Q&A WITH CHRISTINE AND SARAH FROM WELLNESS TRAVELLED
Mediaplanet sat down with Christine and Sarah, the Canadian sisters behind Wellness Travelled (@wellnesstravelled). Christine and Sarah shared some insight on why sustainable travel is important to them as well as some tips for Canadians looking for sustainable travel destinations and accommodations.
Why is sustainable travel important to you?
When we started traveling together, sustainability wasn’t top of mind. We were simply looking for adventure and somewhere to de-stress from our busy jobs. It wasn’t until a trip to Thailand where we started to see the impacts of over-tourism, single use plastics, and animal exploitation. It’s also where we had one of our best travel experiences doing a sustainable homestay in the Northern Thailand mountains. There was no plastic waste, the funds went to the local community, and we stayed at someone’s house instead of a hotel. This experience made us think differently and more consciously about how we travel. The sustainability message became important to us because we want to see these beautiful places across the world flourish for generations to come so our future generations can enjoy these same experiences.
How do you find sustainable travel destinations and accommodations?
The best way to discover sustainable accommodations is by doing a simple Google search.
How Corona and Mobi-mat Are Making Canadian Beaches More Accessible
This May, Corona Canada announced its Accessing Paradise Pledge, an ongoing commitment to make select beaches (and beach sunsets) more accessible for Canadians with mobility challenges. The initiative kicked off with a promise to address seven beaches across Canada in 2024. Three, including Sudbury Beach in Penticton, British Columbia, were selected by the brand and Mobi-mat, and the remaining four will be chosen by Canadians through crowdsourcing.
With Mobi-mat, Corona has already transformed the first two beaches — Saint-Zotique in Quebec, and Wellington Beach in Ontario, with Sudbury Beach in Penticton, British Columbia next — and is now looking for Canadians to help pick four more.
Mediaplanet spoke with Mobi-mat's Canadian representative, Mobility Facilitator Wade Watts of Watts Accessibility Consulting, about how Corona Canada is collaborating with Mobi-mat to transform Canadian beaches.
How did Mobi-mat become a partner in the Corona Accessing Paradise Pledge?
Wade Watts: A representative from Corona Canada reached out to me, as Canada’s Mobility Facilitator and Mobi-mat's representative in the country, to explain what they had in mind for the project.
Through my fieldwork, I know that less than 15 per cent of Canadian beaches are accessible and we need to do more to help those with mobility challenges be able to enjoy the outdoors. So, when contacts from Corona explained its commitment to reconnecting people with nature, I knew we were on the same page and that myself and the work I do with Mobi-mats could help them with the Pledge.
What accessibility features are being added to the beaches?
WW: We’re installing Mobi-mats, semi-rigid roll-out portable pathways made with reclaimed ocean-bound plastics, to help create smooth transitions to shorelines.
We’re also providing Mobi-chairs, floating wheelchairs for in-water accessibility, and Mobi-decks, which provide multi-purpose areas with added stability for beachgoers.
How has this partnership contributed to this project and its seamless installation?
Accommodations that have sustainable practices and certifications (i.e. LEED or Green Globe) will often share these accolades on their website.
It’s important to note when doing research that there is no one-size-fits-all approach for sustainability for a hotel – it will mean different things in different locations. For example, solar power might be effective in some sunny destinations but not in colder climates. Some hotels grow their own food, which isn’t viable in a dense city.
Also, your accommodation isn’t always the number one thing to look at when trying to travel more sustainably, the destination itself can be implementing measures to ensure tourism doesn’t impact the ecosystem. Belize, for example, has been taking great measures to protect their barrier reef (the 2nd largest in the world). Bonaire, to protect its coral reefs, has banned anchoring, plastic bags, and sunscreens that aren’t reef-safe. If you’re trying to travel more sustainably, know that some destinations are making it easier for tourists to do so!
WW: To ensure the project’s success Corona Canada worked with Mobimat. The first thing to be done is an audit of the location, to see if there are accessible parking and accessible washrooms. We don’t want to put these accessibility upgrades in place somewhere that persons with mobility challenges can’t generally access and enjoy. I am personally onsite to help facilitate the installation and educate on proper maintenance, winter storage, and re-installation of the Mobi products.
What feedback have you received from visitors of the transformed beaches?
