new things by forcing us out of our comfort zones.

Ocean or Mountains?

I’m definitely an ocean girl. Watching the endless waves, the sounds of the ocean and the fresh ocean breeze puts my mind at ease.

Languages Spoken:

English and Italian