School’s out, sun’s out and the call to explore Canada is strong. While increased tourism comes with an increased impact on nature, communities and especially our energy, how we travel matters just as much as where we go.
This year Canada has released the Canada Strong Pass, which gives you FREE access to National Parks from June 20th to September 2nd, 2025 (if you’re Canadian), plus other wonderful benefits like free or discounted access to National Museums and 25% off camping in National Parks.
The good news is that it doesn’t take big changes to travel more sustainably. There are very simple yet conscious choices we can utilize to support both personal and planetary wellness as we explore our beautiful country.
1. Choose Lower-Impact Travel Transportation
Choosing eco-friendly travel in Canada doesn’t have to mean not going very far or not doing very much outside your local area. It just means thinking differently about how you get there.
Instead of taking a plane, consider train travel. VIA Rail routes not only offer stunning greenery views across their corridors but have also committed to reaching zero waste on-board as well as fuel/energy efficiency and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets.
Carpooling or ridesharing with friends is another planet-friendly option, as well as cycling or walking upon arrival to your destination, reducing emissions as you explore while deepening your connection to that destination.
If flying is a must, consider booking direct flights over connecting flights, as direct flights have less of a carbon footprint than multi-leg journeys.
2. Pack Reusables Over Single-Use
One of the simplest methods for reducing your planetary impact is to avoid single-use plastics. This would mean choosing a reusable water bottle or travel mug over plastic/store-bought water bottles, packing food in lightweight containers (or beeswax wraps) and utilizing bamboo utensils or compact travel cutlery sets over the use of common plastic utensils.
3. Eat Local
With big summer travel explorations comes big hunger. Nourish your journeys by choosing local cafes, locally-owned restaurants and small-scale farms or orchards. These types of locations focus more on sourcing seasonal, regional ingredients, giving your body the kind of fuel it actually wants and needs when you’re on the move. Plus, dining at local spots better supports the communities you’re visiting rather than more corporate franchises.
4. Stay Grounded
Remain energetic for each day of your trip, regardless of how many steps you’re getting in each day; keep a small wellness ritual embedded into your morning or evening routine when you’re back in your accommodations. Sipping a nice tonic, stretching, breathing exercises or journaling for even just five to ten minutes can help you feel grounded and present throughout your adventure.
5. Leave No Trace
No matter where you go, urban, rural or remote, aim to leave things as they were (or better) by following basic Leave No Trace principles including disposing of any waste properly, leaving what you find (ex. don’t pick plants or flowers), respect wildlife and, most of all, be considerate of others, especially the people who live in the area you're travelling within.
Travel Consciously, Enjoy Thoroughly
Whether you’re heading to the lake, the mountains or just the next town over, remember that your presence is powerful in more ways than one. Travelling consciously and intentionally creates a ripple that extends beyond your own plans, pictures and special moments.
Go gently, nourish often and be part of the community while you’re in it.
