Eco Meets Pet Friendly

The options for “eco-friendly” travellers are getting greater and greater. Though there are vast options when selecting an eco-escape, they all have some similarities in terms of their goals…clean energy, building materials, recycling, conservation and environmental programs, community investment, self-propelled activities, and overall appreciation for nature. For many travellers, this type of a getaway is just what they need…

But what about their furry companions?

Some eco-resorts (and other environmentally friendly excursions) are starting to ask that exact question. So many of us have pets (pets that are like family members), and many of us travel with these four legged friends. According to the US Travel Association, “Over 49 percent of U.S. adult leisure travelers consider their pet to be part of the family and 18 percent of U.S. adult leisure travelers usually take their pets with them when they travel”.

So for those travelling with pets and looking for an environmentally friendly approach to travel, the question exists, what options are out there?

One example of an eco-resort passionate about pets is Nipika Mountain Resort. Nipika is located in British Columbia (one of Canada’s best examples of pristine wilderness). Nipika’s power is sourced from the sun and the forest. The resort is completely off grid. Being a solar run property means all of the eco-resort’s electricity is generated via clean and natural means. The majority of Nipika’s heating needs are satisfied by salvaging dead wood from the woodlot and burning it in a central boiler to provide hot water heating to the guest cabins and other buildings. All of the buildings and much of the furniture at Nipika have been built from local British Columbia trees killed by the Mountain Pine Beetle.

But here’s where it really gets interesting for all those pet lovers out there. Nipika is focused on not only “eco-friendly” but “pet-friendly” too…but what does this mean? Well, it means that when pets are out at Nipika, they are part of the family. Nipika itself has 3 loving dogs, a cat, and a stable of horses.

For eco-resorts such as Nipika, it’s crucial that visitors get to enjoy their relaxation and their self-propelled activities (such as cross country skiing, trail running, hiking and mountain biking) with their four legged companions. With over 50kms of track set trails, Nipika allows skiers to ski with their dogs. For those familiar with cross country ski resorts, it is a rare treat to access dog friendly trails.

In order to support pets at their resort, Nipika has a full stable on site for larger friends, and a large open field for dogs to play in. All dogs visiting the resort have to be well behaved or kept on leash at all times.

For most pet-friendly resorts like Nipika, it’s not just about pets; it’s about respecting all animals. These resorts keeps a watch for all wildlife in the area, giving them their much deserved space.

Do you know any eco-resorts that are pet friendly? If so, feel free to share them in the comments, because we’d love to learn about them!