Where to Stay?
5 Coast-to-Coast Environmentally-Sustainable Hotels in Canada
By: Emily Hambly - Public Relations Coordinator
As we all cheer for COVID to come to a close, I’m sure everyone is excited to pack their bags and embark on journeys whenever & wherever possible. Be that across the city, to another province, or even another country, many look forward to any experience beyond the four walls of their home.
While some celebrities have recently made headlines for their controversial (but lavish) travel habits – shoutout to Taylor Swift and Jay-Z – you can’t help but wonder the effect that us mere mortals have in choosing our destinations and methods of travel. To that point, it begs the question of how to travel while saving both our bank accounts, and our planet Earth.
So, without further ado, check out these 5 Coast-to-Coast environmentally-sustainable hotels in Canada, all the way from the East to West Coast of the True North. From a cozy cabin in Québec, to a relaxing and serene riverside resort in Prince Edward Island, I’ve chosen locations that have a little bit of everything, for everyone.
Laö Cabines, QC
For a mere $38 a night (yes you read that right), this cute lodge is located in Racine, Québec. While this lodge looks the most majestic during the fall, the Laö Cabine is available for any season! With the privacy of having the lodge to yourself, this environmentally-sustainable lodge is a cozy destination for couples, families and friends. For the adventurers who are looking for treehouse/camping experiences, this is the place for you. While it is a 1.5hr drive from downtown Montréal, the trek is worth it for the views, the immersive experience in nature, and the cost! Find out more about the cabin here.
2. Fernie Fox Hotels, B.C.
Located in the heart of Fernie, British Columbia, this establishment focuses on providing an exceptional stay for their guests, while keeping an environmentally-friendly carbon footprint. With a vision of becoming BC’s most sustainable hotel through the use of solar panels, cyclone water heaters and the elimination of single-use plastics, their initiatives ensure the hotel uses creative ways to conserve, repurpose and limit energy use/unnecessary waste. From $130 a night, you can enjoy a variety of their amenities (including a hot tub!), while soaking in the breathtaking natural playground of Fernie, BC. Find out more here!
3. RODD BRUDENELL RIVER RESORT, P.E.I.
As a fellow PEI’er, this place holds a close place in my heart. This serene riverside resort in Brudenell, PEI is truly unmatched, showcasing everything PEI has to offer. At a mere $109 per night, you can take a swim in the river or the featured pool, or visit the Dundarave golf course nearby. Ideal for families and friends, this gorgeous, pet-friendly riverside resort has been ranked as one of the top resorts in PEI. As a member of the Waste Watch program on PEI, Rodd Brudenell has also obtained a 4 green-key certification in the HAC ECOmmodation Rating Program, modelling exceptional environmentally-sustainable practices. Find out more about the innovative riverside resort here!
4. Falcon Crest Lodge by CLIQUE - AB
Located in Canada’s famous rockies, the Falcon Crest Lodge is an idyllic getaway for just about any traveler. With the cities of Canmore, Lake Louise, and Banff a short drive away, you have access to almost any indoor or outdoor activity imaginable. As the recipient of the 2021 Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice award, and a 5 green-key rating by the Eco-Rating Program, you’re able to relax in the heart of nature, while being mindful of your environment and the beauty nature offers. While this location is a bit more pricey, at $180 per night, the extra few dollars are far outweighed by the experience and amenities the Lodge has to offer. If you want to find out more about the Falcon Crest Lodge, click here!
5. Cascade Lodge - B.C.
Last but certainly not least, we have the Cascade Lodge in Whistler, British Columbia. As an avid skier, Whistler has some of the best ski and winter/year-round activities that accommodate a beginner learner all the way to a black-diamond blazer. If skiing isn’t your cup of tea, there are a number of famous hiking areas within a short walk or drive, and about a trillion other activities that can be organized through the Lodge! In terms of environmental sustainability, their towel reuse program, energy-tracking system (to ensure efficiency and minimization), and featured electric-charging car stations, warrant their GreenLeaders Bronze Level award for innovation and environmental sustainability. If this sounds like your next dream vacation, check out more about the Cascade Lodge here!
While each of these places showcases their own twist on Canadian culture, the list of environmentally-sustainable hotels and destinations doesn’t stop at the Canadian borders. For our International jet setters, we can shift the spotlight to Europe, South America or even Oceania to figure out how hosting businesses have adapted and evolved to create a brighter – and greener – future around the world. Whether it be local, provincial, or international travel, we’d love to hear from you about your favourite go-to spots or bucket list destinations! Check out our instagram page here for more about QSIA.