Management & Headquarters Team

Kevin Smith

CEO, Co-owner, Expedition Leader, Captain

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An adventurer and explorer all his life, and a professional mariner since the age of 18, Kevin is the leader of Maple Leaf Adventures and one of its owners. His experience as a geographer, backcountry park ranger and teacher all contribute to his vision for this respected ecotourism organization. Kevin continues Maple Leaf’s long tradition of building the framework for ecotourism on the coast, and he is an executive member of many industry organizations including a director of the Wilderness Tourism Association of BC and the Gwaii Haanas Tour Operators Association and a co-founder and director of the Commercial Bear Viewing of BC.

“Being open with your so-called competitors can help you create outrageous, never-before-dreamed successes together.”

Kevin taught high school youth and subsequently adults when he developed and taught the Ecotourism for Entrepreneurs course for North Island College in British Columbia. His 5-year tenure as a negotiator on the central coast (Great Bear Rainforest) land use plan brings a rare depth of understanding to the area’s history and current situation and resulted in his pioneering the use of protocol agreements with the region’s Indigenous nations when he took over Maple Leaf Adventures 20 years ago.

One of his career highlights so far has been envisioning and co-leading a great industry collaboration to clean the marine debris from the Great Bear Rainforest coast during the covid-19 pandemic, resulting in the removal of 750,000 pounds (337 metric tonnes) of debris – 60% of which was recycled — in an epic expedition that saved companies and over 100 coastal jobs, protected wildlife, and strengthened trust and relationships between so-called “competitors” and “regulators” — the Small Ship Tour Operators Association of BC, Coastal First Nations governments and communities, and the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. This effort inspired a multimillion-dollar, multi-year clean-up movement along the coast and raised the spirits of countless people whose livelihoods were threatened by the pandemic closures.

Kevin’s extensive marine experience began with family cruising (under sail) while growing up on this coast. To pay for his university degree he took any job that involved being on the ocean. Skill and experience developed from years as a rowing coach and sailing instructor, a Coast Guard rescue training officer and rescue boat coxswain, fisheries research vessel Captain, backcountry (marine) Park Ranger, sail training instructor, and captain on passenger carrying vessels. He is a senior bear guide certified by the Commercial Bear Viewing Association.

Kevin was raised on Salt Spring Island in the southern Gulf Islands, and, following his formal education, he was employed for a decade by the B.C. government to steward the marine parks of northern Vancouver Island and southern Great Bear. He is a strong advocate for protecting the coast. As Maple Leaf’s owner since 2001, he has continuously explored the breadth of this, North America’s last great rainforest, from Victoria to Sitka, Alaska. As an expedition leader and captain, he is a genial host whose love of B.C. and Alaska’s wilderness places is infectious.

Education & Certifications

• Fellow, Royal Canadian Geographical Society BA Geography (University of Victoria)
• Full Bear Guide (Commercial Bear Viewing Association of BC)
• 60-ton Masters Limited (Transport Canada)
• 60-ton Small Vessel Machinery Operator (Transport Canada)
• Advanced Wilderness First Aid for Leaders (Slipstream)
• CPR, Oxygen, AED Dive Master (PADI)
• Backcountry recreation and tourism representative, Great Bear Rainforest land use plan Co-founder and director, Commercial Bear Viewing Association of BC Director, Wilderness Tourism Association of BC

Maureen Gordon

Headquarters Team

She/Her/Hers

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Maureen grew up, like most coastal children, influenced by the beaches, ocean, and rainforest of British Columbia.

After professional work in the journalism, publishing and high-tech industries, she joined her now-husband, Kevin, in building the eco-expedition cruise company, Maple Leaf Adventures.

Maple Leaf is a pioneer in developing conservation-based travel in British Columbia and Alaska. The company was designed from the inside out as an ecotourism company in 1986 — a long time before it was cool to be green. It has a reputation for superb quality and integrity, and as such, Maple Leaf’s principles are happy to talk about issues to media — whether they be about the value of wildlife viewing versus trophy hunting; the value of conservation-based economies; or the astonishing come-back of baleen whales on the BC coast.

Maureen and her husband are not ones to shy from a challenge. They resolved to create a flourishing employer and force for good from their company that, as one flabbergasted person in 2001 said, “takes people in the fall, on a boat in the rain, ‘way up the central coast, to sit in the forest and look at a bear”. Twenty years on, they’ve won more than a dozen awards, grown the company to 20x what it was then, and employ dozens of skilled coastal residents while continuing to build conservation business with their colleagues along the coast. All while maintaining two of Canada’s heritage vessels as certified passenger vessels as well as one newer expedition catamaran in one of the world’s toughest regulatory environments.

