In the northeast of England, a region known for its rich history of innovation, musical talent, and passionate football culture, Chris Howell began a journey that would eventually lead him across the globe to Canada. With a background in tourism and an adventurous spirit, Chris exemplifies how newcomers can find their home and build their dreams in Canada.

Chris Howell grew up in Newcastle, a city he proudly describes as the home of musical legends like Sting of The Police, Dire Straits, Brian Johnson of AC/DC, and Sam Fender. It’s also a place of remarkable innovation, having produced George Stephenson, the inventor of railways. And, of course, there’s the Newcastle United Football Club!

But in 2011, while living in Australia, Chris found himself tired of watching his beloved football team lose every week at 4 in the morning. With friends already in Vancouver, he decided Canada was the next step for him. What started as a temporary adventure turned into a permanent home!

Personal Growth: Finding Home in a Foreign Land

When asked about his initial feelings upon moving to Canada, Chris’s response is cinematic:

“I loved it, I felt like I was in a movie. Having grown up watching North American entertainment, it felt like one big movie.”
– Chris

Beyond the entertainment connection, Chris felt at peace in Canada, describing it as safe and welcoming. This sense of security provided the foundation for him to build a life and eventually a business that aligns with his values.

His first role in Canada leveraged his tourism experience as a tour leader to Niagara Falls, Quebec City, and New York. The position quickly evolved into a management role, allowing him to establish roots in his new home. Today, 11 years after his arrival, Chris is married with a child and has built a life that seamlessly blends his passion for outdoor exploration with his commitment to helping newcomers experience Canada.

Image of man speaking into a microphone on a tour bus. — Credit: Northbound Tours

His advice to newcomers reveals both humour and insight: “You need to buy a jug for the bags of milk. I thought bags of milk were single serve for the longest time.” This light-hearted observation speaks to the small cultural adjustments that are part of every newcomer’s journey.

Chris later discovered Canoo through his wife, who has also moved to Canada from abroad. His connection to the Canoo program was immediate and profound.

“Canoo is the best thing newcomers can use to help them feel more Canadian.”
– Chris

Canoo: Opening Doors for Newcomers

Chris values how the program removes financial barriers that might otherwise prevent newcomers from experiencing Canadian culture firsthand. The opportunity to visit museums, galleries, and activities at no cost creates accessible experiences that help newcomers fall in love with Canada.

“Toronto has this thing once a year called Open Doors where people get excited because things are open to the public,” Chris explains. “With Canoo, every day is open doors.”

His enthusiasm for the program is infectious, and his advice to potential members is very simple.

“Why would you not join Canoo? This doesn’t have to be Shakespeare – to be, or not to be. You have nothing to lose by joining and so much to gain.”
– Chris

Every Canoo experience has been memorable for Chris, from visits to the Toronto Zoo to explorations of Cape Jourimain Nature Centre in New Brunswick. Canoo offers experiences he might not have pursued otherwise, enriching his Canadian journey in unexpected ways.

Memorable Northbound Tours

Chris’s passion for exploration eventually led him to found Northbound Tours, a company created by newcomers, for newcomers, tourists, and Canadians alike. The venture isn’t just a business for him — it’s an extension of who he is.

The company evolved from Chris’s recognition that as we age, our social connections can diminish. In a city like Toronto, meeting new people is challenging. Northbound Tours creates opportunities for friends to connect with nature, adventure, and each other.

People celebrating together on a Northbound Tours camping trip. — Credit: Northbound Tours

Among his most memorable tour experiences was an Aurora Borealis viewing at Torrance Barrens. What began as a regular stargazing trip transformed into a spectacular event when alerts indicated strong geomagnetic activity. Participants witnessed an extraordinary Northern Lights display for under $50!

People viewing the Northern Lights display with Northbound Tours. — Credit: Northbound Tours

Northbound Tours is also registered with the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO), which is required by operators running overnight trips under the Travel Industry Act, 2002.

For newcomers hesitant about outdoor adventures, Northbound Tours creates a sense of trust and removes barriers by providing all necessary equipment.

“We provide tents, mats, pillows, liners, cookware, transport, itinerary, guide, food. We’ve got you covered.”
– Chris

This approach allows newcomers to explore Canada’s natural beauty without the initial investment in camping gear, making the experiences more accessible.

Thanks to this similar mindset, it’s easy to understand why Canoo and Northbound Tours love working together! With discounts available on the Canoo app, you can take part in adventures with Northbound Tours that open doors and make memories.

Chris Howell’s journey from Newcastle to Canada illustrates how newcomers can not only find their place but also create opportunities for others to connect with Canadian culture and each other. Through his work with Northbound Tours and his enthusiastic support of Canoo, Chris has become a bridge builder connecting people to new experiences.