Canadian Eco Lodges

Experience the wild beauty of the great outdoors with Canadian Eco Lodges, your gateway to sustainable adventure! From the rugged coastlines of British Columbia to the vast boreal forests of Quebec and the majestic Rockies of Alberta, Canada offers ecotourists endless opportunities to explore pristine nature and diverse wildlife. Stay in eco-friendly lodges that blend comfort with conservation. You can enjoy hiking, kayaking, wildlife watching, and more. Canadian Eco Lodges offer the perfect base for an unforgettable, eco-conscious escape into the wilderness. 

Canadian Eco Lodges and resorts

Coming soon!

Canada Ecotourism 

Canada is a paradise for nature lovers, with pristine wilderness, vast national parks, and protected ecosystems ranging from rainforests to tundra and mountain ranges. The country is known for its commitment to sustainability, conservation, and responsible tourism. Canada has 44 national parks and over 1,000 nature reserves. Many parks promote low-impact travel and Indigenous ecotourism initiatives. Conservation projects protect endangered species such as caribou and orcas. The country has excellent possibilities for spotting wildlife, including bears, moose, whales, orcas, wolves, and bald eagles. Its low population density provides plenty of space for true wilderness experiences. 

Ecosystems of Canada 

Canada has five major ecological regions: 

• Mountain areas: the Rocky Mountains are home to grizzly bears, cougars, and alpine flora. 
• Boreal forests: this region covers 70% of Canada’s forest area and features pine, spruce, and moose. It is characterized by short mild summers and long, cold winters. 
• Tundra: this Arctic region is home to polar bears, arctic foxes, and lichens. It is an area where tree growth is hindered by frigid temperatures. 
• Mixed forests: found in Eastern Canada, these forests contain maples, black bears, and deer. 
• Coastal and marine waters: this region is home to orcas, whales, and seals. 

 

Flora and Fauna in Canada

Flora 

• Maple Trees: this tree, a symbol of Canada and the source of maple syrup, is found mainly in Ontario and Quebec. 
• Boreal Conifers: spruce, pine, and larch cover much of northern Canada. 
• Lichens and Arctic Flora: small shrubs, mosses, and flowers survive extremely cold and long winters in the freezing tundra. 

Iconic Animals in Canada 

• Bears: Grizzly bears live in the Rocky Mountains and Great Bear Rainforest. Polar bears can be found in Churchill, Manitoba, which is known as “the polar bear capital of the world.” Black bears are common throughout the country, even in forested urban areas. 
• Wolves and Cougars: gray wolves live in the Yukon and Alberta. Cougars, also known as mountain lions, are found in British Columbia and Alberta. 
• Large Ungulates: Moose live in the boreal forests. Caribou, also called reindeer, live in the tundra and northern forests. Big-horn sheep are found in the Rocky Mountains. 
• Marine Mammals: Orcas and humpback whales live off the coast of British Columbia. Beluga whales are found in Hudson Bay. Seals live along the east coast and in the Arctic Ocean. 
• Bird Species: bald eagles live along the west coast. Snowy owls can be found on the tundra. Loons are common on Canadian lakes. 

Top Ecotourism Destinations in Canada

• Banff and Jasper National Parks (Alberta): these iconic Rocky Mountains have glaciers, crystal clear lakes, and lots of wildlife. Popular eco-activities include hiking, canoeing, and wildlife-spotting. For sustainable travel, visitors can use the shuttle buses instead of a car. 
• Great Bear Rainforest (British Columbia): this is one of the last temperate rainforests in the world. Its wildlife includes grizzly bears, wolves, and the rare spirit bear. Indigenous communities in the Rainforest also run sustainable lodges and wildlife tours. 
• Prince Edward Island: this location offers sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly accommodation. It’s a cycling paradise where you can explore the rugged coastline and dunes by bike instead of driving. You can also take sea kayaking tours to spot seals and seabirds. 
• Churchill, Manitoba: this town is famous for the polar bear migration in the fall. In the summer, you can spot beluga whales by kayaking! Stay in one of the Canada eco lodges and support local research projects. 
• Fundy National Park (New Brunswick): this park has the highest tides in the world, creating a unique ecological environment. Tourists can participate in small-scale nature projects. For those with specialized skills, try tidal kayaking.  It is?a form of?sea kayaking?or river kayaking where paddlers navigate in and around the powerful currents and?standing waves?created by moving tides. 

Suggestion for a 2-Week Sustainable Itinerary in Canada

While a coast-to-coast, two-week itinerary is not practical for a truly sustainable trip, you can have an unforgettable eco-conscious adventure by focusing on one major region. The following itinerary centers on Western Canada, using a combination of train travel, public transport, and guided tours to minimize your carbon footprint. This travel plan focuses on the key highlights of British Columbia and Alberta, linking two major cities with the stunning Rocky Mountains. 

Week 1: Vancouver and The Rockies by Train 

Day 1-2: Vancouver, British Columbia 

• Upon arrival at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), take the Canada Line SkyTrain to downtown. This is a fast, efficient, and eco-friendly way to get into the city. 
• Rent bikes to explore Stanley Park, a sustainable urban park with a famous seawall. 
• Visit the Museum of Anthropology at The University of British Colombia (UBC), which is known for its extensive collection of First Nations art and cultural artifacts. The First Nations are Indigenous peoples. 

Day 3-4: The Rocky Mountaineer 

• Embark on the Rocky Mountaineer, a luxury train journey that travels exclusively during the day. This is a far more energy-efficient way to travel between the coast and the mountains than flying. And you won’t miss any of the scenery! 
• Choose the “First Passage to the West” or “Journey Through the Clouds” route. You’ll travel through breathtaking canyons, lush forests, and past snow-capped peaks. Stay at one of the Canadian Eco Lodges.
• Enjoy the scenic views and wildlife spotting from the comfort of your seat with this low-impact mode of transport. 

