Meet the People Behind Northern Roots
From Canada to Portugal, our team brings together local knowledge, Canadian care and a genuine connection to the places we call home.
Northern Roots Travel brings together people who know Portugal personally and understand what it means to travel there from Canada.
Our team combines local Portuguese knowledge, Canadian experience and a shared commitment to making every journey feel personal, seamless and welcoming
PAUL SANTOS
Co-Founder & Travel Specialist (London | On - Canada)
Born in Portugal and raised in Canada, Paulo has spent a lifetime connected to both places. His yearly returns to Portugal have given him an intimate understanding of the country, while his professional career in Canada has shaped the way he approaches planning, organization and client care.
With 25 years of leadership experience at TD Bank Group, Paulo brings a strong sense of responsibility, attention to detail and a genuine commitment to making every guest feel confident from the moment their journey begins.
At Northern Roots Travel, Paulo helps bridge the distance between Canada and Portugal creating journeys that go beyond the usual itinerary and introducing guests to the places, flavours and traditions he has known throughout his life..
ANTONIO JESUS LA RIVA
CO-Founder & Travel Operations (Póvoa de Varzim - Portugal)
Former international volleyball athlete and pioneer sports manager, António brings a rich career built on leadership, operational excellence, and strong international relationships to Northern Roots Travel. Having represented the Portuguese National Team at the U19 World Championship and competed at top tier levels, his transition into sports management and hospitality reflects his lifelong passion for bringing people and cultures together.
Based in Portugal, António oversees local operations, logistics, and partner relations with meticulous attention to detail. From managing heritage properties to cultivating authentic community connections, he ensures that every Northern Roots experience is seamlessly executed, grounded in local culture, and truly unforgettable.
Alex SANTOS
Senior Customer Experience & Operations
(London | On - Canada)
Born and raised in Canada to Portuguese parents, Alex has a lifelong connection to both cultures and a natural understanding of the journey between them.
With more than 30 years of experience at Jones Healthcare Group, Alex brings a strong background in operations, quality, attention to detail and process management.
At Northern Roots Travel, he helps ensure that the many details behind every journey come together smoothly and reliably.
His approach is simple: thoughtful planning, careful attention to detail and a commitment to making every guest feel welcome.
ANA PINTO
Guest Experience & Culinary Specialist
(Póvoa de Varzim- Portugal)
Ana brings together professional culinary expertise with a deep personal connection to Portuguese food, hospitality and local traditions.
Professionally trained as a Chef and Pastry Technician, her career includes experience at The Yeatman and other respected regional restaurants, as well as work in culinary education and guest services.
At Northern Roots Travel, Ana helps bring Portugal to life through food, local recommendations and personal connections.
From a carefully chosen table to a regional flavour or a story behind a traditional dish, she helps create the moments that make a journey feel personal and makes every guest feel at home.