A new kind of patriotism is emerging—one that honours the land by travelling lightly across it
Canada Day has long been a time to wave the flag and celebrate the breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness that define this country. But in recent years, a quieter movement has taken hold. More Canadians are choosing to travel with intention—seeking sustainable experiences that respect the environment, uplift Indigenous communities, and regenerate the places they visit. This is not a fleeting trend. It’s a growing ethos—a commitment to journey through the country not just as tourists, but as thoughtful stewards.
From coast to coast to coast, Canada offers pathways for travellers to explore with purpose. Whether you’re glamping on sacred lands, riding a climate-conscious train route, or dining at a First Nations-owned restaurant, each choice shapes a different future. Below, you’ll find some of the most inspiring and responsible ways to travel across Canada this season—with practical tips, booking links, and stories that reflect the soul of a nation still learning to walk gently.
Indigenous-Led Experiences: Travel as Cultural Respect
Indigenous tourism is a vital gateway to understanding the true story of Canada—beyond textbooks and tour guides. By choosing Indigenous-owned and -operated experiences, travellers contribute directly to community wealth, cultural revitalisation, and deeper cross-cultural understanding.
Klahoose Wilderness Resort, British Columbia
Nestled in the heart of Desolation Sound, this off-grid, solar-powered eco-lodge is 100% owned by the Klahoose First Nation. Guests can take part in storytelling sessions, wildlife excursions, and cedar weaving workshops—all set against a backdrop of old-growth forests and pristine ocean. The intimate resort welcomes small groups for an immersive, respectful experience.
Website: https://www.klahooseresort.com
Talaysay Tours, Vancouver and Sunshine Coast
Led by Candace Campo and members of the Shíshálh and Squamish Nations, these tours invite visitors to walk through forests and urban spaces while learning about Indigenous plant medicine, oral history, and land stewardship. Their “Talking Trees” and “Spoken Treasures” walks have become a model for sustainable, meaningful tourism.
Website: https://www.talaysay.com
First Story Toronto
This educational initiative offers walking, biking, and virtual tours that highlight 13,000 years of Indigenous presence and contribution across what is now Toronto. It’s ideal for families, students, and anyone seeking to understand Canada beyond its colonial narratives.
Website: https://firststoryblog.wordpress.com
Salmon n’ Bannock, Vancouver
British Columbia’s only Indigenous-owned fine dining restaurant, Salmon n’ Bannock showcases traditional ingredients with a modern twist. Their downtown location and new outpost at YVR Airport are proudly staffed by Indigenous chefs and team members, offering elk burgers, wild sockeye, and bannock bread with house-made jam.
Website: https://www.salmonandbannock.net
Eco-Conscious Lodges and Tours: Regenerating While You Rest
From carbon-neutral getaways to lodges powered by waterfalls, Canada is home to dozens of sustainable stays that honour the land and offer meaningful respite. These aren’t just places to lay your head—they are experiences designed to deepen your relationship with the land.
Algonquin Eco-Lodge, Ontario
Located deep in the forest, this off-grid lodge operates entirely on micro-hydro electricity from a nearby waterfall. Canoeing, wolf howling, and dark-sky stargazing await—all with minimal environmental impact. The lodge is part of the Wilderness Eco-Tourism Network and offers year-round stays.
Website: https://www.algonquinecolodge.com
The Lodge at Bow Lake, Alberta
Reopened and restored with care, this heritage lodge in Banff National Park blends luxury with conservation. Guests can hike glacial trails, learn about Indigenous place names, and stay in rooms crafted from local timber. Part of the Simpson Group, the lodge honours both the history and ecology of the Rockies.
Website: https://lodgeatbowlake.com
Killarney Mountain Lodge, Ontario
This community-owned resort on Georgian Bay is built with sustainable timber, powered in part by renewable energy, and involved in local land stewardship. Guests can kayak, join Indigenous workshops, and dine at Canada House—a record-setting log structure built by hand.
Website: https://www.killarney.com
Slow Travel by Rail: Scenic, Sustainable, Soulful
If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint while soaking in panoramic beauty, VIA Rail offers an evocative way to cross Canada. Routes such as The Ocean (Montreal to Halifax) and The Canadian (Toronto to Vancouver) are more than journeys—they’re meditative retreats on wheels.
While longer than flying, train travel supports a gentler rhythm, encourages mindfulness, and connects travellers to towns often bypassed by highways. Book early for summer and Canada Day travel.
Website: https://www.viarail.ca
A Regenerative Itinerary to Celebrate Canada Day
Here’s how you can celebrate Canada Day with purpose while moving across the country with care:
- Start in Vancouver with a Talking Trees tour by Talaysay, followed by lunch at Salmon n’ Bannock. Spend the night at the Indigenous-owned Skwachàys Lodge, where each suite is designed by an Indigenous artist.
- Fly or take VIA Rail east to Banff, where you’ll stay at the Lodge at Bow Lake. Wake early for a sunrise canoe on glacier-fed waters and spend the evening listening to stories of the Stoney Nakoda people.
- Head to Ontario for a retreat at Killarney Mountain Lodge or the Algonquin Eco-Lodge. End your journey in Toronto with a walking tour by First Story and a moment of gratitude by the shoreline at Humber Bay.
Travelling with Intention: Tips and Takeaways
- Book early, especially around Canada Day.
- Look for Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) accreditation when selecting experiences.
- Avoid single-use plastics, bring reusable water bottles, and pack light.
- Travel at a slower pace—one region at a time.
- Ask before taking photos, especially in Indigenous or sacred spaces.
- Tip generously. Many of these operations are community-based.
- Reflect on your experience. Travel isn’t just about seeing—it’s about remembering, learning, and transforming.
A New Kind of Celebration
This Canada Day, perhaps celebration looks a little different. Maybe it’s not fireworks over the city but firelight beside a lake. Not souvenir shopping, but slow walking with an Elder guide. Not rushing through an itinerary, but listening to the land. In travelling with purpose, we not only honour the natural beauty of this place—we honour its stories, its resilience, and its future. Canada is not just a place to visit. It’s a relationship to nurture.
Every journey leaves a mark, and small choices can make a big difference. Choosing eco-friendly stays, supporting local communities, and being mindful of plastic use help preserve the beauty of the places we visit. Respecting wildlife, conserving resources, and travelling sustainably ensure future generations can experience the same wonders. By treading lightly and embracing responsible travel, we create meaningful connections and lasting memories. Here’s to adventures that inspire and footprints that honour our planet. Safe and mindful travels!
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