Day 5-7: Banff National Park 

• Arrive in Banff National Park and use the public shuttle bus system to get around. Car traffic is often heavily restricted in popular areas like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. 
• Take a guided hiking tour to learn about the local flora and fauna without disturbing the ecosystem. 
• Rent a canoe on Lake Louise to experience its iconic turquoise waters up close. 
• Support local businesses by purchasing handmade crafts. 

Week 2: Jasper National Park and The Great Bear Rainforest 

Day 8-10: Jasper National Park 

• Travel along the Icefields Parkway—one of the world’s most scenic drives—to Jasper National Park. While driving is an option, consider a private tour bus or shuttle to reduce individual vehicle emissions. 
• Hike one of the many car-free trails, such as the Skyline Trail. 
• Kayak on Maligne Lake to see Spirit Island, a sacred place to the Stoney Nakoda First Nations people. 
• Stay at one of the Candadian eco lodges to support sustainable tourism in the park. 

Day 11-13: Great Bear Rainforest 

• Travel from Jasper back toward the coast (this will require a car or a flight) and then fly or take a water taxi to one of the remote lodges in the Great Bear Rainforest. An unforgettable ecotourism experience!
• Book a multi-day tour with an Indigenous-owned and operated tour company. These companies have the deepest knowledge of the land and a strong commitment to conservation. Stay in one of the Canadian Eco Lodges.
• Look for the Spirit Bear, a rare white subspecies of the black bear, and other wildlife like wolves and grizzlies. 

Day 14: Travel Home 

• Fly out from a nearby airport, such as Vancouver. 

CHeck out our Sustainable Travel Tips to reduce your ecological footprint.

Environmental Threats in Canada

The biggest threats come from climate change, industry, and overtourism. Fortunately, there are many small-scale conservation projects that help protect ecosystems and wildlife. 

• Climate Change and Melting Ice: sea ice is melting in the Arctic, which endangers polar bears and walruses. Permafrost is also melting, releasing carbon dioxide and methane, which accelerates climate change and are harmful to living things. 
• Deforestation and Habitat Loss: boreal forests, which make up 70% of Canada’s forests, are disappearing due to logging, mining, and oil extraction (oil extraction not only clears forests directly but also fragments and degrades surrounding landscapes. And it is threatening biodiversity and undermining the boreal forest’s role as a global carbon sink). However, the Canadian government maintains that deforestation rates are very low and that many harvested forests are replanted or regenerate naturally. Still, deforestation threatens species such as caribou, lynx, and gray wolves. 
• Oil and Mining Industry: oil sands mining in Alberta pollutes water and destroys ecosystems. Additionally, mining in British Columbia threatens rivers and forests. 
• Overtourism in National Parks: mass tourism in parks like Banff and Jasper causes traffic, waste, and disruption of wildlife. Wildlife such as grizzly bears and moose are increasingly being disturbed by tourists. 

Canada’s Ecotourism and Sustainability Policy 

Canada is known worldwide for its commitment to environmental protection, conservation, and sustainable tourism. The government works with Indigenous communities, conservation organizations, and sustainable businesses to promote ecotourism. It has several policies and programs focused on sustainability: 

Climate Policy and Carbon Reduction: Canada has a goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Sustainable tourism initiatives are encouraged with grants and tax breaks. 

National Parks and Nature Reserves: the parks have strict access regulations to protect ecosystems. They also offer eco-friendly amenities, such as shuttle buses and minimal-impact hiking trails. 

Sustainable Transportation Initiatives: the government invests in rail and bus services as an alternative to domestic flights. Electric transportation is also increasingly being promoted in national parks. 

Protecting Biodiversity and Wildlife: there are programs to protect endangered species such as caribou, polar bears, and orcas. There are also rules for sustainable wildlife tourism, such as distance regulations for whale-watching tours. 

Collaboration with Indigenous Communities: indigenous ecotourism projects are supported through grants. First Nations communities manage sustainable tourism in areas such as the Great Bear Rainforest. 

Examples of Small-Scale Conservation Projects in Canada 

Here are six small-scale conservation projects in Canada that welcome volunteer participation. 

• Piping Plover Conservation Program, Nova Scotia: volunteer to protect endangered piping plovers by monitoring beaches, surveying nests, and educating visitors. Your efforts help ensure these rare shorebirds can safely breed along Nova Scotia’s coastline. 
• Gamiing Nature Centre, Ontario: on the shore of Pigeon Lake, volunteers assist with native plant nursery work, lakeshore restoration, and educational programs to support local wildlife and habitats in Southern Ontario. 
• Stanley Park Ecology Society, British Columbia: volunteer in Vancouver’s iconic urban park to help with ecological restoration, wildlife monitoring, and nature education. This is practical stewardship right in the city. 
• Algonquin to Adirondacks (A2A) Collaborative, Ontario/US border: join cross-border efforts to restore landscape connectivity. You can help plan wildlife corridors, habitat linkages, and community outreach to sustain species migration and biodiversity. 
• Wildlife Preservation Canada – Bees on Board / Shrikes: support species at risk across Canada by assisting in transporting bumble bee queens to breeding labs or surveying loggerhead shrikes and other endangered birds. 
• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): this organization certifies sustainable wood and paper products. 

Canada Eco Lodges | Safety

Be sure to check in advance about the safety in Canada and the places you plan to visit. You can also consult your country’s official government websites. For American citizens, this is the US Department of State’s page on Canada. Make sure you scroll down to get to the information about safety in Canada.