Intrepid Travel, the world’s largest adventure travel company, marked a major milestone in Canadian tourism with the inaugural Intrepid Day on July 21. Held in Sankofa Square (formerly Dundas Square) in downtown Toronto, the event celebrated community, curiosity, and connection through responsible travel. This global initiative saw participation from 31 countries, making it a powerful symbol of how travel can serve a greater purpose.
The Toronto celebration invited the public to engage in a vibrant mix of interactive activities — from a virtual passport challenge and prize wheels to hourly draws for a $500 Golden Ticket redeemable on any Intrepid tour. Designed to spark awareness about the transformative potential of tourism, Intrepid Day delivered a message that travel is not just about seeing the world — it’s about changing it.
Championing Social Impact Through Travel
At the heart of Intrepid Day was a deep commitment to giving back to local communities. Donations made to The Intrepid Foundation during the event were tripled to benefit global non-profits, including Canada’s Water First, a charity supporting Indigenous youth through water science education and community-led solutions. This reflects Intrepid’s wider philosophy of community-focused tourism, rooted in sustainability, equity, and inclusion.
“We’re not just in the business of booking trips — we’re about making meaningful connections and leaving a positive impact,” said Matt Barnes, Intrepid Travel’s General Manager for North America. “Canada is one of our most important growth markets because Canadian travellers understand the value of purposeful exploration.”
Canada’s Adventure Travel Boom: A Market on the Rise
According to data shared by Barnes, Intrepid Travel’s business in Canada is up 50% year-over-year, reflecting a growing appetite among Canadians for active and immersive experiences. November 2025 is forecasted to be the company’s best month on record in Canada, with 71% more travellers and 76% more revenue compared to last year.
This surge aligns with national tourism trends. According to Destination Canada, international tourism to Canada continues to rebound strongly, while domestic travel remains a key pillar of the industry’s post-pandemic recovery. Increasingly, Canadians are seeking authentic experiences at home — hiking the Canadian Rockies, exploring the rugged Maritimes, and biking through historic East Coast towns.
Intrepid’s domestic campaign promoting Canadian adventure tours has met with “unprecedented demand,” especially for its Maritimes Highlights tour, prompting the company to add extra autumn departures to meet interest.
Canadians Crave Active, Responsible Holidays
A new era of tourism is dawning in Canada, with adventure and sustainability at the center. Barnes noted a notable increase in cycling, hiking, and eco-tours, revealing that Canadians are not only travelling more, but also travelling more consciously.
“People want to feel a visceral connection with their environment. Whether it’s paddling through pristine lakes or walking along windswept Atlantic shores, travellers today are choosing experiences that enrich both themselves and the communities they visit,” Barnes said.
This shift in mindset fits seamlessly with Intrepid’s brand identity, which emphasizes low-impact travel, local partnerships, and climate-conscious operations. The company is certified B Corp, meaning it meets high standards of social and environmental performance.
Intrepid’s Vision for the Future of Travel in Canada
Looking ahead, Intrepid Travel sees Canada not only as a key market but as a model for what responsible tourism can look like globally. With travellers becoming increasingly aware of their carbon footprint and social impact, companies like Intrepid are well-positioned to lead a travel revolution grounded in sustainability.
From empowering Indigenous communities through clean water education to creating jobs in rural regions through small group tourism, Intrepid’s legacy is expanding with every step. Its partnerships with Canadian organizations and government-aligned initiatives show that the adventure travel sector can thrive while also driving positive change.
As the company plans more community activations and travel experiences tailored specifically to Canadian travellers, Intrepid Day will likely become an annual event — a new tradition that celebrates not just destinations, but the spirit of thoughtful, connected, and life-affirming travel.
A Call to Canadian Travellers: Explore With Purpose
For Canadians planning their next getaway, the message is clear: adventure doesn’t have to mean going far — it just means going deep. Whether it’s exploring the forests of Quebec, cycling the backroads of Nova Scotia, or hiking through British Columbia’s wilderness, Intrepid Travel is offering immersive tours that combine cultural connection, environmental responsibility, and unforgettable adventure.
As Canada cements its place at the forefront of sustainable tourism, Intrepid Travel is poised to shape how the next generation of travelers explore, engage, and give back — both at home and abroad.
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