WW: It’s been overwhelmingly positive. Those facing mobility challenges can now access select beaches in their community with greater ease and security. I’ve been working with Mobi-mats for 10 years and have not had anything but good, positive feedback and tons of smiles.
How did the BC beach come to be included in the Accessing Paradise Pledge?
WW: I’m regularly in touch with locations across the country, we realized early after announcing the pledge that there was demand at some of British Columbia’s most beautiful beaches and after connecting with Corona we determined we could add one more beach to our efforts.
Sustainable Travel in British Columbia
ipping through the trees on a mountain bike, conquering a challenging peak, or spending serene hours near a crystal blue mountain lake — how would you spend a perfect day in Golden, BC? Ever since the first Swiss mountaineering guides started leading tours for Canadian Pacific Rail passengers in 1899, in-the-know adventurers have been coming to the mountain region of Golden for unparalleled outdoor recreation. The townsite, hewn in by towering slopes, makes an ideal base for travellers craving the all-season beauty of the Canadian Rockies and Columbia Mountains without the crowds of more touristy resorts, especially in the off-peak autumn season. Golden is nestled between six national parks: Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier, Banff, Jasper, and Mount Revelstoke. Book an extended stay with hiking and sightseeing to fully experience some of the most beautiful parks in Canada.In Yoho, don’t miss trekking to Emerald Lake, Wapta Falls, the Natural Bridge, and the towering Takakkaw Falls, the highest waterfall in the Canadian Rockies (pictured left). For hikers who like a challenge, the full Iceline Trail loop (also accessible as an out-and-back day hike) walks among rugged peaks and awe-inspiring glaciers. If Glacier National Park is calling, start at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre for trail and safety information, then take some time before or after your hike for the fascinating history exhibits on display. In Kootenay National Park, take
the opportunity to embrace solitude in the remote wilds, complete with frigid mountain rivers and steamy hot springs.
Responsible, sustainable tourism
Whether you are hiking, biking, climbing, paddling, or just enjoying a picnic, every visitor to the Golden region plays a part in ensuring its sustainability. One way is with your purchase of the mandatory Parks Canada Pass while visiting the national parks, which provides funding for maintenance and conservation efforts. These economic generators mean more resources for sustainably managing plants and wildlife, and keeping the beloved natural places somewhere to return for generations.
more to help you travel and play sustainably.
Authentic mountain community vibes
As a responsible traveller, how can you ensure you are recreating sustainably? The top tips from Tourism Golden are:
• Stay on designated trails.
• Leave what you find and take what you bring — make sure you pack out all your garbage. Do not feed or approach wildlife. Prevent invasive species: make sure to properly clean and dry all boats, vehicles, bikes, and gear before visiting a new area. All watercraft and users must abide by Clean Drain Dry guidelines before entering a body of water.
Come prepared! Research trails to make sure you pick activities suitable for your whole group. Get advice from a local visitor centre, check weather conditions, and make sure people know where you are going and when you are expected back.
Tourism Golden has crafted responsible travel resources to help make the most of every adventure. Helpful one-page brochures are available on the website (tourismgolden. com/travel) for hiking, biking, camping, and
Golden is a small community and home to people who care deeply about keeping their corner of the world a pristine, welcoming place. Visitors will quickly understand the magic and aura of the surrounding mountains, forests, rivers, and wetlands. To help support Golden as a sustainable community, consider travelling in off-peak seasons to ease resource use during the summer. Fall is the best time for hiking, with fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and stunning autumn colours. During your visit be sure to support local businesses, stock up at the weekly farmers’ market, and respectfully acknowledge that Golden is the traditional unceded territory of the Ktunaxa and Secwepemc peoples and the chosen home of the Metis Nation. Visitors to Golden find they want to return, brought back by the relaxed mountain vibes and the sense of community not so easily found in more commercialized centres.
Start planning your Golden adventure
Come and stay awhile. Golden has a host of accommodation options including backcountry cabins deep in the wilderness, sustainable emission-neutral lodges, full-service hotels, and everything in between to lay your head after a full day of exploration.
Photo by Agathe Bernard
How Corona Canada Is Making Beaches More Accessible This Summer
Corona Canada has committed to making select beaches — including Saint-Zotique Beach in Quebec — more accessible for those with mobility challenges.
