Climate Cafe

It’s easy to plan a carbon-friendly vacation if you know what you are looking for.

Here are a few things to consider:

• How you are getting there? Choose a destination that is close to home.  Choose a mode of transportation that puts the lowest amount of carbon into the atmosphere.  Purchase carbon credits or invest in carbon offsets for your emissions - like tree planting or power generation that wouldn’t other wise happen.
• Go somewhere green. Consider the carbon footprint and energy use of your host location.  There are solar powered places, wind powered places, places that use little energy or are energy efficient, and places that immerse the traveller into the green landscape.
• Eat local. Many places source their food locally, hence lowering emissions for transportation of food.  Ask the host location where their food comes from.  These places usually employ locally too, so the people who are hosting your visit don’t have to put out significant carbon emissions to serve you.
• Choose activities that don’t require carbon emissions. Choose a location where you can walk or take public transit to most of the things you want to see and do.  Consider activities that burn calories instead of carbon like biking, canoeing, kayaking, hiking instead of riding in gas powered golf carts, motorboats, or atvs.

Northern Edge Algonquin is a great example of a location that has been serving up climate-friendly holidays for over a decade.  This year they are making it easy for travellers, encouraging guests to forgo the high gas prices and traffic congestion on the highway by offering a special discount called the Climate-Conscious Traveller package.  Northern Edge Algonquin’s Climate-Conscious Traveller package includes a two for one train ticket from Toronto to Algonquin Park on Ontario Northland train ( a low emissions transportation option), free shuttle to the solar powered eco-lodge and complimentary Climate-Conscious Traveller t-shirt. This special package is just $140.

In addition, as previous guests attest, experiences they offer are decidedly good for the planet, serving up locally produced foods from market gardens and local organic meat producers (some from their own garden),  and employing local staff, some who live right at the eco-lodge.  Guided adventures in Algonquin Park by canoe and sea kayak and hosted yoga retreats are the featured vacation packages.

Carbon Friendly Vacations like this one are good for the planet, economical, and a rewarding way to experience Ontario’s Algonquin Park.  If you are near Toronto, this summer, leave the car parked in the driveway and start your vacation at Toronto’s Union Station.

Learn more about Carbon-friendly vacations offered by Northern Edge Algonquin including: Quest for Balance, Yoga & Sea Kayaking Retreat and adventures in Algonquin Park include Morning Tea with Moose and Waterfalls, Wanderings & Watercolours Canoe trips at: 800 953-3343 or 705 386 1595 and or by visiting the Web site at http://www.northernedgealgonquin.com.