Born in Brampton Ontario, Justine did not much access to rivers or wilderness. She had an active and buy life involved in Girl Guides, dance and swimming. Then later on as a high school varsity athlete in rugby, field hockey and swimming.

Justine went to Brock University majoring in Outdoor Recreation. She also has a BEd from Queens University specializing in Outdoor and Experiential Education. Justine has worked in the field of outdoor recreation and expedition canoe guiding for just over a decade. She has worked and lived all over Canada starting in Ontario, then the Rockies and now residing in Fort Smith NWT.

Justine moved to the north after spending 2 seasons guiding on the Nahanni. Justine wanted to get to know the north; the people, the politics, the land etc. generally feel more connected to the places she takes her guests. The South Nahanni was Justine’s first northern river and thus has left an imprint on her that makes her feel like every time she goes back she is visiting an old friend.