Tania Amardeil
Saint-Zotique Beach in Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Quebec, has opened for the season, and it’s better than ever. The beach now features a range of new accessibility measures, making it a welcoming place for Canadians with mobility limitations — which includes many, many Canadians. As of 2020, according to Statistics Canada, 2.7 million Canadians aged 15 and older had a mobility disability, including a third of all Canadian seniors. Now, even those with mobility challenges can experience the joy of a day at the beach, thanks to the efforts of Corona Canada and Mobi-mat.
Transforming beaches across Canada
The transformation of Saint-Zotique Beach is part of Corona’s Accessing Paradise Pledge, an ongoing commitment by Corona Canada to make select beaches
(and beach sunsets) more accessible for those with mobility challenges, beginning with seven beaches across Canada in 2024. Two beaches have been made more accessible so far — Saint-Zotique in Quebec, and Wellington Beach in Ontario, with Sudbury Beach in Penticton, British Columbia coming this summer — and the next four will be selected by Canadians through crowdsourcing.
To make these beaches more accessible, Corona Canada and Mobi-mats are installing accessible Mobi-mats and pathways to help create smooth transitions to shorelines, providing Mobi-chairs, floating wheelchairs for in-water accessibility, and constructing Mobi-decks that offer multi-purpose areas with added stability for beachgoers to gather and enjoy the outdoors. These features enable individuals with mobility challenges to enjoy sunny beaches all summer long.
The pledge is also a natural extension of Corona’s ongoing efforts to improve shorelines and celebrate sunsets, highlighting the brand’s commitment to protect our natural paradises.
Encouraging consumers to reconnect with nature Corona has long been a leader in championing consumers to disconnect from their busy routines and reconnect with nature, especially at sunset, and believes everyone should have the opportunity to do so. Corona’s Accessing Paradise Pledge reflects this, making beach sunsets something that even more Canadians can experience this summer. The pledge is also a natural extension of Corona’s ongoing efforts to improve shorelines and celebrate sunsets, highlighting the brand’s commitment to protect our natural paradises.
Canada boasts the longest coastline in the world, and all Canadians should be able to enjoy its beauty. With Mobi-mat, Corona has already chosen the first three beaches and is now looking for your help to pick four more.
Why This Alberta Town Is Your Ideal Startup or Expansion Solution
As Alberta diversifies its economy, industries are exploring more rural locations. Affordable land and other incentives make Vegreville a popular industry choice.
Anne Papmehl
Vegreville, Alberta, known for its iconic world's largest Easter egg (Pysanka) monument and a vibrant calendar of festivals and events, attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. However, this town is rapidly redefining its image from a sleepy community home to a famous 'roadside attraction' to a dynamic hub aimed at drawing new residents and businesses through affordability, accessibility, and innovation.
Affordability and incentives a draw
What’s drawing industries to Vegreville is the fact that the town offers them pretty much everything they need to start up, scale up, or expand — affordably. “We have fully serviced industrial land available at $50,000 per square acre,” says Tim MacPhee, Mayor of Vegreville. “I don’t know of anywhere else in Canada where they could buy land at that price.” The town is also immediately adjacent to Trans-Canada Highway 16, one of the country’s major transportation corridors, as well boasts a rail line right beside its new fibre optic-connected Prosperity Industrial Park. Vegreville also offers several incentives that accelerate the local permitting process, reduce red tape and save money. “Businesses can get all their permitting done much faster here, typically in under two days, and we recently passed a bylaw allowing businesses to apply for a machinery and equipment tax exemption,” says Mayor MacPhee.
A further advantage is that Vegreville is home to InnoTech Alberta, an applied research institute offering world-class expertise and industrial-scale facilities. “Some of the brightest minds in the agricultural industry are located here,” says Mayor MacPhee. Finding a labour force and addressing the housing challenge
Enticing new businesses to a rural area is not without challenges. “We get the same two questions from industry people when we talk to them about relocating here: where’s the labour force going to come from and how are you going to house the employees,” says Mayor MacPhee.
The solution to these and other challenges may reside with one of the new enterprises moving to Vegreville. Arctic Response Canada has announced plans to create an immigration onboarding and training centre. In collaboration with the Edmonton Newcomer Centre, this facility will offer newly landed Canadians the opportunity to experience the affordability and accessibility of a smaller community while receiving train ing for careers in high-demand industries. “We know there are a lot of new Canadians with skills and education, and we, with the help of Arctic Response Canada, want to connect them to the industries that are presently in Vegreville, or that have expressed interest in coming to Vegreville,” says Mayor MacPhee.
