As Canadians become more conscious of their impact on the planet, travel habits are shifting. In 2025, the eco-friendly traveller is no longer a fringe stereotype—it’s a growing community of everyday people making thoughtful decisions that benefit both the environment and their personal wellbeing. From reducing emissions to supporting local businesses, today’s traveller is proving that small choices can add up to a meaningful difference.
One of the simplest changes gaining traction is how we move around. More Canadians are leaving their second car behind and choosing alternative modes of transportation while travelling—whether it’s walking, taking public transit, or bringing bikes along for the ride. Many are investing in bike racks to transport their bicycles more efficiently on road trips, making it easier to explore cities, trails, and parks without needing to rely on a car once they arrive. It’s a small shift that reduces fuel use, encourages active living, and offers a deeper connection with the places we visit.
Why Sustainable Travel Matters More Than Ever
Climate change isn’t a distant threat—it’s something we’re seeing and feeling more often here in Canada. From smoky summers in British Columbia to erratic weather patterns across the Prairies and Atlantic coast, it’s clear that every sector, including tourism, has a role to play in lowering carbon emissions. Travel isn’t going away, but how we travel is evolving.
Eco-friendly tourism doesn’t mean giving up comfort or convenience. Instead, it’s about adjusting our habits to reduce our footprint while still enjoying the experiences that make travel so rewarding. Canadians are increasingly embracing this mindset by opting for local trips, eco-lodges, and low-impact activities like hiking, cycling, and paddling.
Local is the New Luxury
Staying close to home has become a hallmark of sustainable travel. Instead of jetting off internationally, many Canadians are discovering gems within their own province or neighbouring regions. Whether it’s a cabin weekend in Quebec’s Laurentians, a bike tour through PEI, or a camping trip in Alberta’s foothills, domestic travel can offer just as much beauty, culture, and adventure as destinations abroad.
Travelling locally also means fewer emissions and more opportunities to support small businesses. Staying at a family-run inn, buying local produce at a market, or booking a guided nature experience all contribute to more sustainable, community-based tourism.
Eco-Conscious Packing and Gear Choices
Packing for a greener trip starts long before you hit the road. Canadians are increasingly swapping out single-use plastics for reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and utensils. Reusable tote bags, beeswax food wraps, and solid toiletries (like shampoo bars) are making their way into backpacks and duffle bags nationwide.
When it comes to gear, longevity is key. Investing in high-quality camping equipment, luggage, or travel apparel that lasts many seasons reduces waste and often supports ethical manufacturers. And let’s not forget the digital side—downloading e-tickets, maps, and travel guides rather than printing helps cut down on paper use.
Eco-Friendly Transport: More Than Just Getting There
While air travel is often necessary for certain trips, many eco-conscious travellers are choosing to go by train, bus, or carpool when possible. VIA Rail, for example, is seeing a resurgence in popularity among those wanting to explore Canada with a lower-carbon alternative.
When driving is necessary, choosing fuel-efficient vehicles or hybrid/electric models is becoming the norm. And once at their destination, many Canadians are relying more on bikes, public transit, or good old-fashioned walking to get around. Not only does this reduce emissions, but it also offers a more intimate way to experience a new location.
Cycling, in particular, is having a major moment. Canadian cities are expanding their bike lane networks, and trails across the country are drawing active travellers. From the Okanagan Rail Trail in B.C. to the Confederation Trail in P.E.I., bikes are allowing travellers to slow down and see more. With a reliable bike rack, taking bikes along for the journey is easier than ever, making it a smart and sustainable travel choice.
Choosing Greener Accommodation
Where we stay can have a big impact too. Eco-conscious travellers are opting for accommodations that prioritise sustainability—places that use renewable energy, practise waste reduction, or support conservation initiatives.
Eco-lodges, off-grid cabins, and certified green hotels are growing in number across Canada. Booking platforms now offer filters that highlight environmentally friendly properties, and some provincial parks are even trialling solar-powered campsites and composting toilet systems.
When staying at more traditional accommodations, travellers can still make a difference by reusing towels, turning off lights and heating when not in use, and properly sorting recyclables.
Respecting Nature and Local Communities
Travelling responsibly means being a respectful guest—not only to the environment, but to the people and cultures that call a place home. Canadians are paying closer attention to how their presence affects local communities and ecosystems.
Simple actions like staying on marked trails, following Leave No Trace principles, and avoiding wildlife disturbance go a long way in protecting natural spaces. Supporting Indigenous tourism operators or taking part in cultural experiences with local guides helps foster mutual respect and deeper understanding.
More travellers are also choosing destinations based on their readiness to handle tourism sustainably. Rather than visiting overcrowded hotspots, they’re seeking quieter regions where tourism contributes positively to the economy without overwhelming resources or residents.
Technology for Smarter Travel
Apps and digital tools are helping eco-conscious Canadians plan greener getaways. Carbon footprint calculators let you compare the environmental cost of different transport options. Trip planners can highlight public transit routes or bike-share stations, and booking platforms increasingly label accommodations with green certifications.
Offline maps and GPS tools reduce reliance on printed guides, while digital park passes and e-tickets minimise paper waste. Even social media can be a tool for good—sharing responsible travel tips, raising awareness about conservation efforts, and inspiring others to follow suit.
A New Era of Travel
Eco-friendly travel isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making better choices where we can. Whether that’s packing lighter, skipping a short-haul flight, supporting a local guide, or bringing your bike instead of renting a car, these choices add up.
As more Canadians adopt these habits, the travel industry is paying attention. From tour operators offering low-impact itineraries to municipalities investing in cycling infrastructure, the shift toward sustainable tourism is gaining real momentum.
For travellers, the reward is twofold: not only do you reduce your impact, but you also get a richer, more grounded experience. It’s not just about ticking off destinations—it’s about slowing down, staying curious, and travelling in a way that’s good for the places we love.
So whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a cross-country adventure, remember that small changes can make a big difference. Bring your reusable gear, plan your route wisely, and don’t forget the bike racks—because the best way to see Canada might just be on two wheels.
