7 Ways to Travel With a Positive Impact in Muskoka or Anywhere Else.

Muskoka and the greater region sees approximately four million visitors per year and generates up to $800 million per year in spending.

By Rebecca Francis.

Travelling is an incredible experience. Whether you’re venturing south to sandy beaches, across the ocean to explore another country or sticking close to home, chances are the natural world is a reason to do so.

People come from all over to visit Muskoka, a place recognized as a top vacation destination in Canada. Residents, too, spend their holidays in their own backyards. Whether folks come from near or far, it’s indisputable that tourism and hospitality are the main regional economic drivers, matched only by health care and the building trades.

The Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming reports Muskoka and the greater region sees approximately four million visitors per year and generates up to $800 million per year in spending (pre-COVID data). That says a lot about tourism’s importance to the economic health of the area.

According to a 2022 resident survey of regional stakeholders by Explorers’ Edge, 92 per cent of respondents said, overall, tourism is good for their town, while 91 per cent said promotion of local tourism benefits their community economically. (Explorers’ Edge is Ontario’s regional tourism organization #12 and covers Algonquin Park, the Almaguin Highlands, Loring-Restoule, Muskoka, west Parry Sound district and South Algonquin.)

Sustainable Tourism

If travel to Muskoka offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with nature, these interactions can also introduce a particular burden on the landscape through pollution, emissions and habitat pressure. To mitigate this problem, what if everyone — businesses, travellers and residents — thought about travel as having the potential for a positive impact?

Positive impact on our environment, the communities we visit and the economy is called “sustainable” or “regenerative” tourism. The great news is, it’s gaining in popularity.

According to Expedia Group’s 2022 sustainable travel study, 90 per cent of consumers are looking for sustainable options when travelling and half are willing to pay more for these options. Since then, the data shows an even more nuanced approach from travellers looking for more meaningful and hyperlocal experiences.

Whether you are adventuring in Muskoka, off to soak in the sun on a beach or to explore a foreign city, here are some things you can do to travel better.

Positive Impact Travel Tips

1. Go local: people who live in the communities you’re visiting often have recommendations for attractions and restaurants with the best vibes. Ask around for local tips. This helps get tourism dollars directly into the hands of people who live where you’re visiting.

2. Learn the culture: seek cultural education experiences, such as learning from local First Nations and at museums and historical sites.

3. Use less: towels, sheets, lights and air-conditioning all use lots of energy. Ask your accommodations if they have a program for conservation.

4. Seek out a detour: get off the beaten path and visit recommendations from locals. This helps prevent overtourism and gives you a more unique experience — away from the crowds. Muskoka has wonderful trails as well as lakes and other waterways.

5. Use sustainable transportation: rent a bike, take a bus or share a ride to make less of an environmental impact. On the water consider human- or wind-powered vessels. Slowing down often provides opportunities for a unique experience.

6. Avoid single-use plastics: opt to create less garbage while you’re travelling by bringing your own water bottle and reusable containers for takeout.

7. Ask about sustainability: Many hospitality businesses will have an official sustainability policy; inquire when you book your stay.

What resonates with you from these suggestions? These sustainable travel ideas can build momentum for positive impacts in Muskoka and in other communities.

When you travel, strive to leave less of an environmental footprint and create more meaningful memories.

First Steps on the Path to IWM, a series from Muskoka Watershed Council edited by Dr. Peter Sale, continues to build information about Muskoka’s precious but fragile environment. This is article #10. Its author is Rebecca Francis, Sustainability Strategist for Explorers’ Edge. This article was published on MuskokaRegion.com on February 1, 2025.