AJN Investment & Development is another innovative business that will be moving to Vegreville, having recently announced a plan to build in the municipality’s Prosperity Industrial Park. AJN Investment & Development produces cementitious wall panels that have the potential to greatly ease Canada’s affordable housing shortage. “These are highly insulated, fireproof, waterproof, and meet or exceed all necessary certifications for use in Canada,” says Miles Berry, AJN’s Corporate Head of Innovation, Marketing, and Business Development. In May of this year, AJN signed an agreement with the Town of Vegreville to build the first of several $10.6-million-dollar factories in Alberta, using many materials available nearby.
Innovative approach leads to lower-cost housing
AJN’s approach to these prefabricated wall panels allows for markedly reduced costs and a more condensed and predictable construction build cycle. “They can be quickly and easily installed on houses at a much more affordable price,” says Berry. “With that kind of efficiency, we can help address the challenge of housing the influx of new workers coming to town and possibly achieve a meaningful dent in the national housing crisis as well.”
That’s significant given Canada’s current threemillion-unit shortfall. To address this, federal and
provincial govern ments are partnering with municipalities to speed up new home building, often offering subsidies so they can be built and sold below market value. “Our view is that if we can substantially reduce the high construction costs, we don’t need to ask for government subsidies and we believe that’s a more innovative and sustainable way to balance the need for housing with economic growth,” says Berry.
As for handling Vegreville’s economic growth challenges, having both Arctic Response Canada and AJN can mean a potential one-stop shop. “With Arctic Response, Vegreville can offer training for new Canadians to get the skills and Canadian certifications they need while AJN can provide ready-made and affordable housing along with potential future work opportunities,” says Berry. “We’re very fortunate that AJN decided to build their manufacturing facility in Prosperity Industrial Park and we’re now working with them and other developers to build new neighbourhoods in our communities” adds Mayor MacPhee.
Showing Vegreville in a new light
Just as Alberta is growing by leaps and bounds, so is Vegreville. “We’re not going to be your grandfather’s Vegreville anymore,” says Mayor MacPhee. “We’re trying to bring Vegreville into a whole different light. We want to be a cutting-edge place to do business. We take pride in educating our youth and now we're creating jobs for them so they can continue to call Vegreville home. We have a lot going on right now and AJN and its panel system are just the start.”
Tim MacPhee Mayor, Vegreville Miles Berry Corporate Head
Enjoy Montréal's Sustainable Lifestyle and Explore Just like a Local
Montréal has it all: culture, charm, and an internationally recognized commitment to eco-tourism and sustainability.
Tania Amardeil
There’s a lot to love about Montréal. Montréal is home to a network almost 1,500 parks, including 19 major parks, with a combined surface area of 6,000 hectares of public greenspace. With stunning architecture including in historic Old Montréal, a vibrant arts scene and lively nightlife, unique boutiques, and a wide range of delicious culinary experiences, this charming city truly caters to all tastes. Plus, finding the perfect place to stay is easy due to the thousands of accommodation options, from major chains to quaint boutique hotels. Getting around is a breeze thanks to Montréal’s excellent public transit system and BIXI Montréal, the city’s bike-sharing system.
Live like a local
The best way to experience Montréal is like a Montrealer. Stroll the city streets by foot, hop on the Métro, or rent a bike. Montréal is the most bicycle-friendly large city in North America, with 846 kilometres of bike lanes and paths to explore. Take the speed up a notch by renting an e-bike from Fitz Montréal, and don’t miss the opportunity to walk Montréal’s car-free streets all summer long!
If you like to shop and eat, Montréal is the place to be. The city boasts everything from delightful indie cafés to renowned restaurants. Make sure to savour signature dishes like poutine, smoked meat sandwiches, and bagels. There are lots of spots to grab a zero-waste bite in Montréal, including local favourite Le Café des Habitudes. The city's many local
RESPONSIBLE ACCOMMODATION
Just arrived in Montreal? Stay at an eco-friendly certified hotel. Choose from Le Mount Stephen, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, St-Martin Hotel Particulier Downtown, W Montréal, or Sofitel Montréal Le Carré Doré. Other options include Boxotel, ITHQ Hotel, Alt Hotel Griffintown, or Ruby Foo’s with its new eco-conscious Signature rooms.
EAT LOCAL
boutiques offer unique made-in-Montréal clothing, housewares, artwork and more.