In addition to helping to develop and manage the company, Maureen is an experienced freelance writer and speaker. She is chair of the board of Raincoast Conservation Foundation, an amazing, science-based conservation group and one of the recipients of Maple Leaf Adventures’ donations.

She lives in British Columbia, Canada.

Education & Certifications

• BA, University of Victoria
• Assistant Bear Guide, Commercial Bear Viewing Association of BC
• Small Vessel Operators Proficiency, Transport Canada
• Marine Medical and Advanced Wilderness First Aid, Alert First Aid 
• Marine Emergency Duties A2, Transport Canada
• Fellow, Royal Canadian Geographical Society

Cameron St. John

Vice-president

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As Vice President of Maple Leaf Adventures, Cameron is at the helm, charting the course for the company’s growth and success. With a vision to elevate Maple Leaf Adventures into a top-tier industry leader on BC’s wild coast, Cameron oversees aspects of operations and executive functions, ensuring that every voyage exceeds expectations.

Cameron brings a wealth of experience to his role, with a background as a turnaround executive specialising in revitalizing midsized companies.

Leana Meyer

Financial Administrator

Leana, originally from Edmonton, has been living on the island for 18 years, with the last 8 years out in East Sooke. She has been with Maple Leaf Adventures since September 2018.

Leana is passionate about the coast, preserving its beauty and nature, and sharing it with people from around the world. Travel and the beautiful ships she works with have become part of that passion as well.

Leana started her career as an accountant in Alberta but left that career to become a chef. She worked in fine dining restaurants in Edmonton and Victoria for 8 years before shifting careers again to focus on her family. She then worked in a purchasing role for a large seafood distributor and then a small seafood store/restaurant and wholesaler. Joining Maple Leaf Adventures allowed her to share the beautiful coastline and bring all her expertise together in her role.

What Leana likes most about her job is supporting the wonderful ships and crews to provide guests with the experience of a lifetime.

Her most memorable travel experience was being part of the Coastal Clean Up project during COVID-19. She supported the project from the office through planning and reporting and also participated hands-on in cleaning the coast.

Education & Certifications

• Accounting Diploma
• Red Seal Chef
• Certificate in Computer Based Business Systems & Business Administration

Emma Cormier-Jensen

Headquarters Team

Emma is a half-Canadian, half-French explorer who grew up between overseas and Canada, fostering a deep love for hiking, traveling, surfing, and discovering the world’s natural wonders. Passionate about indulging in the world’s finest chocolate and preserving the environment—the only planet where chocolate grows—Emma has a background in hospitality and tourism, which led her to find her niche in ecotourism. 

Her dedication to protecting the coastline aligns perfectly with Maple Leaf Adventures’ mission. A standout experience for Emma was contributing to the Marine Debris Removal Initiative of 2024, an effort that strengthened her commitment to environmental stewardship.

Emma lives by the quote: “The moment you think you can fly, you’re almost there.” — Peter Pan

Jordan Lambe

Marketing & Communications Lead

Jordan’s journey to British Columbia began far from its coastal rainforests. Born and raised in landlocked Manchester, England, Jordan discovered his passion for travel in his adult years. After setting off for Southeast Asia with only the backpack on his shoulders, he found himself in Melbourne, Australia, where his marketing career took shape. Working with prominent brands such as Virgin Holidays, FIJI Water, and adventurewear company Kathmandu, Jordan honed his digital craft, becoming adept at online communications, social media, and paid advertising.

Since joining Maple Leaf Adventures, Jordan has brought his global marketing experience to a cause close to his heart: promoting sustainable travel along BC’s coast. His love for the area mirrors his many adventures abroad—from road trips through the Australian outback to scuba diving in the South Pacific—but for Jordan, British Columbia stands apart: “Bringing attention to the coast’s unique beauty and helping guests experience it responsibly is a dream come true.”

Outside of work, Jordan’s dedication to environmental causes is evident in both his personal and professional life. He has offered pro bono marketing support to organisations such as Greening Australia and the Australian Conservation Foundation, and in his free time, enjoys wildlife photography and digital illustration, capturing the natural world that inspires him so deeply.

Education & Certifications

• Leeds Beckett University, BA Business Studies Degree
• Certifications in Google AdWords, Google Analytics, LinkedIn for Business, and Graphic Design
• Commercial Bearviewing Certification
• PADI Licensed Open Water Diver

Katerina Stuparyk

Headquarters Team

Katerina was born in Vancouver and raised in the mountains of Kimberley, BC. Growing up surrounded by nature, she spent her summers working at a forestry summer camp, leading activities like hiking, canoeing, orienteering, and sensory awareness. An avid downhill skier and racer, she also loved cross-country skiing and spent winters skating on frozen lakes.

