Meet the In Step Adventurers!

Marguerite Burns has always felt most at home being out in nature. She started In Step Adventures in 2019 after more than 35 years of experience leading and teaching all kinds of outdoor activities for all ages and abilities. She has actively participated in nearly every nature based sport and is Polly's personal favorite hiking buddy.

Bella has loved the water since before she could climb out of a kayak hatch — literally. A born-and-raised New Brunswick girl, she grew up paddling the Bay of Fundy and exploring the wild Fundy Coast, with detours to Newfoundland, BC, and Costa Rica along the way. On land, she trades sea legs for "hiking legs" (results may vary), wandering the woods to spot local plants and wildlife, or puttering in her garden to see what she can coax out of the ground this year. Wherever she is — boat, beach, or backyard — Bella's happiest fully immersed in nature.

Walter is a Retired Forester, and has been on the board of the Nature Trust of New Brunswick for over 10 years, and received the prestigious Lieutenant Governor General  Award for his leadership and efforts in conservation. (May 2025) He is the proud grandfather of 8, continues to be an active and seasoned volunteer for the Nature Trust, and is an avid kayaker - enjoying his beautiful waterfront paradise on Passamaquoddy Bay.

Danny, a passionate traveler and former Canadian Armed Forces Member turned backcountry enthusiast  who’s happiest the moment the trail disappears. When he’s not navigating New Brunswick’s difficult terrain, he’s training with Search and Rescue, experiencing the thrill of wildlife, and chasing the ever-elusive perfect cup of trail coffee—because even in the backcountry, coffee matters. 

Taryn began guiding in the 90's and enjoys all things out doors. Paddling around the Fundy Isles and hiking at Fundy National Park are a steady high on the favorites, but she's always up for new and exciting adventures.These days you will likely find her out on the trails or teaching her new sidekick Blue the Border Collie all things paddling. 
Taryn is also known as the local gear guru at our local outfitter 'River and Trail'!

Mel has a love for adventure and travel, and after living in NZ for 8 years, she and her partner settled here in Saint John in 2018 to be close to family.

Mel is passionate about Saint John and all it has to offer to new and established residents alike. With a degree in Social Work, and her Masters  (with Distinction!) in Peace and Justice,  Mel works for Quakers International facilitating  education, resource development and social justice policies 

Mary Jo is happiest with dirt on her boots and a paddle in her hand. Trail, lake, coastline, or a stack of firewood — she's all in, whether that's kayaking, sailing, hiking, or chasing waterfalls. If it happens outside, it makes her heart sing.

She's guided every age and ability level, in every season, for years — running a hiking group, co-leading an after-school adventure crew, and teaching outdoor skills to homeschool groups. She's road-tripped across Canada and Europe with her family, and logged over 1,000 offshore and coastal nautical miles as sailboat crew, thanks to good friends along the way.

Adventure with Mary Jo means contagious joy — and a good story to bring home.

Polly was rescued from kennel life in 2017 and has never looked back.  At home on any adventure, land or sea, she is always up for anything. She loves giving morale boosts to every adventurer, being a personal heater on chilly nights, and assisting in gathering sticks for the evening fire. Her favorite food is almonds from a shared trail mix, and her favourite place is by Marguerite’s side. Or whoever has the trail mix!