To experience the city’s flourishing culture, check out a museum, the theatre, or a fabulous outdoor festival. Feeling adventurous? Take a surf, stand-up paddleboard, or whitewater kayak lesson on the St. Lawrence River courtesy of award-winning ecotourism company KSF.
A recognized sustainable destination Montréal is also a top eco-tourism destination. Having maintained the top position in North America in the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index 2023, a world benchmark in sustainable tourism, Tourisme Montréal has cemented the city’s reputation as an international model in environmentally friendly, responsible, and community-oriented travel. And from eliminating single-use plastics to encouraging biking to promoting the city’s sustainable businesses, Montréal’s initiatives has made enjoying the city sustainably blissfully easy.
The city ranked among the top 15 Sustainable Destinations in the world in TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Best of the Best Destinations and is the number one most bicycle-friendly large city in North America. Tourisme Montréal is continually recognized for its sustainability standards.
Want to experience all that Montréal has to offer? Planning a sustainable stay in this welcoming city is a breeze. The Promise for a Sustainable Stay invites you to enjoy Montréal like a local. Naturally green, welcoming, and diverse, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant metropolis.
Montréal’s food scene offers an abundance of environmentally responsible choices. Vegans will love LOV, Aux Vivres, Tendresse, Café Dei Campi, and more. Enjoy fresh, local, seasonal cuisine at Le St-Urbain, Candide, Chez Victoire, and others. For sustainable fish and chips, visit Brit & Chips.
WHAT TO DO ? TAKE IT SLOW WITH A PICNIC OR GO SURFING, YOUR CHOICE!
Looking for what to do while visiting beautiful Montreal? Relax at Bota Bota, a river spa using eco-friendly geothermal energy and vegan products, offering stunning city views. Enjoy eco-responsible surfing, SUP, and kayaking with KSF on the St. Lawrence River. Take a historic, carbon-neutral cruise on the Lachine Canal with Petit Navire. Explore Mount Royal’s scenic trails by foot, bike, or, in winter, on skis!
EXPLORE THE NATURAL WORLD Discover the wonders of nature at Space for Life, Canada’s largest nature and science museum complex, including the Biodôme, Insectarium,
Photo Credit: Laurène Tinel
Montréal
Photo Credit: Daph & Nico
Photo Credit: Hélico Inc.
Photo Credit: Alexandre Choquette
Photo Credit: Daph & Nico
Your Guide to Responsible Tourism
Combine the shorelines of Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake St. Clair offering up world-class freshwater beaches, the rich biodiversity of the Carolinian Forest region with some of the most productive farmlands in the province creating a rapidly evolving wine and culinary scene and the friendliest communities on the planet and you get Ontario's Southwest! Now that we’ve let you in on the secret, it’s time to come and discover it for yourself. See how local businesses are encouraging sustainable travel to inspire your next trip.
Udderly Ridiculous
Escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the charm of Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life. Here, amid the rolling hills and pastoral scenery, you can leave behind the stresses of modern life and embrace the simplicity of country living. Our farm offers more than just a glamping getaway; it's an opportunity to reconnect with nature and gain insight into food production and sustainable farming practices. At Udderly Ridiculous, we're committed to sustainability, employing innovative methods to care for our land and animals while minimizing our environmental footprint. Our approach to agri-tourism is equally innovative, providing enriching experiences that prioritize animal welfare and environmental stewardship. From hands-on encounters with our animals to education on food systems, every visit to Udderly Ridiculous is both enjoyable and informative. Plus, with our Gift a Goat™ program, you can feel good knowing that a portion of your experience supports families in need around the world, promoting independence and sustainability in developing countries. Come join us at Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life and experience the joy of farm living in a whole new way!
Charlotteville Brewing
At Charlotteville Brewing, we take pride in crafting a variety of award-winning beers that delight the palate, complemented by delicious food that enhances our brews. Our brewery offers a serene, safe, inclusive, and respectful environment where guests can savour high-quality, artisanal fare. As a living wage employer, we provide a comprehensive benefits package, reinforcing our commitment to the well-being of our staff. Sustainability is at the core of our operations; we've undergone a thorough environmental assessment to achieve the Sustainable Tourism Silver Certification with GreenStep Solutions. Our annual action plan focuses on enhancing our sustainable purchasing policies, measuring and reducing our carbon footprint, and educating guests about sustainability practices. Visitors can explore our organic farm and learn more about our dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable brewing practices by visiting our webpage. We strive to create meaningful experiences that not only satisfy but also inspire a greater awareness of sustainability issues and better practices.
