About

Janet Pizzamiglio

Working in the travel industry since she was 16 years old, Janet Pizzamiglio has been a Tour Director with DeNure Tours for 32 years. Born in Toronto, she spent her childhood living in England where she started her career in a travel agency. After moving back to Canada in 1987, Janet began her tour directing duties, which has allowed her to travel through Canada, USA, Britain, and Europe. “I love Newfoundland and have been fortunate to visit over 50 times.” Janet states, “the people, the scenery including the ocean and the mountains, whales, and icebergs and the seafood is the best you can find. If you haven’t been to Newfoundland, I highly recommend it, it is amazing.” After all of the years spent travelling, Janet still enjoys looking after guests, “I have seen many changes over the years but my favourite part of the job is still the passengers. Every trip I meet new and familiar people and I’m happy to get to know them and to help them enjoy their vacation.” Janet looks forward to meeting you on her next adventure. 

Barb Bruce

Barb Bruce has had an exceptional 25 year career hosting the many wonderful guests along the way. Growing up in the resort business, she developed the love of people at an early age, which she contributes to being the highlight of her job, “my favourite parts of being a tour director are learning & experiencing the fabulous destinations, but most importantly working with our travel partners & enjoying the company of our guests, our extended DeNure Family.” When asked where her favourite places in Canada were, she said “there are so many beautiful places in Canada it is honestly difficult to pick just one. Quebec & Newfoundland of course, but also Western Canada. Crossing through our magnificent Rockies is breathtaking! The serene snow-capped mountains, emerald-coloured lakes & wildlife to name a few.” Barb’s travel advice is to, “enjoy creating new friendships, fond memories & having a funtastic time in our journey together!!!”

Carole Skinner

Born in Dundee, Scotland, Carole Skinner moved to Canada as a child and put her Scottish roots to the test when she became a professional teacher of Highland and Scottish country dancing. Gaining management experience while operating a dental practice, Carole moved onto her role as Program Director for an entertainment company. This job entailed extensive travel throughout the Southwest U.S.A. and a successfully organized trip to Scotland. From 2007-2014, Carole and a partner organized and conducted Scottish tours for Ontario travellers. Planning these tours connected Carole with DeNure Tours and she started working for the company as a Tour Director in 2014. As a TD, Carole has guided tours across Canada, the USA, Scotland, Ireland, and cruises to Bermuda, the east coast and Alaska. Her favourite place to visit in Canada is Newfoundland, “I love the scenery in Newfoundland; the people there are so friendly they make you feel like you have come home.” When asked what she enjoys about being a tour director, Carole says, “I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. It’s always fun when you have a guest on a tour that has been with you before.” Carole is eager to make your trip a warm, pleasant, and memorable experience.

Howard Herman

With a career that began in the world of accounting and finance and with no interest or background in the tourism industry, Howard Herman is now a Canadian travel expert whose knowledge expands over 30 years. Howard started working with DeNure Tours in a temporary data entry position. Since then, he has worked in the reservation and operation departments and for the past 12 years has been the Tour Development Manager and a Tour Director. “It is true that this industry gets into your blood,” Howard states, “I love travelling and sharing my passion with our guests. While I love all of our tours, two of my favorites are the Calgary Stampede and Canada’s Maritimes. The scenery in the west is spectacular and the thrill of the Stampede is like nothing I have ever experienced before. When you go east in Canada there is so much to see and experience from the music of a kitchen party in Miramichi to the amazing natural beauty of Hopewell Rocks. The history of Lunenburg or Peggy’s Cove, and the most welcoming people you will ever meet. I look forward to exploring some of my favorite destinations with you on one of our tours.” When Howard is not busy working, he enjoys spending time with his family, baking, teaching part time for St. John Ambulance, and travelling.

Floyd Walden

Floyd Walden was born and raised in Lindsay Ontario. A social country lad, close to the land, with a keen interest in geography, led him to a 35-year career in education including 3 years in a one-room school teaching all eight grades before moving to the secondary panel. Growing up in a rural community, country living led him to operate a cow-calf farm with the help of his three sons. Floyd began tour directing part time in the late 90’s during the summer months while supply teaching and has now been guiding tours for 20 years. Tour directing has taken Floyd throughout North America; his favourite place to visit in Canada is Newfoundland with its rugged landscape, quaint villages, and most of all its people—so happy, open, and welcoming. Tour directing is a natural fit for Floyd who loves people and enjoys sharing this knowledge with his signature sense of humour.

Bill Martin

Coach driving is in Bill’s blood.  Before joining our team in 2017, he drove for Coach Canada and was a long time driver for the Oshawa Generals of the OHL and Ontario Blue Jays; and he was also on the board for Hockey Canada. When he isn’t behind the wheel of a coach, Bill enjoys a good round of golf and spending time with his grandchildren. Bill enjoys meeting new people while on tour and his favourite place to visit is anywhere on the east coast. His best travel advise is, “It’s important to try new things and learn something new everyday.”

Michelle Magee

Prior to joining the team in 2018, Michelle drove a School Bus and Public Transit in Lindsay. When Michelle isn’t behind the wheel, she can be found in front of the classroom teaching high school Music and English. Michelle loves to travel, and whilst she enjoys visiting international destinations, her heart lies in Canada. Michelle’s favourite guest quote: “You’re an awfully small girl to be driving such a big bus!!”. She may be small, but she is mighty and thoroughly enjoys working alongside the “best road crew in the business!”. She looks forward to meeting new and long-time travellers every time she gets behind the wheel.

Paul Robson

Recently finishing a 40-year career in Emergency Services Administration as a Paramedic, Fire Fighter and a Training Officer, Paul also has 30 years in the motor coach industry. Born and raised in Western Ontario, in 2005 he made the move to cottage country and in 2016 he joined our team. Paul is actively involved with Hockey Canada in Development Programs and enjoys cottage life, cycling, golf and model aviation among many things. His favourite part of driving a coach is touring and exploring new places with a coach full of new fun and interesting people. Paul loves visiting both Western Canada as well as the East Coast with Newfoundland at the top of his travel recommendation list.  

Don Buldyke

Prior to joining the team in 2017, Don worked as a skilled tradesman, snow plough operator, and part time volunteer firefighter in his hometown. In 2007, Don made the switch to coach driving and has never looked back. As a coach driver, he takes very seriously his responsibility to safely transport guests and enjoys meeting new people and the unique opportunity of seeing sights and attractions through the eyes of his passengers, and strives to ensure the best possible holiday experience for guests. He loves travel but Newfoundland and Gaspé are his favourites, with the scenic landscapes and warm, friendly people.

Paul Drinkwalter

After a career as a produce manager for a major grocery chain, Paul drove large, oversize-load trucks for a lumber company before joining the team in 2010. His goal is to make guests feel at ease and have the time of their lives, providing safe driving along with kind heartedness and a wonderful sense of humour. Paul has a soft spot for beautiful scenery, historic places, and experiencing local entertainment. Newfoundland remains at the top of his favourites because it has it all: scenery, history, entertainment; and the hospitality of Newfoundlanders is incredible. His best travel advice “Always be on time for the bus! Laugh! And don’t forget your camera!”