By signing the Responsible Travel Pledge, visitors to Ontario’s Southwest can help to respect and preserve the beautiful region for future generations.
Nestled along the pristine shorelines of Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake St. Clair, and surrounded by the biodiversity of the Carolinian Forest, Ontario’s Southwest offers a range of natural wonders. Its world-class freshwater beaches, combined with a rapidly evolving wine and culinary scene, makes this region one to visit, especially for travellers looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on quality.
The landscapes of Ontario’s Southwest not only provide travellers with breathtaking beauty and recreational activities, they also play an integral role in maintaining biodiversity. The habitats of Ontario’s Southwest are home to countless species of plants and animals, which need protection to thrive and continue contributing to the region’s ecosystem.
Make your next trip a brighter shade of green
Alongside its natural beauty, the region is also home to many local businesses that are invested in sustainability practices and that make Ontario’s Southwest a must-visit destination for eco-conscious travellers. From restaurants and hotels to tour providers and agri-tourism destinations, there’s a vast collection of experiences for travellers to enjoy.
If you’re interested in exploring a more sustainable lifestyle, visit Jireh Hills Family Homestead. Raised in the city, Cheryl and John Mark moved to the country to raise their family, grow their own food, and learn how to live a sustainable lifestyle on 50 acres. After years of running their farm, they now teach guests how to live more sustainably.
To enjoy a big meal with a small carbon footprint, visit one of Ontario’s Southwest’s Feast On certified restaurants, such as the Blue Elephant Artisan Brewery or North 42 Degrees Estate Winery. Feast On is a certification that recognizes businesses committed to serving Ontario-grown food and drinks, so you know that you’re tasting fresh, locally sourced ingredients with every bite.
Take the pledge, travel responsibly
As a way to ensure Ontario’s Southwest can continue to be enjoyed by current and future generations, the Regional Tourism Organization is encouraging all visitors to sign a Responsible Travel Pledge.
The pledge asks that visitors respect the land and leave it better than they found it, acknowledge that the land they’re visiting originally belonged to Indigenous Peoples, and work to reduce their carbon footprint by only using what they need, amongst other actions, in addition to being aware of the social and economic benefits they can create as a visitor.
Plan your next trip to Ontario’s Southwest and pledge to be a responsible traveller by visiting ontariossouthwest.com.
