With Canada’s 150th birthday coming up this Saturday, this week’s blogs will focus on Canada and of course, the environment! We’ll be covering topics about ecotourism, Canada’s environmental history and ways you can be eco-friendly this Canada Day.

Before we learn about ecotourism in Canada, here is some background information on ecotourism. Ecotourism is traveling to destinations that are committed to protecting the environment and take extra steps to ensure their resorts are sustainable. They allow guests to experience all nature has to offer while providing education on the environment and the resort’s conservation efforts. Not only do ecotourism destinations help the environment but they also put an emphasis on supporting local communities and customs.

Ecotourism is the perfect option for exploring all of the natural treasures Canada is fortunate to have. Here are a few extraordinary ecotourism destinations that allow travelers to see all of Canada’s great wonders.

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Nipika Mountain Resorts

Nipika Mountain Resorts is located in British Columbia. This resort allows guests to experience the breathtaking wilderness of British Columbia while being completely sustainable. All of their energy is generated from entirely natural resources including solar for all electricity and burning dead wood for heat and hot water. The resort is open all year long which allows guests to enjoy summer activities like mountain biking and hiking as well as winter activities such as skiing and tobogganing. It's an experience that truly allows you to enjoy nature without harming it during your stay.

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Trout Point Lodge

Stargaze, canoe, enjoy spa days and cooking classes at Trout Point Lodge, located in Nova Scotia. This world-class, award-winning ecotourism destination is less than an hour drive from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and it allows visitors to relax and enjoy all nature’s offerings in a sustainable hospitality environment… with no cell service! The resort has no air conditioning and boasts two charging stations for electric vehicles. Their one-of-a-kind menu is prepared with regional products, many grown onsite in gardens nourished using greywater and compost from resort food waste. To reduce water consumption, bedding is washed every third day and guests are encouraged to reuse towels. Top-rated in both sustainable practices and guest service, Trout Point Lodge is the place to be to discover everything the Maritimes has to offer!

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Le Baluchon Eco Resort

With 1000 acres of land there is no shortage of things to discover at Le Baluchon Eco Resort, located in Quebec. Discover nature while hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sledding and mountain biking through the 40km forest trails. In fact, no motorized activities are allowed onsite at this property! The resorts' commitment to the environment is shown through their protection of the Rivière du Loup and a clearly stated environmental philosophy. The resort has a waste water management system, uses environmentally friendly cleaning products and encourages guests to limit the washing of towels and sheets. Le Baluchon Eco Resort allows guests to discover the land while respecting their concept of experiential and educational tourism.

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Algonquin Eco-lodge

Algonquin Eco-Lodge is proof that you don’t have to go far from Canada’s largest city to be completely off grid. With only a 3-hour drive from Toronto, guests can enjoy the simple life with no internet or phone reception. Being located where telephone or hydro lines do not reach means the Lodge uses micro-hydroelectricity, energy from the waterfall, to power the entire resort! In the winter, participate in snowshoeing, dog sledding and cross country skiing. In the summer enjoy horseback riding, geocaching, or eco-volunteer. One can definitely also enjoy the carbon neutral hot tub all year round. Take a break and discover wilderness comfort at Algonquin Eco-Lodge – we just might!

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Churchill Wild

Do you want to see Polar Bears up close, swim with Beluga whales and experience the Northern Lights all while having minimal impact on the environment? Churchill Wild is the place for you! Churchill Wild is an ecofriendly arctic experience located in Manitoba, on the edge of the Hudson Bay. While guests experience all the Arctic has to offer, the four luxury eco-lodges that comprise Churchill Wild do their part to be sustainable by using grey water recycling systems, solar energy and enforcing strict rules about recycling. Even being so far north, they use as much local harvested and foraged food as possible. Each lodge was built with local lumber and recycled materials and all cleaning products and toiletries are biodegradable. Churchill Wild allows guest to truly discover the Artic all while protecting the environment.

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Canada has so many nature driven destinations that we couldn’t possibly share them all with you. However, whatever part of Canada you want to see there's an ecotourism destination for you to visit!