Our history
The birth of Authentik
Jason and Simon realized their dream by launching an agency specializing in adventure tourism in Quebec.
Their ambition was clear: to enable international travelers to fully experience Canada's great outdoors.
Driven by their passion for the outdoors and their desire to share this unique territory, the two young entrepreneurs laid the foundation for an adventure that was just beginning.
This is where it all began
A modest four-and-a-half room apartment in Verdun, Montreal, where the kitchen table served as an office and meeting room.
It was there, between reheated coffee and an old road map, that Jason and Simon dreamed big.
Without resources, but driven by immense passion, they already imagined themselves changing the world.
When we first started out, we were called Aventour.
But a few months later, reality caught up with us: we were forced to change our name because Aventour was already registered in the trademark registry by a competitor.
We were clearly still learning the ropes.
Our very first customers
A group of 8 French tourists visiting Montreal, ready to set off the next day for a day of snowmobiling.
At the time, we handed out our flyers to hotel concierges, hoping for our first chance. Our offer was simple: snowmobile or dog sledding excursions, round trip from Montreal in a single day.
That day, the Authentik adventure truly began.
Our first website
At a time when the internet was still far from being commonplace, and rarely found in homes, publishing our first offer online was almost daring. The very idea of revealing our tours on the web raised doubts: what if someone copied us? What if our prices became too easy to compare?
But the desire to innovate was stronger than the fear.
It was our first step on the web.
Creating a new business model
When Jason and Simon launched their first website, they took a risky gamble: cutting out all the middlemen and dealing directly with travelers.
Without knowing it, they laid the foundations for a new business model, that of the world's first B2C inbound travel agency.
No more layers of commission, no more fixed itineraries. Now, travelers can design their own itineraries with a local expert, enjoy better prices... and have a truly authentic experience.
First office, first victory!
Business is booming, and our intuition to target travelers directly is proving to be right.
Enough so that we can afford our very first “real” offices in Verdun. Our 1,500 square feet of paradise.
No air conditioning, but plenty of pride. In the summer, the heat is overwhelming at 3988 Wellington Street. So the bosses go out and buy slushies to keep their troops cool.
The Authentik spirit is already well established.
The million mark
Our little web revolution is gaining momentum, and travelers are responding.
The Authentik website is growing so fast that we already need to redesign it to better serve growing demand.
That year, we reached a symbolic milestone: our very first million in revenue.
This is concrete proof that our direct, human-centered model meets a real need.
First team outing... and the start of a tradition
There are now six of us working full-time, and it's time to bond as a team away from our screens.
We headed to the L'Assomption River for three days of canoeing, camping, laughter, and discovery. It was our first team adventure, as wild as it was unforgettable.
That was the beginning of the legendary Authentik outings.
That's all we're going to tell you, because as we say here: what happens on Authentik outings... stays on Authentik outings ;-)
We're moving...again
Our 1,500 square feet are becoming too small to accommodate our growth... and our team!
With 15 employees, it's time to move elsewhere so we can continue to inspire thousands of travelers in search of nature and freedom.
We're moving to 652 Emery Street, in the heart of Montreal's Latin Quarter... into a movie theater. The result: workdays filled with the constant smell of popcorn.
Gold Laureate Grands Prix du Tourisme
What an honor to receive gold at the Quebec Tourism Awards, the industry's highest distinction!
That evening, the entire Authentik team took to the stage, chests puffed out, to savor the moment.
More than just a trophy, it was true recognition of our vision and our boldness. A pat on the back from the industry, telling us clearly: “Keep going. You're on the right track.”
Authentik, growth leader in Quebec
Each year, the renowned business magazine L'Actualité lists the companies that have experienced the strongest growth in Quebec over the past 5 years.
In 2009, Authentik came in second place of this prestigious list, thanks to an explosive growth rate of 3557%.
The first major setback
As with any great adventure, there comes a time when the road gets bumpier.
The global recession of 2008-2009 spared no one, and Authentik felt the impact. When the economy falters, travel is one of the first expenses to disappear.
For the first time, the company had to make a difficult decision: proceed with layoffs.
It was a challenging period that tested our resilience... but also strengthened our determination to come back stronger.
The creation of Authentik USA
After weathering the full force of the 2008 financial crisis, it was time to bounce back.
In 2011, we crossed the border with the launch of Authentik USA, a new range of road trips in the American West.
More than just an expansion of our catalog, this was a real strategic turning point. It was a way of saying that we were still here and more determined than ever to inspire travelers, from the Canadian Rockies to the deserts of Arizona.
First Authentik Forest
In 2011, Authentik took concrete action for the future by creating its very first Authentik Forest.
For each customer, a tree is planted.
The goal: to offset the CO₂ emissions generated by travel and actively contribute to the fight against climate change.
