Episode 5

Guardians of the Grizzlies: Protecting the Great Bear Rainforest through responsible tourism with Marg Leehane

Published on: 9th September, 2025

Our journey in this episode of Karryon Podcast's Into the Hearts of Canada, I’m delighted to welcome Marg Leehane, co-owner of The Great Bear Lodge in British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest on Vancouver Island- An ecosystem, home to ancient trees, wild salmon, and… grizzly bears.

Originally from Melbourne, Marg co-created an off-grid floating lodge that has become a model of conservation tourism. Her story shows how travel can protect fragile places while creating life-changing encounters for those who visit.

Learn more about The Great Bear Lodge here

Into The Hearts of Canada is presented by Karryon, in partnership with Destination Canada.

Subscribe to Into The Hearts of Canada Podcast here

Visit: www.destinationcanada.com for more on Canada

Visit: karryon.com.au for more from Karryon

Presented by Karryon, Into the Hearts of Canada takes you beyond the guidebooks and into the heart and soul of one of the world’s most progressive travel destinations. Hosted by Karryon’s Matt Leedham, this 10-part series explores the people, places, and powerful ideas shaping the future of travel through a Canadian lens. From Indigenous knowledge-keepers and local changemakers to iconic landscapes and regenerative tourism pioneers, each episode offers an intimate conversation with the people reimagining what travel can be:

For the traveller, communities, and for the planet. Whether you’re a curious wanderer or a travel professional seeking fresh insights, this podcast invites you to see Canada with new eyes and an open heart.

Into The Hearts of Canada is presented by Matt Leedham and produced by Cassie Walker, with audio production by Rebecca Lewis.

Karryon acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands on which Karryon Media is made and the lands you are listening from today.

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About the Podcast

Into The Hearts Of Canada
A journey into the hearts and souls of Canada
Presented by Karryon, Into the Hearts of Canada takes you beyond the guidebooks and into the heart and soul of one of the world’s most progressive travel destinations. Hosted by Karryon’s Matt Leedham, this 10-part series explores the people, places, and powerful ideas shaping the future of travel through a Canadian lens.

From Indigenous knowledge-keepers and local changemakers to iconic landscapes and regenerative tourism pioneers, each episode offers an intimate conversation with the people reimagining what travel can be: For the traveller, communities, and for the planet.

Whether you’re a curious wanderer or a travel professional seeking fresh insights, this podcast invites you to see Canada with new eyes and an open heart.

About your host

Profile picture for Matt Leedham

Matt Leedham

Matt Leedham is the founder of Karryon, Australia’s leading travel trade media platform, with a mission to connect and advance the industry, together in travel. A former creative director turned travel creator, Matt has spent more than two decades telling stories that move people, literally and emotionally. Through Karryon’s podcast network, he chats with travel changemakers, innovators, and leaders to explore the ideas shaping a more meaningful and sustainable future for travel.