Did you know that all Great Canadian Trails' trips are 100% carbon offset and directly support renewable energy and reforestation projects?

Before mitigating carbon emission, it is important to take opportunities to reduce our footprint. Our active holidays often rely on our traveller’s own exertion to get from point A to point B; this is the case for many of our hiking itineraries which are already low carbon emitting. When crafting our trips, we choose the least carbon intensive transport and accommodation available in the region, whilst taking into account traveller safety. Notably, the cost of leaving a carbon offset footprint in the places we visit will not be passed onto travellers and instead will be absorbed by Great Canadian Trails.

While all travel has unavoidable carbon emissions, we're continuing to take big steps to reduce our footprint and improve our operations. 

You can take a step further and also offset the carbon emissions of your air travel.

How does mitigating carbon work?

It's really simple. First we calculate the emissions produced by your trip. Then we purchase carbon credits through Canadian-based organization Planetair, which are then put towards Gold Standard-certified projects and other climate initiatives. Gold Standard carbon credits confirm that certified projects genuinely contribute to positive climate outcomes, are additional to existing efforts, and have been thoroughly verified, rather than being merely symbolic. 

We chose to invest our carbon credit on a mixed portfolio 50/50 model to invest in both Gold Standard-certified projects and local reforestation efforts in Canada.

How can we travel and still have a positive impact on our environment?

At no additional cost to you, Great Canadian Trails will offset the carbon emissions from your land travel to support both Gold Standard-certified projects and local reforestation efforts in Canada.

The first component offset the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through Gold Standard-certified climate projects. The Gold Standard certification is recognized worldwide for its rigorous criteria and its effectiveness in reducing GHG emissions, thereby ensuring the high quality of the certified projects.

The second component support reforestation initiatives in Canada. These projects are instrumental in sequestering atmospheric greenhouse gases and mitigating the effects of climate change. By investing in these reforestation initiatives, you are also contributing to the protection of local biodiversity.

In addition, these projects support a range of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as alleviating poverty, providing clean water and sanitation and offering decent work and economic growth, all of which aim to achieve a better future for all.

The carbon credits invested into these projects therefore accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources for developing nations, as well as projects that benefit local communities and protect their biodiversity. These supported projects are based on internationally recognized standards and are third-party audited.