Northern Roots Travel Our Story: Portuguese wine aisle in a Canadian supermarket, where the idea for authentic journeys from Canada to Portugal began.
Northern Roots Travel Our Story: Portuguese wine aisle in a Canadian supermarket, where the idea for authentic journeys from Canada to Portugal began.

Our Story

It started with a simple question about Portugal.

During a family visit to Canada, our founder António Pinto met a fellow Portuguese traveller in the Portuguese wine section of a Canadian supermarket.

He wanted to return to Portugal, but asked:

“I’d love to go back... but I don’t know who I can trust to help me plan the trip from Canada.”

That question stayed with António. When he shared the conversation with Paulo Santos, they realised they could bring together two perspectives: understanding the Canadian traveller and knowing Portugal personally.

That idea became Northern Roots Travel.

Rooted in Northern Portugal

Northern Portugal is where our family memories, traditions and connection to Portugal were built.

Póvoa de Varzim, our coastal home base, represents the Atlantic, family, community and the Portuguese way of life we know and love.

From Canada, we understand the journey. From Portugal, we bring the local knowledge, trusted relationships and genuine connections that take travellers beyond the usual itinerary.

We believe travel is about more than seeing the sights. It is about the people you meet, the stories you share and the memories you take home.

Crafted in Canada. Rooted in Portugal.

Our first journeys are taking shape for 2027.

JOIN THE 2027 PRIORITY LIST

Father and child sharing a personal moment in Canada, representing the family story behind Northern Roots Travel.
Father and child sharing a personal moment in Canada, representing the family story behind Northern Roots Travel.

“Where the Idea Began”

Canada is where Northern Roots came together, where conversations about Portugal, travel and home turned into an idea.

Northern Roots Travel family visiting a historic Portuguese heritage site at night, representing the connection between generations and Portuguese roots.
Northern Roots Travel family visiting a historic Portuguese heritage site at night, representing the connection between generations and Portuguese roots.

“CARRYING PORTUGAL FORWARD”

For us, travelling through Portugal is also about keeping its history and traditions alive and sharing them with the next generation.

Northern Roots Travel family member and child walking together on a traditional Portuguese street in Póvoa de Varzim.
Northern Roots Travel family member and child walking together on a traditional Portuguese street in Póvoa de Varzim.

“OUR COASTAL HOME BASE”

In Póvoa de Varzim, life is shaped by the Atlantic, family and community long summer days, shared tables and the simple pleasure of slowing down.

“WHERE OUR ROOTS RUN DEEPEST”

Summer has always brought us back here to the coast, to family, and to the simple pleasures of long days by the Atlantic.

“​WHERE OUR ROOTS RUN DEEPEST”

Summer has always brought us back here to the coast, to family, and to the simple pleasures of long days by the Atlantic.

“THE PORTUGAL WE CALL HOME”

For us, Portugal is more than a destination. It is family, connection, tradition and the feeling of being exactly where you belong.

​"Northern Roots Travel wasn't created in a boardroom. It was born from a conversation in the Portuguese wine aisle of a Canadian supermarket."