Ziptrek Ecotours
Ziptrek Ecotours uses the setting of the breathtaking coastal temperate rainforest to blend outdoor adventure with an enlightening ecology-based curriculum. Nestled between the stunning Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, Ziptrek provides guests with an inspiring and exhilerating journey along suspension bridges, observation platforms, and, of course, tree-top ziplines. Whether whipping along the steel cable ziplines at speeds nearing 100 km an hour or pausing on an observation deck in a 750 year old tree, the experience is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
The 33 acres of diverse and virtually untouched terrain on which the tours operate provides the perfect backdrop for a conversation about sustainability. Tour guides are educated in The Natural Step Framework and use the organization's science-based understanding of sustainability to educate guests. They use examples from the neighbouring community of Whistler to show how that community has been taking strategic steps towards sustainability using The Natural Step Framework.
"We wanted to get people to start thinking about sustainability," explains co-founder and president Charles Steele. "They say education leads to awareness, and awareness leads to change, so that's where we started."
From its inception, Ziptrek's founders were committed to minimizing their own contributions to negative environmental trends. The infrastructure of minimal and moveable bridges, decks, walkways and cables are all designed to allow for the continued natural growth of trees and vegetations, and were constructed with locally sourced cedar.
- View full case study here
- Blog: Ziptrek Ecotours wins the Sustainability in Action Award!
- Blog: Ziptrek Ecotours (GRT Olympic Team Blog)
- Blog: Entrepreneur, Social Innovator, Environmentalist: Charles Steele - Ziptrek Ecotours, Inc.
- Blog: e-Global Travel Media: Ziptrek picks up Qualmark Enviro-Gold
Learn more about The Natural Step Canada’s Service Path for Sustainable Business and how we can help your business develop a bold sustainability vision, strategy, and action plan. Please contact us to discuss your unique needs.