Sustainable Tourism

These days we are all talking about sustainability and how we can be more responsible as we explore our natural spaces and communities. Responsible tourism is an approach to tourism that focuses on supporting and growing the community and culture, while protecting the environment and its ecosystems.

#WanderSustainably means thinking about what kind of an impact our travel has on a region, both on the ecology and local peoples. It means being respectful of oneself, others, and nature, and consciously seeking out experience providers who care about how they impact their community and environment.

As you wander Ontario's Highlands, know that you are welcomed with open arms! We love showcasing our region and the tourism assets we have here, from natural spaces to local businesses and events. As you explore our website keep watch for Wander Sustainably tips with useful reminders of how to be a good wanderer and bring out the best in all of us.

Please remember to be safe, considerate, and savour each moment of your journey.

7 Eco-friendly Ontario Retreats for the Environmentally Conscious

Walking the talk of sustainability in Ontario's Highlands.

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Educate Yourself About Indigenous People and their Cultures

Broaden your understanding of Indigenous peoples, their cultures, and their histories in Ontario’s Highlands.

Wellness

Food for Thought: Responsible Tourism Through Food

What does food have to have with responsible recreation?

Immerse in Tradition: A 3-Day Authentic Indigenous Trapping Experience

Escape on a three-day Indigenous Educational Experience in the Canadian Shield

Indigenous

Earth Month Heroes: Celebrating Sustainable Tourism Businesses

Sustainable

Reconnect with Nature: Go on a Guided Algonquin Medicinal Plant Walk

Join Local Wanderer Heidi Csernak and Algonquin guide Christine Luckasavitch, Indigenous owner of Waaseyaa Cultural Tours, for a Medicinal Plant Walk on Unceded Algonquin Territory.

Indigenous

#ComeWander Sustainably this Summer

Find out why traveling sustainably is a must this summer, and why Ontario’s Highlands should be your next travel destination.

Sustainable

Local Inspiration

Connecting to the Land and Algonquin History: Amber Hein

Amber Hein is connecting with the land and her Indigenous heritage in Ontario's Highlands.

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Sustainable Tourism in Ontario's Highlands

Discover the Benefits of Local Travel

The time is now to travel local to save money, have less stress and more fun!

Be a Better Ally to First Nations Peoples

Learn how to be a better ally to First Nations peoples, beginning today.

Wellness

Food for Thought: Responsible Tourism Through Food

What does food have to have with responsible recreation?

Building Connections to People

Take a closer look at our connection to people with a responsible recreation lens.

Wander Sustainably

Take the time to learn about a region before heading out, so you will be familiar with the customs, culture, and expectations for your visit.
In all-natural spaces please leave no trace of your visit. Leave nothing but footprints; take nothing but memories.
Be safe by following safety messaging for the experiences you have here.

The tourism region called “Ontario’s Highlands” is on traditional Algonquin territory and is acknowledged by Indigenous Peoples as unceded. To the southeast, Ontario’s Highlands is also on Mohawk territory. To the west/southwest, Ontario’s Highlands is on Ojibwe territory. We are grateful that Indigenous Peoples have been stewards of this land and beyond from time immemorial. We are called to treat this land, its waterways, plants, animals, stories and its Peoples, with honour and respect. All my relations.