Sustainable travel

As defined by the UN Tourism and the UN Environment Program, sustainable tourism “takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.”

The goal of sustainable tourism in Ontario is to support Indigenous cultures and preserve natural places for visitors to experience and learn from today and for generations to come.

There are many ways to incorporate green travel practices into your travel plans in Ontario. Get started with this selection of organizations and attractions that are taking steps to ensure sustainability in the services they provide and how they do business, as well as eco-ethics and travel trips.

Eco-friendly and inclusive accommodations

There is wide variety of places and ways to stay in Ontario, and a growing number of these accommodations are adopting more sustainable practices. In addition to the featured properties below, find accommodations that are Green Key Global certified.

Ontario is also home to accredited safe and inclusive Rainbow Registered accommodations welcoming 2SLGBTQI+ travellers.

Algonquin Eco Lodge

Overlooking a private lake on the edge of Algonquin Provincial Park, this off-grid property is the perfect spot for a digital detox with wilderness adventure at your doorstep. A previous winner of the Ontario Tourism Sustainable Tourism Award, the property harnesses micro-hydro electricity from a waterfall and operates a wood-fired sauna.

Location: 3594 Elephant Lake Road, Harcourt

Elmhirst’s Resort

Awarded a GreenStep gold certification, regenerative practices have been implemented in the land and water management, energy sources, food service and community partnerships at this family-run Rice Lake resort. It has also committed to the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge with action to increase efficiency in water and energy consumption and a reduction of waste.

Location: 1045 Settlers Line, Keene

Chelsea Hotel

From the living, hydroponic “green wall” in the lobby to energy-saving lightbulbs and showerheads and biodegradable liquids, soaps and cleaners, sustainability elements are integrated into all levels of design, operation and services at this downtown hotel.

The Chelsea Hotel is certified by Earth Check, the world’s leading eco-scientific benchmarking and advisory system in tourism and by Green Key Global, a leader in hotel sustainability.

Location: 33 Gerrard Street West, Toronto

1 Hotel Toronto

Striking the perfect balance between urban and cottage chic with reclaimed and upcycled materials and a nature-based design, this downtown accommodation places sustainability as a key element in all aspects of its operation.

Location: 550 Wellington Street West, Toronto

Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

Located in Toronto’s chic Yorkville neighbourhood, the flagship Four Seasons hotel embodies five-star luxury and eco-conscious hospitality. With initiatives like EV charging stations, energy and water conservation, an on-site apiary and support for charitable organizations, the brand seamlessly blends sustainability with community engagement.

Location: 60 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto

Somewhere Inn

Based in Ottawa Valley, this reimagined boutique hotel not only encourages guests to reconnect with nature but strives to create a positive experience for staff and the surrounding community. Somewhere Inn is certified Living Wage employer.

Location: 5254 Calabogie Road, Greater Madawaska

Find more eco-friendly Ontario accommodations

Glamping is a luxurious twist on the traditional camping experience. Immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the great outdoors, with super comfortable upgrades to accommodations and facilities.

Cabins and eco resorts offer more ways to enjoy cozy comforts with nature at your doorstep.

Farm stays and agritourism opportunities in Ontario promote a deeper understanding of healthy food sources and sustainable agriculture.

Eco-forward food and drink

Sustainable infrastructure and regenerative practices are being implemented across every stage of the food and beverage journey, from farms, gardens, vineyards and orchards to markets, grocery shops and restaurants.

Stratus Vineyards

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a globally recognized rating system and certification symbol for sustainability and environmental considerations in building design. A pioneer in eco-forward thinking, this Niagara region winery was the first LEED-certified facility in Canada.

Stratus takes an organic and biodynamic approach to its winemaking using natural methods that require less water and energy and no synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers or genetic modification. Stratus Vineyards has achieved certification from Demeter Canada for biodynamic production and from ECOCERT Canada for environmental and culturally conscious practices.

Location: 2059 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co., Ltd.

Nestled in the Ottawa countryside, Beau’s earned the title of Canada’s first certified B-Corp brewery through its environmentally friendly, organic practices and commitment to the local community. B-Corp is a global movement working towards transforming economies to focus on people and the planet, not just profit.

Location: 10 Terry Fox Drive, Vankleek Hill

Ernest Cider Co.

Another certified B-Corp Ontario business, Ernest Cider, is the first pollution-free, Bullfrog-powered cidery in Canada. In addition to using renewable energy, the cidery sources local Ontario fruit and honey.

Location: 4292 3rd Line, Bradford West Gwillimbury

Feast On® restaurants and culinary experiences

This certification program recognizes and showcases over 150 farm-to-fork restaurants and food experiences that source locally from Ontario’s farmers, growers and makers. Celebrate sustainable food tourism and enjoy good food that you can feel good about by visiting a Feast On^® restaurant near you.

More eco-forward food and drink in Ontario

Other B-Corp breweries in Ontario include Bench Brewing and High Park Brewing.

