1 250 897 5940 Book Now
HeaderMask

Sustainability & Conservation

What environmental stewardship looks like at Farewell Harbour Lodge

We are committed to sustainability and conservation at our lodge, in our region and on the planet. We hope that a visit to Farewell Harbour Lodge will inspire guests to connect with the natural world in a meaningful way. Our wish is that this connection fosters a deeper understanding of the wildlife and ecosystems in the Broughton Archipelago and Great Bear Rainforest, while also cultivating a commitment to living more sustainably on our beautiful, fragile planet.
 

"We only protect what we love, we only love what we understand, and we only understand what we are taught" 
- Jaques-Yves Cousteau

 


What we are doing At the lodge 

Operationally  

  • We drilled a well to access water and removed the existing water desalination system, significantly reducing fuel consumption.
  • We installed a state-of-the-art battery/inverter system to reduce our reliance on the diesel that powers our physical facility. 
  • We installed high-energy-efficient LED lighting around the lodge and upgraded some electrical appliances to help our batteries remain charged for longer. 
  • Our appliances are Energy-star rated and managed properly for peak efficiency and low energy consumption.
  • We conserve water by requesting guests reuse their towels and linens during their stay.
  • We purchase high-quality and durable gear and equipment.
  • Our wooden bed frames were made from locally milled Vancouver Island fir by an Island carpenter.

Day to Day 

  • We reduce our waste and use of plastics wherever possible, including using larger, reusable toiletry bottles rather than one-time use small bottles and soaps.
  • We purchase and use local, organic, environmentally and ocean-friendly toiletries and cleaning supplies, which we buy in bulk.
  • We buy local products including craft beer, wine, spirits and food.
  • We use reusable lunch containers, cutlery, water bottles, mugs and lunch bags for our day trips.
  • We always wash our laundry in cold water (except kitchen linens).
  • We reduce, reuse, repair, repurpose and recycle.
  • We operate paper-free wherever possible and use post-consumer recycled paper where it is not possible. 
  • We practice ethical stewardship of the land and ocean, including regular beach clean ups, removal of ocean debris and maintenance of the pristine natural environment around us.
  • We ensure an inclusive, respectful, supportive and welcoming environment for all.

 

How we are helping our region 

Helping the environment  

  • In 2018, we changed from bringing our guests in by floatplane to transporting them by boat to reduce our use of fossil fuels. 
  • Our complimentary ground shuttle service between Port Hardy and Alder Bay helps reduce the number of vehicles used to transport guests. 
  • We reduce the number of boat trips by transporting our outgoing and incoming guests and food freight on the same water taxi transfer.
  • Our boats are well maintained and serviced regularly, ensuring they are fuel efficient. 
  • As members of NIMMSA (North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association) and CBVA (Commercial Bear Viewing Association), we support local research and conservation efforts to help understand and mitigate the impacts of climate change on the ecosystems and wildlife in our area. 
  • We respect all regulations for wildlife viewing on land and the ocean and practice and promote ethical wildlife viewing. 
 

 

Helping Locally   

  • We use local products and suppliers for linens, building materials and furniture.
  • We hire local staff where possible.
  • We collect a conservation fee from each guest to directly support local conservation, stewardship, research and education programs. 
  • Our guides are experienced, knowledgeable and committed to the ongoing health and safety of all wildlife and ecosystems.
  • We work with local accommodation providers, taxi services, restaurants and businesses to ensure that the money generated by our guests' stays benefit our local communities.
  • We support our local communities and environment through donations, memberships, volunteering, and offering assistance and support to our neighbours. 
  • We operate in the traditional territory of many different First Nations and have always been committed to working respectfully and honourably with all our Indigenous neighbours. 
  • We meaningfully and financially support local Indigenous tourism, conservation and research. 


 

Our efforts to protect our planet

Every little bit helps 

  • We worked with Climate Smart in 2020 to assess our carbon footprint to help track and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
  • We are working towards attaining our GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Certification. 
  • We offer virtual training sessions to our travel trade partners instead of in-person training sessions, reducing our international business travel. 
  • We educate our guests about ways to offset their travel. 

 

Our actions for a sustainable future

 

Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge

As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, we've taken the next step in our journey by signing the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge. This pledge demonstrates our commitment to improving the sustainability performance of our business as we continue to grow and evolve, with a clear goal of making a positive impact on the environment and the communities around us between now and 2030. 

The UN World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.”
 

We commit to measuring and improving our sustainability performance in the following ways:

  • We commit to continuously measuring our carbon footprint to learn what areas can be improved upon in the future. 
  • We commit to implementing ways to reduce our carbon footprint in an effort to become carbon neutral.
  • We commit to installing a new generator in the Spring of 2025, significantly increasing our fuel efficiency and reducing our carbon footprint.  
  • We commit to offering more local tours and self-propelled activities to reduce our carbon footprint. 
  • We commit to researching the implementation of solar energy options at the lodge.  
          
Book Now