A simple commitment, but one that is meaningful because loving the great outdoors also means choosing to protect it.
The digital explosion
With the launch of our new website, 2011 marks a major turning point.
More than just a redesign, it is a real growth driver that propels Authentik toward a new milestone: symbolically crossing the $10 million revenue mark.
The web is no longer just a tool; it has become an integral part of our DNA.
From now on, our vision will gain momentum.
We now have 20 employees
With a team of around 20 people, the adventure is growing... but traditions remain. Like our legendary Christmas parties!
In 2011, we celebrated in a log cabin, surrounded by laughter, good food... and even a surprise visit from our famous Authentik Santa Claus.
Moments like these are remembered for a long time.
Getting bigger and bigger
Things are moving fast!!! With over 40 employees and revenue exceeding $15 million, Authentik is entering a new phase.
Growth is very real and taking up space!
It's time for the team to move into a space that matches our ambitions... and our collective energy.
Publication of our first travel guide
That year, Authentik took another step forward in its mission to support travelers by launching its very first travel guide, available for free download.
Offered directly on our website, this guide has become an invaluable tool for travelers seeking independence, practical advice, and local favorites.
A new way to help travelers make their dreams come true.
We are a true family.
The team continues to grow, but the spirit remains intact.
This year, we are pitching our tents in the heart of La Mauricie National Park for a team outing unlike any other. Between campfires, laughter, and moments suspended in time, we are weaving lasting memories.
More than just a company, Authentik is becoming a true family.
New logo, same mission
After 15 years of adventure, it was time to evolve our visual identity.
More contemporary and assertive, our new brand image fully highlights the name Authentik, which has been at the heart of who we are since the beginning.
A graphic change, yes, but above all a true reflection of our maturity... and our ambition.
Launch of the world's first road trip planner
This year marks a major milestone: Authentik unveils the world's first online road trip planner.
A bold innovation that transforms the role of the travel agency.
For the first time, travelers can build their itinerary from A to Z, completely independently: choice of accommodation, destinations, car rental, plane tickets... everything is there.
More than just a website, it's a revolution in the way tailor-made trips are planned.
The new Authentik business model
With the launch of the world's first road trip planner, Authentik is shaking up the travel industry.
Positioning itself at the crossroads between traditional agencies and OTAs, the company is inventing a new strategic space: one that combines the human touch of a local advisor with the freedom and simplicity of a digital platform.
A hybrid, innovative approach... and one that remains unmatched.
Grand Prix de l'Innovation
That year, Authentik received the Grand Prix de l’Innovation, an award that crowned several years of efforts to radically rethink online travel planning.
This award, presented for the launch of our road trip planner, confirms that our bold vision and desire to shake up industry standards are paying off.
This recognition will push us to go even further.
Authentik donates 1% of its sales to the planet
After planting its own forests to offset the CO₂ emissions of its travelers, Authentik decided to amplify its impact.
In 2019, the company joined the 1% for the Planet movement and pledged to donate 1% of its sales to certified organizations working to protect the environment.
This decision is in line with our core values: travel, yes... but responsibly.
Opening of our offices in Las Vegas
Authentik USA proudly opens its new offices in Las Vegas.
This strategic choice marks a new stage in our development: being even closer to the field to better support our customers in realizing their American dream.
Our ambition is clear: to become the benchmark for road trips in the United States.
The COVID-19 pandemic hits the planet
From 2020 to 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts the global tourism industry.
Like so many others, Authentik is being hit hard by travel restrictions and border closures.
Engines are stalling, destinations are frozen. This unprecedented ordeal will test our resilience, our creativity... and our solidarity.
Recovery, driven by resilience
For two years, the world came to a standstill. Borders closed, and so did dreams of travel.
At Authentik, the engines slowed down... but our hearts never stopped beating.
We held on. We stuck together. And we turned adversity into energy.
In 2022, international travelers are returning to North America.
This is not a return to normal. It's a new beginning.
Focus on AI: innovating without losing our soul
At Authentik, innovation has never been a passing fad. It's a reflex. A way of thinking. A compass.
So when artificial intelligence emerges as a global revolution, we don't just watch the train go by. We jump on board.
But at Authentik, one thing will never change: artificial intelligence will never replace human intelligence. Our advisors, our local experts, our sense of service... remain at the heart of the experience.
It's a natural evolution for a company that, from the beginning, has combined freedom, technology... and emotions.
Over 500,000 travelers have placed their trust in us
This month, Authentik is celebrating a historic milestone: our 500,000th traveler has journeyed with us since our founding in 2002.
Behind this number are half a million dreams come true, unforgettable encounters, and countless human adventures.
It is with immense pride and great emotion that we thank everyone who has been part of this journey.