Eateries rising to the challenge of reducing waste include Bistro 67, part of Durham College in Whitby, who achieve a zero-waste goal through innovative, green gastronomy dishes. Unboxed Market in Toronto and Ottawa’s NU Grocery are leading the charge as the first waste-free grocery stores.

Find more restaurants, wineries and breweries who are reshaping Ontario’s food and drink scene, including vegan and vegetarian restaurants across the province. Learn more about sustainable farming and winemaking.

Learn about new and traditional sustainable farming practices on farm tours and rural culinary events. Shop for farm fresh products and meet growers and producers at a local farmers’ market. Discover the wonders of honeybees and beekeeping and learn about these essential role pollinators play in maintaining healthy, biodiverse ecosystems.

Eco tours and cultural experiences

Guided tours and authentic Indigenous experiences showcase the rich and diverse character of communities across the province.

EcoAdventures

Enjoy fun and educational guided tours and overnight multi-day adventures that go hiking, biking, canoeing, snowshoeing and skiing across breathtaking and dramatic landscapes on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula. Proceeds support the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association, dedicated to the conservation and sustainable development of the biosphere.

Location: Bruce Peninsula

Niagara Parks Power Station

A decommissioned power plant in a historic building on the Niagara Parkway has undergone an extraordinary transformation into an immersive and interactive landmark attraction. A highlight includes a tunnel that leads to an incredible outdoor viewing platform of the Niagara River and Falls.

Location: 7005 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls

Evergreen Brick Works

Using innovative, low-carbon methods and environmentally sustainable practices, this former industrial quarry has been converted into a multi-use landmark attraction that showcases its historic value in Toronto’s Don River Valley and features outdoor trails, a local food market and unique events.

Location: 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto

Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO)

Preserving Indigenous culture, knowledge and practices is a key element in sustainable tourism. Dedicated to the growth of Indigenous tourism in the province, ITO showcases high-quality, authentic outdoor, culinary and cultural experiences that are developed and delivered by Indigenous people and communities.

Unique Indigenous experiences in Ontario range from historic sites, arts and crafts, food and celebrations to guided outdoor tours and hunting and fishing excursions.

Nature-based attractions

Ontario is blessed with diverse natural spaces, vast wilderness and stunning beaches.

Ontario Parks

Ontario Parks is a government body responsible for the preservation and maintenance of over 330 natural and culturally significant parks across the province. In addition to delivering facilities, activities and programs that encourage visitors to connect with nature, Ontario Parks strives to protect and restore the ecological integrity and biodiversity of its parks.

Blue Flag beaches

A Blue Flag designation represents accessibility and ecological protection. Visitors to a Blue Flag beach can rest assured that the utmost care is taken to create a clean, safe and accessible experience.

Ethical outdoor practices

There are endless health and wellness benefits from being in nature. Before escaping to one of Ontario’s beautiful beaches and provincial parks, national parks and conservation areas, learn about ethical wildlife viewing and how to enjoy Ontario’s Parks responsibly.

Adhere to the Leave No Trace principles and stay on established trails to avoid damaging habitat. Do not bait, lure or feed wildlife and allow maximum space to avoid causing stress. Similarly, sustainable fishing practices protect Ontario’s waters and fish populations.

Environmentally friendly transportation

Discover alternative ways to travel, tour and explore the province.

VIA Rail

If you’re looking for a ‘greener’ and more efficient mode of travel in Ontario, consider taking the train. VIA Rail offers routes across the province and beyond with service to over 400 communities in Canada. Sustainable mobility is a priority, with transformational projects that include an environmentally friendly fleet.

Bike Share in Toronto

With 24/7 access to hundreds of bike stations all across the city, Bike Share allows you to navigate and explore Toronto in a flexible, cost-effective and eco-friendly way. Download the app and get one-day or multi-day use of a bicycle.

Electric vehicle (EV) road trips

A growing network of EV-friendly cities, places and accommodations with charging stations, makes road-tripping in Ontario in an electric or hybrid car easier than ever before.

More sustainable touring ideas

View urban mural art and graffiti, learn about history and architecture or discover local food and favours on a guided walking tour. Guided bicycle and cycling tours are another great way to explore Ontario more sustainably.

Destination Ontario’s sustainability pledge

Government, travel organizations and businesses have developed guidelines and programs to encourage and support sustainable tourism activities and practices. The Ontario Environmental Bill of Rights provides the key principles that guide environmental values for tourism in Ontario.

The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) partners with GreenStep in a commitment to delivering sustainable tourism certification programs to Ontario businesses.

Destination Ontario became the first Provincial Marketing Organization to sign the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge and pursue GreenStep Solutions’ organizational certification to improving sustainability performance annually through 2030. Learn more about Destination Ontario's sustainability commitment.

Add these travel services and experiences to your next Ontario travel plan and make your footprint a little lighter as you explore this beautiful province.