Visit Victoria, British Columbia for your next eco-friendly vacation
For many travelers, the perfect vacation destination isn’t solely defined by lavish accommodations, cost-effectiveness, or things to do. A city’s dedication to sustainability and preserving the environment are also important factors tourists are considering before they commit to a getaway.
According to the Library of Congress, ecotourism is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people…It often involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions and focuses on local culture, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth, and learning new ways to live on the planet.”
Hotels and resorts in the Dominican Republic, Belize, Florida, Greece, Bali and more are doing
what they can to protect the environment, and Vogue has recently named Victoria, B.C. another sustainable travel destination. According to the magazine, British Columbia’s capital received a carbon-neutral designation from Ostrom Climate in 2021, and a Biosphere Certification from the Responsible Tourism Institute in 2023. Technology has also merged with the city’s environmental efforts, as there are over 200 electric car charging stations and bike lane trackers that tally how many cyclists have ridden through the city.
Vogue also notes that the emphasis on sustainability has stemmed from the interest of independent business owners who desire to preserve the lushness of the island’s land, surrounding ocean and Indigenous history. Below are a few places that are doing their part to keep Victoria sustainable. Visit Vogue for the full travel guide.
Stay at: Inn at Laurel Point
After its refurbishment in 2009, Inn at Laurel Point became British Columbia’s first carbon-neutral hotel. The structure is equipped with technological innovations such as hydrothermal technology that cools rooms with ocean water, low-flow shower heads and LED lighting.
Visit: Explore Songhees
To protect and advocate for the land, it is important to first learn about it. Victoria is Lekwungen Territory which is native to the Songhees people. Vogue notes that the 7 Signs of the Lekwungen canoe tour in the Inner Harbor is the perfect way to learn about the rich history of the territory, as well as the Songhees people. Vogue recommends asking for Celia Dick as a guide. Not only is she a Songhees healer, but she is knowledgeable about the local people, history and flora and fauna in the region.
Eat at: Green Cuisine
When it comes to food, a plant-based diet is an environmentally-conscious option. Although some may not be ready to take the plunge into veganism, consider spending a meatless Monday at Green Cuisine. The restaurant offers vegan renditions of classic eats including pizza, cookies and pastries, noodle dishes, and more.
Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist from St. Louis, MO. A graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Roshae has bylines in the Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazine and 5280 Magazine discussing topics ranging from pop culture, social justice and eat and drink. She is a foodie at heart and enjoys eating food as much as learning about the story behind it. You can reach Roshae via email at roshaehemmings@detourxp.com.
This story was originally published May 18, 2023 at 6:33 PM.