Reduce your travel carbon footprint by visiting a sustainable hot spot

The market for responsible tourism is expected to grow to $333.8 billion by 2027. But what exactly is ecotourism? It goes beyond recycling and towel use in hotels; it means visiting places that help conserve the environment by employing sustainable practices, modes of transport and even building materials. Whiteshell’s Falcon Trails Resort began installing eco cabins back in 2000, “before being green was cool,” says Caleigh Christie of her family’s property. “My parents were committed to preserving the environment they love.” Plan a road trip to one of these eco hot spots.

Falcon Trails Resort

Hike into a High Lake eco cabin at this property located in Whiteshell Provincial Park. The six comfy cabins were built using alternative eco-friendly materials, such as live-edge timber frames and straw-bale insulation. The resort recently installed two new solar arrays that help power all of its cabins on Falcon Lake. Guests can head to the nearby Falcon Ridge Trails for hiking or mountain biking.

Winnipeg’s The Forks

Sustainability powers much of this urban gathering spot. For the past decade, The Forks has been working toward a Target Zero goal to produce zero garbage, waste and carbon emissions. Today, 80 percent of vendor waste is compostable, and fed into a high-tech composter to sustain the site’s gardens. Every winter, the resident Zamboni used to clear the frozen river trail runs on vegetable-oil waste.

Black Fox Farm & Distillery

Top-quality terroir is at the heart of this Saskatoon gin and whisky distillery. Reducing environmental impact on that land is also part of its mission. The family farm reuses 95 percent of its water and uses spent grains and fruit as compost to fertilize the fields. Other sustainability initiatives include minimum tillage, the use of a high-tech drip irrigation system and organic cleaning solutions.

Frontier North Adventures

The outfitter launched Churchill’s very first recycling program and runs its lodge with a grey water management system. Guides also stick to a strict trail network in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area to protect the fragile tundra ecosystem. In 2021, the company also debuted the world’s first electric-powered Tundra Buggy and plans to convert its entire fleet of 12 buggies by the end of the decade.

Wetland Discovery Centre

This award-winning facility at Oak Hammock Marsh near Winnipeg has been designed to seamlessly integrate into the landscape. The site itself was constructed in phases to avoid disturbing migrating and nesting wildlife. A leafy green roof provides insulation to reduce heating costs, while also providing a habitat for flora and fauna. Every spring, waterfowl nest on the roof for a true bird’s-eye view!