The 15 Most Sustainable Hotels in Canada

Winter is officially here to stay, much to the delight of snow-loving outdoor enthusiasts who prefer tramping through the backcountry on snowshoes rather than baking on a crowded beach. Planning a safe, memorable family reunion in Ontario during these challenging times is no walk in the park. Thankfully, a secluded, spacious haven exists along the scenic southern rim of Algonquin Provincial Park: the Algonquin Eco-Lodge, a wholly sustainable, micro-hydro outpost set amid dense woodlands. And there’s no better time for a small-scale family reunion than during winter’s hearth.

As a sustainable hotel, Boxotel supports local artisans, companies, and products by incorporating them into the establishment and thereby giving these Montreal-area companies an additional showcase.

This emphasis on underconsumption, both in terms of energy and materials, is reflected in the options included: 

• The housekeeping and towel and sheet replacement are not done daily (only as an option) during the same stay.
• Natural and eco-friendly products and soaps are available in dispensers.
• The automation of the temperature, light, and curtain controls helps minimize the entire hotel’s energy consumption. 
• Eco-friendly construction, maximizing the south-facing windows, and heated concrete floors: a winning energy-efficient combination that allows for indoor temperature control, combining passive solar, thermal mass, and home automation for total comfort.
• Email billing to eliminate paper waste. 
• The inclusion of a recycling bin and a compost container in each room to eliminate paper and plastic waste.

We are committed to environmental protection and sustainability through the following initiatives:

• Property-wide recycling program in place.
• Low flow toilets and water saving devices installed in a selection of washrooms.
• Commitment to purchase hand towels and toilet paper with a minimum of 20% recycled material. 
• Motion sensor lighting installed in hallways
• Guestrooms are equipped with eco-friendly amenity containers that are biodegradable, and soaps that are made from a 100% vegetable soap base, which is a renewable resource.

As a nature lodge located in a pristine protected wilderness area adjacent to a major river system, Trout Point Lodge, Limited carries out various policies and practices that:

• Encourage appropriate and sustainable use of the local environment
• Diminish or eliminate negative impacts on the local environment and culture
• Create positive impacts and inputs in the local economy
• Encourage self-sustaining systems using local and renewable resources
• Diminish the use of non-renewable resources

We are often asked about the Inn’s environmental standards or rating programs we are a part of, such as Green Key Canada, Oceanwise, Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Business or Sustainable Tourism Global. We are pleased to provide our published Environmental Standard available here.

• We strive to be leaders in hotel sustainability practices by committing to 100% renewable energy, buying locally and seasonally, using sustainable products, dramatically reducing consumption, recycling and composting our waste. Pictured: flipping the switch to 100% renewable electricity and natural gas with Bullfrog Power.

• We welcome everyone and want you to feel at home. The Gladstone Hotel operates in an inclusive anti-oppressive framework that is ever-evolving to reflect the needs of all our guests.

We’re proud to support and participate in Planet 21 initiatives, Accor’s environmental and social sustainability program. Planet 21 challenges everyone – guests, hotel colleagues, partners, and property developers – to take measurable actions to minimize our hotel’s impact on our planet. Programs addressing reforestation, water conservation, energy savings and food waste reduction are an integral part of our hospitality DNA. As we look to the future, our hotels pledge to continue promoting long-term sustainability and stewardship in each of our communities.

• Most food provided at the property is locally sourced

Following the massive Elephant Hill wildfire in 2017, SLWR owners spearheaded development of a not-for-profit, conservation organization. The BC Wildland Ecology Centre Society has a symbiotic relationship with the resort and serves to protect, study, and showcase the fragile eco-system created by the wildfire. The society promotes biodiversity with the objective of reducing negative impacts to soils, riparian areas, cultural values, historic sites and wildlife habitats, while uniting stakeholders and partnering with local Indigenous organizations to preserve cultural and heritage values. BCWEC works in concert with the Secwepemcùl’ecw Restoration and Stewardship Society, which represents the Bonaparte, High Bar, Whispering Pines, and Skeetchestn Indigenous communities. Located at Siwash Lake, on the Wildland Private Nature Reserve, BCWEC performs all of our advocacy work while facilitating positive change for the environment.

While drawing inspiration from Nature and the ancestral culture of the area, our luxury resort has grown with the land, not onto it. We even partnered with National Geographic on a mission to promote sustainability through tourism; to help our clients understand the effects of climate change and inspire them to follow in our green footsteps. We are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

We are proud to have achieved the highest standards of sustainability as Green Tourism. To learn more about the grading process click here.

Livable Design

• Passive solar features
• Extensive glazing for natural light
• Views & nature highlighted
• Adaptable design for aging in place
• Open plan
• “Not so Big House” principles
• Beautiful as well as durable materials, meant to last

Water Management

• Super efficient Peat System for grey water and waste treatment
• Butterfly rooflines, feature scuppers and rain chains channel water to integrated drainage to prevent erosion and allow rainwater to percolate back into the soil or runoff naturally
• Conservation is achieved with low flow, dual flush toilets and shower heads and waterwise practices,  & towel and linen re-use programs

Sustainable Materials & Practices

• Locally harvested and milled beams and posts; Local stone from excavation for landscaping
• Local labour market support
• Many fixtures reused in some capacity; balance donated to Habitat for Humanity

• Produce all our electricity (85 KW) using 2 flow through, hydro generators on Breanne Springs.
• Use diesel generator only as an emergency backup system.
• Utilize energy efficient light bulbs and other energy efficiency planning & tools.
• Encourage a conservation ethic amongst guests to hang towels to reuse again and wash bed linens only every 3 nights or on check out.
• Limit set points of thermostats.
• We use 4 stroke snowmobiles for lower emissions, fuel consumption, low oil use, less sound pollution and fewer belt replacements.
• Thermostats for the floor heating systems are throttled back during times of low occupancy.

• Double walled Enviro-Tanks to eliminate fuel spills.
• Recycle all glass, plastic, cans, paper and cardboard
• Septic system is a combination of aerobic (forced air) and anaerobic treatment to an effluent field.
• Use predominantly off-site laundry facility that utilizes energy efficient washers and dryers and environmentally safe products. Minimal on-site laundry facilities use only phosphate-free laundry soap.
• Recycle oil filters, fuel filters, waste oils and anti-freeze.
• Supply reusable cups for guests while catskiing.
• Regularly service and maintain bear proof waste containers for outside operations.
• Bags for garbage disposal are a biodegradable, compostable plastic meeting ASTM D6400 standards.
• Holding tanks for mechanical oil and solvents in shop