Long Point Eco-Adventures
Long Point Eco-Adventures is the ultimate starting point for adventure in Norfolk. Offering a blend of activities, glamping, a brewery, and the scenic Marshview Patio, it’s a one-stop shop for an authentic local experience. The Marshview Patio collaborates with local partners to support Norfolk County's agricultural community, serving delightful dishes like perch tacos and Chef Shelli's MVP fries. Committed to sustainability, Long Point Eco-Adventures partners with ALUS Norfolk, the Long Point Biosphere Region, and Priority Place to create eco-friendly experiences that encourage engagement with nature. Full of unique offerings and with over 90 kilometres of free hiking and biking trails for the community to explore, Long Point Eco-Adventures is the place where all of the adventure in Norfolk begins.
The Golspie Dairy
The Golspie Dairy, located just outside of Woodstock on a picturesque farm that has been in the family for 150 years, features an on-farm processing plant specializing in fresh dairy products and small-batch artisan cheeses. Open seven days a week, our self-serve vending machines allow customers to fill their own containers with farm-fresh milk and pick up award-winning cheese and chocolate milk. We prioritize the quality of our ingredients and the craftsmanship of our production, ensuring that our finished products are an exceptional representation of our landscape. Committed to sustainability, we aim to use reusable and compostable packaging whenever possible, reflecting our dedication to environmental responsibility.
Walnut Grove Bed & Breakfast
Why stay at the Walnut Grove Bed & Breakfast? The countless 5-star reviews highlight the meticulous attention to detail and the passion that Bob and Leslie bring to ensuring a memorable guest experience. Located in the heart of wine country, Leslie, a chef, sommelier, and winemaker, and her husband of 37 years, who serves as sous chef and jack-of-all-trades, offer an unparalleled stay. Committed to sustainable tourism, they support the community by sourcing locally, growing many of their own vegetables, and maintaining a fiveacre pollinator garden with native trees and plants. Guests can choose from three luxury suites in the 122-year-old farmhouse, a pet-friendly suite, a chalet in the woods, a heated inground pool and hot tub, and enjoy a koi pond with a pergola and fire pit, all set within ten acres of beautiful land. The property also features bee hives and practices organic farming, contributing to environmental health through carbon sequestration and supporting native pollinators. A candle-lit dinner featuring local produce enhances the experience, embodying the couple’s dream of providing luxury accommodation in a serene, rural setting.
Coopers Hawk Vineyards
Cooper's Hawk Vineyards is a sustainable winery and restaurant, beautifully surrounded by thriving vineyards and an ambitious afforestation project. With over 7,000 trees planted and a wetland created, the vineyard is a testament to environmental stewardship. Certified sustainable under UN standards, Cooper's Hawk Vineyards is dedicated to ensuring the longevity of its lands, the business, its staff, and the surrounding community. This commitment not only enhances the natural beauty of the area but also promotes a sustainable future for generations to come.
Homegrown Hideaway
Homegrown Hideaway offers a unique glamping and special events experience just outside of Port Dover, featuring Prospector Style tents that provide a cozy, hotel-like retreat in the woods. Guests can enjoy the Summer Concert Series, showcasing local musicians and beverages every Wednesday night in the charming barn throughout the summer. The Hideaway prides itself on forming local partnerships with great, sustainable businesses, and offers a Wildcraft Tea experience where beginners can learn to forage tea in their own backyards. Committed to preserving the land they steward, Homegrown Hideaway operates with a philosophy of living simply and savouring life's small joys, reflecting their dedication to sustainability and a harmonious way of life.
Apple Hill Lavender
Visit Apple Hill Lavender to explore the enchanting rolling lavender fields and heritage apple trees nestled in the scenic Norfolk County. In the Carriage House Boutique, you can shop for small-batch, sustainable products, crafted with care for both quality and the environment. Apple Hill Lavender is proudly committed to the Biosphere Sustainable Program, fully embracing the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals, with a dedicated focus on environmental, economic, community, and social sustainability. Recognized as one of Norfolk's Amazing Places, this designation by the Long Point Biosphere highlights Apple Hill Lavender as a key player in sustainable tourism, celebrating its UNESCO Biosphere reserve status and fostering connections between people, nature, and culture.
