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

Read Jason’s posts on the Landsby Journal

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

Read Aurélie’s posts on the Landsby Journal 

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

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

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

Read Aubrey’s posts on the Landsby Journal 

Izabela Jaroszynski

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

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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 

Read Izabela’s posts on the Landsby Journal