Brad Ford named president & CEO of Little Canada

A well-known leader in Canada’s travel industry has taken on a new role.

Brad Ford, previously of Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold in Canada, Lion World Travel, and Contiki Holidays Canada, has been named president and CEO of Little Canada, a Toronto-based attraction that celebrates all the things that make Canada great – shrunk into a two-hour experience.

Little Canada’s Founder Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer, meanwhile, has transitioned into the newly-created role of Chief Visionary Officer.

“With Brad’s proven experience and leadership success, his appointment to the role of President and CEO ideally positions Little Canada to take the next giant leap forward in our growth strategy,” stated Hugh Latif, independent Board Chair, in a press release. “As we continue to receive outstanding guest reviews and industry awards, and expand our miniature world to include experiences such as the Little East Coast opening May 2023, we appreciate the importance of attracting world-class talent to lead the way in our ambitious development.”

Little Canada was named Top Attraction of the Year in Attractions Ontario’s seventh annual Ontario’s Choice Awards.

In his new role, Ford will steer Little Canada through a strategic reshaping of its leadership, communications, partnerships and logistical operations.

“More than 11 years into this journey, Jean-Louis and our brilliant team have established Little Canada as a key player in Ontario’s tourism and attractions landscape,” stated Ford. “As we expand our audiences and reach, we will continue to keep our guests at the centre of everything we do, with a commitment to enhancing their experience. By creating this magical miniature world for visitors and locals alike, we present a world-class destination for tour groups and marquee events in Toronto.”

Moving into his new role as Chief Visionary Officer, Brenninkmeijer will continue to oversee the implementation of Little Canada's creative vision.

He will work closely with Ford to support the senior leadership team and board of directors in their efforts to lead the already-foremost destination into its next chapter.

“Transitioning to this new role will allow me to focus on lending my years of experience in building businesses to bring our strategic plans to life, and to champion my dream of recreating the wonder of Canada in miniature,” said Brenninkmeijer. “I look forward to connecting with our guests and experiencing Little Canada through their eyes, whilst showcasing the inspiring stories that make our country so special – from coast to coast to coast.”

Unlocking Canada

Little Canada opened in August 2021 at 10 Dundas St. East across from Yonge and Dundas Square in downtown Toronto.

Guests embark on a journey of discovery from the moment they enter – it is a place to lose yourself in Canada’s captivating vistas, famous landmarks, iconic cityscapes, and the many diverse stories that connect people to Canada.

The immersive theatrical miniature attraction offers spectacular scenery, enveloping soundscapes, animated features, and moving cars, trains, and boats that all operate on a 15-minute day to night cycle; upon sunset thousands of tiny lights illuminate the display.

“Our mission is to evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity about Canada through a uniquely miniature experience,” the attraction says.

There are currently five Little Destinations completed including Little Niagara, Little Toronto, Little Golden Horseshoe, Little Ottawa, and Petit Québec.

The newest Destination, Little East Coast, is scheduled to launch Spring 2023 with Little Prairies and Little North starting shortly after.

For more info about Little Canada, and to purchase tickets, visit little-canada.ca to reserve a preferred date and time.

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