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Sustainable & Responsible Travel

Sustainable & Responsible Travel

Alberta, Canada

Respect Nature

Protect Edmonton's green spaces and wildlife.

Support Local

Choose businesses that directly benefit the community.

Minimize Waste

Practice recycling and reduce your environmental footprint.

Protecting Edmonton's Environment

Edmonton values its urban parkland and green initiatives, inviting your participation in their preservation.

Conservation Initiatives

Edmonton is home to North America's largest urban parkland, the North Saskatchewan River Valley Parks System.

Actions for Nature

  • Respect Park Regulations
  • Stay on Marked Trails
  • Do Not Disturb Wildlife
  • Support Local Efforts

Waste Management

The city has robust recycling programs for residential and commercial waste.

Recycling Best Practices

  • Use Designated Recycling Bins
  • Reduce Single-Use Plastics
  • Carry Reusable Water Bottles
  • Use Reusable Shopping Bags (Package Free Shop)

Water Conservation

Water conservation remains a shared responsibility, even without severe scarcity.

Water-Wise Practices

  • Take Shorter Showers
  • Turn Off Taps When Not in Use
  • Reuse Hotel Towels
  • Mindful Water Usage

Carbon Footprint Reduction

Consider offsetting your travel's environmental impact.

Offsetting Efforts

  • Purchase Carbon Offsets
  • Airline Offset Options
  • Support Verified Programs (Terrapass)
  • Contribute to Reforestation

Eco-Friendly Choices

Sustainable Accommodation

Look for hotels with green certification.

Explore Ecobnb

Ethical Tour Operators

Choose operators with responsible travel policies.

Learn more from G Adventures

Leave No Trace Principle

Make a conscious effort to leave no trace. Pack out everything you pack in, and assist in keeping Edmonton's parks and public spaces clean for everyone.

Cultural & Economic Responsibility

Engage respectfully with local culture and contribute positively to the Edmonton economy.

Respectful Interactions

Engage politely and with an open mind to Edmonton's diverse population.

Guidelines

  • Engage Politely and Patiently
  • Use 'Please' and 'Thank You'
  • Be Open to Learning
  • Direct Eye Contact is Respectful

Photography & Site Etiquette

Be mindful of privacy and respectful behavior at various sites.

Etiquette

  • Ask Permission for People Photos
  • Observe Religious Site Rules
  • Remove Shoes if Required
  • Keep Noise Low at Sites

Supporting Local Economy

Your spending can directly benefit the local community.

How to Contribute

  • Support Locally Owned Businesses
  • Dine at Independent Restaurants
  • Buy Local Souvenirs and Sustainable Gear from Patagonia
  • Visit Local Markets

Ethical Practices

Make conscious choices that avoid exploitation and promote fair trade.

Ethical Choices

  • Avoid Exploitative Activities
  • Be Mindful of Animal Welfare Tourism
  • Look for Fair Trade Products
  • Support Reputable Charities (The Rainforest Site)

Community Engagement

Directly contribute to Edmonton's well-being by engaging with local initiatives.

Community-Based Tourism

Seek out and support local tourism initiatives that benefit residents.

Fair Trade Options

Choose products that secure fair wages and ethical labor practices for producers.

Responsible Spending

Direct your tourism dollars to businesses that prioritize local impact.

Positive Impact

By adopting these responsible travel practices, you leave a positive legacy in Edmonton and foster a connection with the destination.

Responsible Traveler Best Practices

Conscious decisions can enrich your travel and benefit the destination.

Ethical Animal Tourism

Confirm animal welfare is prioritized in any wildlife interactions.

Animal Encounters

  • Choose Ethical Sanctuaries
  • Observe from a Distance
  • Avoid Flash Photography
  • Do Not Feed Wild Animals

Support efforts to preserve local heritage and cultural sites.

Cultural Preservation

  • Visit Cultural Centers
  • Attend Local Performances
  • Support Community Museums
  • Learn Local History

Social Responsibility

Engage with locals in a polite and patient manner.

Local Interactions

  • Politeness is Valued
  • Be Open to Different Perspectives
  • Offer Assistance if Appropriate
  • Respect Personal Space

Avoiding Exploitation

Do not participate in activities that could harm people or the environment.

Harmful Practices to Avoid

  • Do Not Encourage Begging
  • Avoid Illegal Activities
  • Respect Restrictions
  • Avoid Water Waste

Promoting Awareness

Your informed choices can set an example for other travelers.

Read Up

Familiarize yourself with local environmental and social issues.

Share Experiences

Encourage others to travel responsibly based on your positive experiences.

Continuous Learning

Stay informed about global sustainable travel trends and adapt your habits.

Important Reminder

Always prioritize safety and ethical considerations in all your interactions and activities during your trip.

Lasting Impressions

Responsible travel creates lasting positive impressions for both the traveler and the destination.