An Evening of Inspiration with Jane Goodall & G Adventures

One positive side-effect of the dystopian times we’re living in is that people who care deeply about our planet, its animals and its people are becoming more energized and engaged.

That was apparent last night in Toronto, when the 3,200 spaces in the largest soft-seat theatre in Canada were filled to watch a 91-year-old woman speak. 

It wasn’t just any 91-year-old woman – it was Dr. Jane Goodall, the iconic English zoologist and primatologist lionized for her 60 years of work with chimpanzees in Tanzania.

Travel Market Report Canada was there as a guest of G Adventures, which has partnered with The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada (JGI Canada) for the past nine years. G Adventures offers the Jane Goodall Collection, a series of wildlife-focused tours personally endorsed by Dr. Goodall. 

This collection was founded on a shared belief that travel can be a powerful force for both conservation and community, offering travellers a unique way to experience the world while protecting it. 

Della Lam, CEO of JGI Canada told the assembled travel industry members that the partnership with G Adventures has been much more than a typical corporate sponsorship.

“G Adventures has gone so much further, developing an animal welfare policy endorsed by Jane and creating wonderful trips endorsed by Jane that help protect animal habitats and raise awareness. Animals, people and the environment are all interconnected, and together we can make our shared world a better place.”

G’s David Green, global VP of sales and managing director for Canada, was the genial host of a pre-event gathering of 50 travel advisors, agency group leaders and trade media. He spoke of the shared values between Goodall and her many followers, and the G Adventures philosophy of community tourism that respects the people and animals of the places its travellers visit.

“The travellers on Jane Goodall Collection tours come away energized and more aware of the benefits of community tourism. And that’s what our message is to travel advisors – the world will be a better place when you put your clients on a G adventive.”

At 91, Goodall remains a powerful, energetic, charismatic presence. She spoke clearly and with passion, describing the unlikely story of a girl in post-war England who dreamed about travelling to Africa. She overcame many obstacles to get there, and endured many privations in her zeal to study our closest animal relatives.

Most importantly, Goodall carried a message of hope for the future, inspired by the many young people from around the world who participate in the Jane Goodall Institute’s youth environmental action group Roots & Shoots. She also has a strong belief in the “indomitable spirit” of the human race and our ability to overcome adversity. 

Key Pillars of the G Adventures Jane Goodall Collection

Purpose-Driven Travel: Every trip in the collection is designed to directly benefit the people and places visited. A portion of the price of every trip booked is donated to the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada to support its mission of conservation and community-based initiatives.

A World of Wildlife: These trips span the globe, offering a wide range of iconic wildlife encounters. From safaris in the Serengeti and tracking mountain gorillas in Uganda to exploring the biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands, each itinerary is crafted for the animal lover who seeks an authentic, life-changing experience.

Ethical Encounters: The collection adheres to a strict animal welfare policy developed in consultation with the Jane Goodall Institute. This ensures that every wildlife viewing is a respectful, humane encounter that prioritizes the animals’ well-being and natural habitat.

There are 19 itineraries in the collection, including:

Tanzania: Chimp Trekking & Serengeti Safari 

Part of the new Geluxe Collection, this 10-day premium active adventure from Arusha to Dar es Salaam will see travellers witness the breathtaking wonders and wildlife of the Ngorongoro Crater on safari. Travellers can walk in the footsteps of Dr. Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking primate research on a wild chimpanzee trekking experience in Gombe Stream National Park. 

Amazon Riverboat Adventure In-Depth  

Led by Amazon Reserve naturalist guides, this nine-day river cruise includes daily excursions by motorized skiff designed to reveal the exotic wildlife that calls the rainforest home, such as sloths, toucans and pink dolphins. Along the way, travellers will visit the Amazonian Manatee Rescue Centre to learn about the efforts to rescue orphaned manatees. 

Costa Rica: Tortuguero, La Fortuna & Rio Celeste 

Part of the new Geluxe Collection, this eight-day trip, starting in San Jose, takes travellers to the heart of a natural paradise. They’ll see tropical birds and monkeys while kayaking the waterways of Tortuguero National Park, spot wildlife high in the canopy and visit the nesting grounds of green and leatherback turtles. This premium active trip offers one-of-a-kind accommodation and comfort, along with adventure at its finest. 

Galapagos Express Adventure: WIlderness and Wildlife

This seven-day ‘18-to-Thirtysomethings’ trip will keep younger travellers active snorkelling, hiking, and exploring, with quieter time spent learning about the unique ecosystems, flora, and fauna of the islands. An expert naturalist guide will share knowledge as participants observe many species of land iguanas and tortoises up close.