With the impacts of climate change being felt in all corners of the world, there is a growing trend among travellers seeking more eco-conscious and sustainable ways to travel.
Supporting ecotourism and sustainable travel is crucial to preserving our planet, its resources and communities. Prioritizing and spotlighting sustainable experiences should remain at the top of travellers’ minds when booking their next adventure in BC.
By prioritizing ecotourism, travellers contribute to ongoing conservation efforts and minimize the use of resources while also gaining important cultural knowledge from Indigenous communities about wildlife, local habitats, and traditional practices.
Below are a few BC based Indigenous businesses dedicated to exceptional sustainability efforts and offering unique, authentic experiences that support local communities and cultures, promote environmental stewardship, and foster reconciliation.
Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre – Osoyoos, BC
The Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre is a 9,000-square-foot state-of-the-art interpretive centre with extensive indoor and outdoor exhibit galleries that create a fun and interactive learning environment. The centre features hands-on displays, educational stations, and two captivating multi-media theatre experiences.
In addition to its exhibits, the cultural centre building is an architectural marvel in itself. Thoughtfully integrated and built into the hillside, the centre was built from local, sustainable materials, receiving multiple awards for its environmentally innovative design.
The building is semi-underground, a design that is an homage to the traditional winter dwellings of the Okanagan First Nations and makes use of the insulating properties of the surrounding hillside. Using the Rammed earth technique, the thick walls have a layer of added insulation and steel reinforcement, greatly increasing energy efficiency and earthquake resistance.
Klahoose Wilderness Resort – Homfray Channel, Desolation Sound, BC
Located in Desolation Sound, BC, Klahoose Wilderness Resort is an award-winning, sustainable, eco-resort on the lands of the toq qaymɩxʷ (Klahoose) People.
The resort has undergone a comprehensive assessment to achieve GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism Silver Certification, North America’s largest certification program for the tourism and hospitality industry, and produces its own power through a state-of-the-art hydroelectric grid, allowing the resort to harness stream run-off water more efficiently, triple energy generation, and store energy.
Not only is the resort highly eco-friendly, but they also collect a conservation fee from guests for the North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association (NIMMSA), funding support for conservation and education in the northern Salish Sea region. Additionally, Klahoose follows a strict recycling program and provide guests with reusable water bottles to avoid single-use plastics.
Spirit Bear Lodge – Klemtu, BC
Spirit Bear Lodge is located in BC’s Great Bear Rainforest and offers endless opportunities for wildlife viewing, cultural experiences and outdoor adventure. The lodge values responsible tourism and ensures they do everything possible to minimize impact on the land.
The Kitasoo Hydropower Project services the Kitasoo-Xai’xais First Nation community of Klemtu, and upgrades to the existing infrastructure have allowed for greater power output from the facility. Increasing renewable energy generation reduces diesel dependency and supports a more sustainable community.
Responsible consumption and production is a key focus for the lodge, with composting, no single-use plastics, wine and beer on tap (no bottles/cans), and limited arrival times cutting down on boat fuel consumption.
Lastly, when guests purchase an experience with Spirit Bear Lodge, the lodge contributes $200 per guest towards conservation efforts in the Great Bear Rainforest. With 85 percent of the Great Bear Rainforest protected, the Great Bear Forest Carbon Project is one of the largest carbon credit programs in Canada. More than 6 million hectares of coastal temperate rainforest act as lungs for the planet – storing vast amounts of carbon that contribute to climate change.
Nemiah Valley Lodge – Nemiah Valley, BC
Located next to BC’s world-renowned Tsylos Provincial Park, Indigenous-owned Nemiah Valley Lodge is solar energy powered by a full solar field, offering stunning wilderness and immersive cultural experiences.
Committed to sustainable travel initiatives and supporting the local community, the lodge employs local Xeni Gwet’in community members in all lodge roles, from Cultural Ambassadors to cooks, housekeepers and maintenance. Additionally, local and organic food is sourced for their Indigenous-inspired menus.
Haida House at Tllaal – Haida Gwaii, BC
Set along the serene Tlell River amidst ancient forests, Haida House, a 100% Haida-owned treasure in Haida Gwaii, BC, offers an intimate 10-room lodge and 12 new two-bedroom oceanside cabins.
Haida House holds a Gold Sustainable Tourism Certification from GreenStep as a result of its commitment to Haida and local employment, locally sourced foods and beverages, cultural tours, preservation of the environment and implementing recycling and energy-saving strategies. Haida House is reassessed every two years and must demonstrate continual improvement in sustainability performance to maintain and improve their level of certification.
Constantly evaluating its performance from a broader perspective, Haida House strives to carry a ‘triple bottom line’ philosophy and measures success through the lens of social responsibility, economic value, and environmental impact. Healthy and sustainable people, profits, and environment inspire the ‘leave no footprint’ philosophy.