As a child, Katerina dreamed of the coast and returning to Vancouver Island. Once she arrived, she knew she’d found her perfect home, with both the mountains and the ocean as her playground.

Katerina’s career has spanned twenty-seven years as a sales and marketing strategist in the software and real estate development sectors. She also holds a teaching degree and has a deep passion for art therapy and working with children. At Maple Leaf Adventures, Katerina works on special projects, including guest surveys, social media strategy, and content creation for various mediums, from articles to podcasts.

In her leisure time, Katerina enjoys painting, photography, and immersing herself in nature. She’s drawn to adventure and travel, always seeking new experiences and perspectives.

What Katerina loves most about her job is the variety and especially the chance to write about the wild places and wildlife of the coast. After two decades on the mainland, she’s thrilled to feel like an islander once more.

A standout experience for Katerina was the Wines and Islands trip on Cascadia. From wine tastings with BC winemakers to gourmet meals, kayaking, and stargazing from the hot tub, each moment was unforgettable. The crew and guests made the journey truly special, and the sights—from sea lions and orcas to stunning vineyards—left a lasting impression.

Katerina lives by the quote: “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” — Maya Angelou

Keerene Carty

Headquarters Team

Keerene is a dynamic professional with over a decade of experience in marketing, sales, and project management. She has worked across start-ups, early-stage ventures, and multinational corporations, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role.

Growing up in the Caribbean, Keerene developed a love for adventure, wildlife, and cultural exploration. Surrounded by rich biodiversity and vibrant cultures, her passion for the natural world was sparked early on. This love for discovery has led her to explore various landscapes, from coastal shores to dense forests, and immerse herself in local cultures wherever she goes.

Keerene’s business career began in sales and marketing, where she quickly advanced into leadership roles, managing teams and driving strategies for business growth. Her expertise spans from lead generation to conversion strategy and paid media campaigns, all while delivering tangible results.

What Keerene loves most about her job is the ability to make a lasting impact on businesses and communities. She finds great satisfaction in seeing the results of strategic planning and innovative thinking come to life.

A standout experience for Keerene has been the collaborative spirit at Maple Leaf Adventures, where everyone shares an equal passion and willingness to offer assistance.

Keerene lives by the quote: “Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”

Mikhail Ignatev

Headquarters Team

Mikhail fell in love with British Columbia’s nature when he first arrived in Vancouver in 2014. From the very first day, he was struck by the beauty of its mountains, the majesty of its forests, and the charm of its endless ocean. This love for BC’s nature is what inspired Mikhail to stay after graduating from the University of Victoria, and it has never left him since. Sharing this passion with others is what drove him to work at Maple Leaf Adventures, where he enjoys introducing guests to the coast’s beauty and helping them fall in love with it as much as he has over the past decade.

Mikhail graduated from the University of Victoria in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. His career began as a Data Administrator for Engineers Without Borders Canada, followed by a role as a Contract Administrator at IDC WorldSource Insurance Network in Vancouver. In 2024, Mikhail moved to Victoria and joined Maple Leaf Adventures as a temporary assistant in the Operations department. His passion for organization, combined with the company’s mission to preserve and share the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, convinced the team to bring him on board as a full-time employee.

Mikhail loves what he does, finding fulfillment in sharing his love for the coast with visitors and making them appreciate its natural wonders as deeply as he does. His guiding sentiment is simple: to share what he loves most.

Sahildas Haridas

Headquarters Team

Sahil is from Kerala, a coastal state in southern India often called “God’s Own Country.” Growing up surrounded by Kerala’s coastal beauty and rich biodiversity, he developed a deep connection to the sea. This bond inspired him to move to Victoria, BC, in 2019 to pursue a Post-Degree Diploma in Applied Tourism and Hospitality Management at Camosun College. Captivated by the breathtaking BC coastline, Sahil found the west coast’s stunning landscapes, charming weather, and diverse wildlife reminiscent of his home.

Before coming to Canada, Sahil earned a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management and worked in the hospitality industry, gaining valuable experience in India and Dubai. His passion for tourism emerged in 2021 while working as an Information Centre Counsellor with Destination Greater Victoria. This experience shifted his career focus, and in late 2023, he received Permanent Residency in Canada. By February 2024, Sahil joined Maple Leaf Adventures as an Operations Specialist, marking his transition from hospitality to tourism.

What Sahil loves most about his role is Maple Leaf’s close-knit, family-oriented culture and its dedication to preserving the natural beauty of BC’s Pacific Coast. He enjoys collaborating with crew members to ensure their comfort in their roles and the seamless operation of the ships. He values fostering employee engagement, helping create a motivated, enthusiastic, and supportive work environment.

Sahil lives by the mantra: “Challenges make life interesting; overcoming them makes life meaningful. Always watch for the breakthrough.”