The Travel Directors who guide you on tour don’t just know their destination, they’re shaped by it. Alexis Horz grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, spent a decade working at one of the most remote and spectacular corners of the Canadian Rockies, and has been guiding travelers through her Canada ever since. She is, in every sense, a product of the place she shows off. Find out how she sees the country she calls home, and the one piece of advice she gives every single guest before they leave.
What is your personal connection to Canada?
“I’m from Edmonton, Alberta. I would describe Alberta as a place where people come to experience not just the mountains or the beautiful lakes and rivers, but also where the prairie meets it. So you have this in between — these beautiful flatland areas mixed in with mountains. And what’s amazing about Alberta is the scenery and how… attainable it is. More attainable for people to visit than, say, Vancouver and BC. My connection to Canada is deeply personal. It is shaped by the people I have met, the places I have experienced, and the values I see reflected here—resilience, diversity, and a respect for both community and individuality. Canada is not just somewhere I visit or live; it is somewhere that has influenced how I see the world.”
What is your favorite place to visit on tour and why?
“Without hesitation: Maligne Lake. I saw the end of the lake for the first time almost 10 years ago and it is still the most beautiful view I have ever seen. To see the best view, you must take the boat out to Spirit Island, and by the time you get there it is quiet since only people on the cruise, or a boat can access it. There are few places left that feel that remote and peaceful, and that is what makes it stand out to me. I have now travelled to a few different countries, seen all the west side of Canada, and still that is the most beautiful place in the world to me.”
If Canada were a person, how would you describe their personality?
“They would be quietly confident, kind, and easy to be around, someone who does not need attention but naturally makes others feel comfortable. We are incredibly kind people, very patient. But I think when people come to Canada, when they leave, they feel like they’ve just met a friend more than anything. They would be polite and inclusive, yet also strong and resilient beneath the surface, shaped by tough conditions and independence. They would value their space, feel most at home in nature, and come across as a little reserved at first, but genuinely warm once you get to know them.”
What is the biggest misconception visitors have about Canada?
“A common misconception about Canada is that it’s always cold and mostly wilderness. In reality, it has warm summers, diverse cities, and distinct regional cultures that make the country far more varied than people expect. Our summers here are gorgeous. I learned that Australia actually has a lower UV index than Canada, so people coming from Australia actually burn here in the summertime more than they do back home! It’s really nice here in summers, but we do have about six to eight months of winter sometimes, though. People are asking me every day if there’s going to be snow, if there’s going to be rain. In the summertime, I’ve only seen sunshine in Vancouver.”
Is there a stereotype that makes you laugh about Canadians because there is truth to it?
“A funny stereotype about Canadians is that we say “sorry” all the time—and honestly, there’s some truth to it, since people are genuinely polite and considerate. I always thought it was just a joke, but when you do go off and travel, you notice it… why am I saying sorry for everything?”
What questions do guests ask you most about Canada?
“Guests most often ask about the weather, especially how cold it really gets and when the best time to visit is. They’re also curious about wildlife like bears and moose, and whether you actually see them, especially if people have never seen a bear before. That’s always the number one question.”
What do you miss most about Canada when you are away?
“When I’m away from Canada, what I miss most is the space and quiet, being surrounded by nature, fresh air, and landscapes that don’t feel crowded. I also miss the sense of calm and familiarity, and the little things like how friendly people are. Canadians are really easy going and it’s really easy to connect with one another. There’s such a difference in coming back to your own country and seeing your friends and family, the customer service you’re used to. It’s hard to put into words until you’ve been away.”
What is your most valuable piece of advice for first time visitors to Canada?
“My most valuable advice for first-time visitors to Canada is to plan for distance and variety. Canada is much bigger than most people expect, and each region feels completely different, so it’s better to focus on one area and really experience it rather than trying to see everything at once. Honestly, if I was coming to Canada, I would take a tour. When you’re planning things on your own, you’re going to miss so much and spend most of the time driving instead of paying attention to what’s going on. Booking a tour with Trafalgar, Costsaver, any of the brands, they’ve always catered to exactly what everybody would want to see.”
“Also, your pictures will last a long time, but the moment is just a moment. So, take time to put the camera down and enjoy where you are. ”
Finish this sentence: You haven’t truly experienced Canada until…
“…you’ve stepped out into the wilderness, away from the cities, and taken a moment to just stand in the quiet, whether that’s by a lake, in the mountains, or surrounded by forest, and realised how vast and untouched it really is.”